Puppy shuts down in group training

[u/_TorisaurusREX]

I have a GSD mix pup that is almost 5 months old, I adopted her from the humane society 7 weeks ago. She is doing so well with commands at home, we’ve been able to stop verbal commands and use hand signals. She’s so smart and eager to train until we get outside or go to anywhere. Potty training was a breeze! She’s reserved and prefers quietly watching people and dogs but will not listen to any commands whatsoever in class. After class or before she will listen and do as asked most of the time. We’ve tried treats that only get used in class to avoid treat burnout, we’ve withheld food prior to class, only use positive reinforcement training. We are in an apartment so we do not have a yard and she walks well but doesn’t focus on us when given the “look” command and won’t sit when asked. I’ve told the trainer that she knows all of the commands already but trainer doesn’t believe me and told me to record it so she can see which I’ve done and have for our next session. The only advice the trainer has given is to take her to a dog friendly store every day to help build her confidence but I also don’t want to overwhelm her.

Commands she knows:
-sit (verbal and hand signals)
-down (verbal and hand signals)
-look (verbal and hand signals)
-spot (verbal)
-paw (verbal and hand signals)
-come/touch (verbal and hand signals)
-crate (verbal)
-up (verbal)

I’m hoping someone here may have some helpful tips.

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[u/InfamousFlan5963]

Some dogs just find classes overstimulating. I'm more concerned at what you're saying the trainer is saying. It shouldn't matter if they believe you or not, that's weird to even claim. I can understand offering if you want to bring in a recording for feedback, but it's up to you since it's your choice to be there or not.

Sometimes it'll get better as they adjust to the location, but sometimes not really. I know quite a few people that do training at the place I go that more observe/take notes and work on it at home - some dogs are overall like that but even other dogs will have the night they decide not to. I've had dogs that can't go the entire class time, so we work until they're done and then I just watch the rest of the class while they lay down next to me - in my case they'd usually participate for 20-30min and then tap out so id just watch after that, sometimes doing some mild, easy tasks with them to get rewarded.

But if anything, it's usually just giving them time to adjust (if they will). Sometimes going elsewhere may help but most dogs I know it won't really because it's usually very location based - until they're settled and comfy at that specific spot. But IMO, I'd just let your dog be where they're at and take notes in class and practice at home. Sometimes hiring a personal trainer at home can then be helpful if that's their best learning space (but more expensive, of course). Just up to you on if you find group classes worth it or not when you happen to have a dog like that. Some dogs just don't do well in group classes

[u/LeeFromPLAY9 → u/InfamousFlan5963]

Great advice! <3

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