Tank is not always a Saint, but he's learning.

I'll start with a little about us.  I've been studying clicker training since college.  I have my B.S. in Zoology, with the goal of becoming a zoo keeper/trainer.  Life took a different turn, and now I am home with my boys.  I have been clicker training my own dogs for 4 years, and instructed classes here and there for 2 years.  I have a 6yo pug mix, Lucy, and a 3 yo saint mix, Tank.

 Tank is dog-reactive.  He and I recently started going to classes at a local training club.  Their methods focus on traditional training.  I haven't found an instructor...yet...that is very knowledgeable of clicker training.  Since I know Tank is reactive and huge, I use a Gentle Leader.  This is against policy at this club.  (A picture of a choke "show" collar is in the logo.)  It has been my intention to go to classes to have somewhere to train and a plan to focus on.  I didn't realize they would not let me use my own methods.  

 In the spirit of conformity, we used the Triple Crown plastic pinch in our beginner class.  We seemed to make it through with only small incidents  of reactivity.  Growling here and there, but never out of control.  We passed the class, and enrolled in Novice.  

 The second week of Novice class, Tank was overstimulated.   Too many new dogs, my son was there, and I was not completely present.  He went over the edge, escalating to barking and lunging.  They requested that I bring a muzzle the next week, and they'd "fix him in 10 minutes."  I managed to talk my way back to my Gentle Leader and clicker. 

Since then we've been focusing on shaping calm behavior, while doing our obedience exercises.  I often feel confused stares as I'm not "making my dog work for treats."  I press on, and we're improving every week.

We are in our 7th week of class.  Tank growled 1 time in an hour class.  At the end. Next class's dogs coming in.  He was tired. 

I stayed after class to get feedback for our upcoming graduation, and what we should work on. The assistant director was concerned that he is still growling, and has little confidence in him.  (She is 50 years of old school, and talks like it.)  Again she brings up the muzzle and pinch collar.  She says, "I'll fix it."  I am instantly reminded of Emma Parsons and Ben (Click to Calm).  I stand my ground and tell her that I can't allow that.  I am not ready to weigh the risk that her way with not do more damage than good.  I'll keep on with our training plan.

 With 2 weeks left, I will stick it out, and hopefully score my 170 to graduate.  As to whether or not we'll continue to train there, it will require much more thought and prayer.

I'm left with the question: How can such a large organization still be so adamant about correction training, and uninterested in clicker training?  If we left, would they ever open up to other methods?....