| I am probably as far from an expert as you can get, so I may have no right to post about technical matters such as these, but your post hit a nerve with me. We have also had more than our fair share of negative experiences with trainers. I really empathize with you and your dog. I know what it's like to be in the hands of people in whom you have faltering confidence, I know the "which trainer will I get today- they nice one or the jackass?" questions, the feelings that your wishes are being discounted and that you have little control over what goes on. I think that you absolutely did the right thing in walking away.
As I understand it, the ecollar is a highly effective tool in the right hands. But what happened to the principle, if #1 and #2 ever embraced it, that a dog should not be corrected until the behavior is truly learned? What you described of their rendition of the recall exercise made me feel ill. It sounds to me like your dog was totally bewildered. Maybe doing a search on Mick Trainer's mentions of "learned helplessness" would be helpful.
In what way is concern for your dog's welfare "turning him into a wuss"? What could possibly be positive about having a dog so confused that he crawls on his belly? Most likely trainer #1 was annoyed that you didn't fawn and gush over his training prowess, and rush out to refer everyone you know to his field.
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Michela
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Diesel |