[rytek1]

After we went to the first meeting where she explained the method she used (no dogs on the first meeting) I did extensive research on the Koehler method. It turns out my first Rott, Chelsey, was trained in this manner as well. Although i didi't know the name of the method back then. That was 15 years ago. She was a great companion and very well behaved. I found a web sight that breaks down the styles of training into 4 camps of thought. It basically advises that you should train your dog with what you feel comfortable with. I do feel comfortable with this method. Many supporters of the Koehler method refute the "yank and crank" criticism with very eloquent arguments. Although I would also be comfortable with clicker type of training the closest trainer of that method is at least 2 hours away. I socialized him alot by bringining him to work. I am a mananger at a trucking company and have 40+ drivers a night coming in and out. The drivers love him and he loves them. He is a good boy and sits when getting attention. We are also friends with a neighbor who rescues dogs and he visits and plays with the dogs there every day. Although that is recent because I wanted to make sure he got all of his shots. They also have 2 dog friendly cats which love to tease him. He has not been off leash around them yet. He knows some basics already: "sit" "stay" "drop it" (although he ignored me a few days ago when he got a hold of some fresh kitty poop) "leave it". "go potty" "come". "no bite" "off" "kennel" He won't do "down" unless I put my hand all the way to the ground. I am going into the training with an open mind. I will let you all know how it goes. My wife is actually the one going thru the class with him. She is more empathetic then I am so she will let me know if she is not comfortable with anything