train myself or use a professional?

[missythemom]

Hi all.I have been having a disscusion with my husband about wether or not to get a professional trainer for our new rotti pup.(nine weeks old) He is of the opinion that a dog is a dog and becasuse we did a good job of traing our other dog(different breed and smaller around forty or fifty pounds) that we should go ahead ourselves with this guy.I am looking for opinions about what you all think We should do.I have contacted a local trainer that does private sessions to inquire cost and other details.It is going to be a little expensive for us and that is part of why my husband is leary of getting the trainer.I am leaning more towards the professional especially since we have three small children and I babysit two others that are rather young,I really need this guy to know his manners.So please give me your very honest opinions.Train Honda ourselves with the knowledge from previous dog and online education or professional dog trainer?Please help.Thanks for you time.

[gilby00]

training is all about repetition and the time put in. if you have the time to train daily and work with your pup but yet make it fun, then you can do it. if you got your pup from a reputable breeder, they can help educate you on the basics and rottie temperment. you can always supplement your training with a pro trainer as well.

[debbiej]

nothing will replace training the dog daily, no hourly, at home. I suggest finding a good class and training at home. often classes are much less expensive than a private trainer.

[ZoesMomma]

Both. You will have to put in the work of teaching Honda what you want him to know on a 24/7 basis because puppies are learning every second they're awake, but classes are a much better way of socializing your puppy and learning how to reach his little brain effectively, both of which are really important. They're also likely to be lots less expensive than a private trainer who comes to your home. Classes would definitely make for a much more well-rounded puppy. He needs to be out and about as much as possible to learn about the world and all the things and people in it. Socialization is really, really important! A puppy can learn everything perfectly at home, but if he doesn't learn that sit means sit, no matter where he is and what's going on that's far more interesting, then he really isn't trained. Classes are fun too.

[missythemom]

Thanks for the replies.I was leaning more towards the private lessons because I would have to take my two year old son to the classes with me and it just didn't seem like I would be able to get much out of the classes with him.I'll have to think about it some more.I wonder if the trainer I talked to has some printed info Icould get too?I better call her,lol!Thanks again!

[brunie's mom]

Get into a group class with your puppy. This is cheaper, it also helps to socialize your puppy and he will learn how to work under distractions...and with all sorts of things going on.
In a group class you also learn from other peoples mistakes and achievements.
I've had numerous dogs in the last 30 years and have taken classes with most of them....and will always keep taking classes with any new puppy/dog I get.
I always learn something new in every class...and what worked for one dog does not work for another.

Find a sitter for your child and take your puppy to classes...it's nice to have an hour of your own.
Make sure it's a positive class using food rewards and/or clicker training. They learn so much more quicker and easier this way.

Gina

[Zumie05]

Your husband shouldn't feel like getting professional help is going to make the dog perfect. Trainers are there to show you and teach you what to do, but raising the dog truly is up to the owners.

Instead of doing private lessons why not find a place that does group sessions? In group sessions the instructor will talk and show you how to practice things, and then give all the students some practice time in class while he/she observes to make sure you do everything correctly. Trainers really are just there to coach you guys

Definitely get some sort of professional help. I don't think that private lessons are necessarily a must since your pup is only 9 weeks old. Privates usually are for the pups with issues. If your puppy ever shows resentment towards your children for example, that would be a good reason to get private in home help.

[winnie22]

Go with a group class, the socialization helps and the errs of other people will help you with your baby. The price is well worth it as long as the trainer is good. Observe a class before you enroll.

[sweetlee]

I have never taken a dog to training classes before I had my rottie Dodge.
I have always trained the family dogs since I was really young and they were all very well behaved and obedient. When I got Dodge I took the advice of all the experienced rottweiler owners here and took him to class. Before his first obedience class he knew how to sit, stay, down, shake, come, half way heel and stop.
All this in the two weeks I had him.
But group classes are wonderful, he learned how to look to me for instruction amongst the distraction of other dogs, some of who were pretty wild at first. We will be going again to advanced obedience soon, and I am not sure what all they teach, but just the being around other dogs and people is really good for him.
Even though he knows probably all of the "commands" they will go through, the experience is great for both of us, we have a good time, and I did learn alot.
So even if you know how to teach dogs commands it's well worth going. If you haven't been before you will be surprised how much fun it can be for both of you.

Sharon

[missythemom]

I am going to look into seeing when the next classes start,the current one is already three classes in so i missed a bunch.I am going to see if I can get my mother in law or sister in law to watch the kids while i take the classes with Honda.I hope it works out ok these classes are pretty far away from me so it will be a matter of convincing my dh that Honda is worth the ridiculous amount of gas money and class fees that will be.(class fees are only seventy five dollars gas well thats a different story)He told me the other day when I brought up the trainer that if Honda is going to be a high maintenence dog (needs a trainer,needs to be fenced in the yard,ect.)then he isn't the dog for us.That made me really sad because to me Honda is already a piece of my heart and I would spend whatever was required to make our future together a happy one.My dh is the main source of income in our family as I am a sahm and babysit to supplement the income,so when it comes to money I almost feel like I am stealing it if it isn't something he wants it going towards.I really hope he'll go for it,pray for me that he will soften up please.thanks for your time.

[gilby00]

keep honda and trade in your hubby for a dog lover :) yes you need a fenced yard....

[cerulean]

Geez, missythemom, I wish you the best of luck.
You certainly are NOT "stealing" any family money just because your job is raising his kids and making his home. All of it belongs to both of you, I hope DH can respect your heart's wishes like you respect his.

Classes for the dog will make Honda MUCH more reliable around distractions, which is exactly what he needs with a house full of little kids. If I was looking for a babysitter, I would be happy to know the dogs were well-trained, so that should help you with your income. The other alternative.... to take a chance on a dog playing roughly and knocking a kid down or accidently biting or whatever.... now THAT would be foolish.

Our pup Mango is the best-behaved one in her OB class, but she certainly is more distracted than when we train at home (and we train alot, every day). So I believe that the classes are necessary to make sure she'll always listen even when there's a bunch of rowdy dogs or anything else going on.

Good luck