Training Methods

[Judi W]

Good thread and I've enjoyed reading it. I'd like to add a bit about socialization to other dogs. Living peacefully with housemates does not mean your dog is socialized with other dogs. They must develop and maintain the doggy social skills that allow them to interact with and/or even ignore dogs from outside their own pack. This needs to continue to be worked on clear into adulthood. The social greeting behaviors that are acceptable for puppies are different than for adolescents are different than those courtesies expected in adults. Many people do the PKT classes and let their pups play with others and then as soon as they get a bit of size on them start restraining and isolating them and then are surprised to find they have a dog aggression problem with their young adult. Much fun is lost if your dog can't join in activites because of this slipup in their raising and even working trials become more stressful than necessary.

I just returned from a family reunion where we had about 10 families all of whom brought dogs of various breeds and mixes (and I had 3 Rottweilers). None had met before. There was a river and pond for swimming and a wonderful field to run in. Our holiday would have been less fun all around had we needed to restrain our dogs from the playing fields. They each quickly figured out who would enjoy a run and crash game, who liked to swim, who would rather be left alone. A true payoff for the raising techniques. A great holiday and all the dogs were welcome.

[WorkinDogz]

cdbeez,

I'd first have to say, decide what your goals are. A trainer isn't a trainer isn't a trainer.

Some focus their entire course outline and continued programs around AKC obedience. That's fantastic if your goal is titling in AKC. If you're interested in another area of dog sport that may require things like tracking as well as obedience in order to obtain a title; then you would want to work with a trainer who has a larger focus of attention and training they offer.

I know a few "rednecks" that are excellent trainers. LOL Of course, you have to decide on a trainer based on many things; personality and compatablity included....but keep in mind..you're training your dog and finding the trainer suitable for your dog; no where does it say you have to marry them.

A trainer who specializes in a particular breed is great; if you happen to own that breed. The best trainers I know train just as hard and completely with any breed of dog at the end of the leash. Their goal is seeing a dog/handler TEAM succeed, not to just promote a specific breed of dog.

"No training is better than bad training" in the early stages. If your father isn't comfortable advising you how to imprint your young puppy; no big deal. Tell him thanks for not "winging it" with you and look for a trainer who has an up-to-date methodology.

The dog world is a pretty small place. Trainers from across the country who train for a common goal (be it AKC, SchH, Agility, whatever) usually "know" another trainer they respect and would have no trouble providing you a list of names when it's time to pack up and move to another part of the country.

In my opinion; it's more important to like a trainers METHODS and PHILOSOPHIES than it is to like their "personality" sometimes.

Trainers are there to train you and your dog. Not to socialize. Some view obedience classes as a way to make friends, get out of the house and play with thier doggie. Great, if you actually WORK first; socialize later.

People LOVE their dogs; and trainers LOVE dogs too..that's why they do what they do. But...we often times don't have time to stand around and join in "cute dog stories". That offends some, but it really shouldn't. Keep in mind WHY you are where you are. To train dogs.

Many great friendships are formed in dog training.....work first; chit chat (if there is time) later.

[cdbeez]

Thank you very much WorknDogz. I hope I didn't offend anybody with the "redneck" remark. I probably should have edited it out. I completely understand what you're saying. I wasn't really worried too much about making friends , although, I look forward to meeting lots of great people in the dog training world. The trainers I've met in my area so far, those who have been recommended by the local AKC club (we have no local ARC) have methods that I question a bit. For example, I was told even before I picked up my pup that I should get a pinch collar because a Rottie will be too difficult. I thought that was a tad ridiculous since no two dogs, regardless of breed are exactly alike. I guess that's why I thought having some Rottie friendly trainers around might be helpful. So, who should I contact to get a list of good trainers? I'm interested in lots of different sports right now because I don't know enough about them to decide if they are right for me and the pup or not. BUT, Schutzhund caught my interest a long time ago and I'm trying to learn as much as I can. I've been told from my breeder (who has titled several SchIII dogs) that my pup has great Schutz potential. Thanks for all your help!

[WorkinDogz]

Again....step NUMBER 1 is to decide what your goals are with your dog.

Learn as much as you can about the different avenues of dogs, then decide what sport best fits your time availablity and your dog.

Not every dog is cut out for every sport. If your desires fall within SchH; then you should focus your attention to the 2 parent SchH organizations in the United States. That being the United Schutzhund Clubs of America and the DVG America.

Both list every member club and the contact for the club on their websites.

Still; you have to decide what you want to do so you can look for a trainer/club that specializes in that area of dogsport.

[rottmommie]

my baby is 7 mo old, i didnt take him to the puppy classes... i had him sitting and laying, rolling over at 12 weeks, introduced heel and leash training. got him to stop biting and he was pretty good. he is in basic training now with a private trainer, jsut dont have the schedule to take him to regular classes with the other dogs, it helps that the trainer has 2 dogs on premises for social skills. all of the real basic stuff ahs been taught at home though with myself and the family cooperating. ,y best word of advice...if you get a puppy, and you have teen age children that can help you with training, potty time, etc. get the pup when school lets out!!! i really had to think this thru..i work sometimes a 12 hour shift, if i didnt have the kids during the summe the dog would have never learned to potty!!!