Starting training, so confused, please advise!!

[Janet529]

The people working in the store are great. She loves being there and I take her often. It's the people who are shopping at other stores that I get the negative attitude from. I wish most of them just asked if she was friendly. Unfortunately, more often than not, I get the 'Is that a ROTTWEILER?' greeting. I always have Samantha sit and I say 'yes, and she is friendly, would you like to meet her?' --- this is my standard reply. Most people say NO and walk a wide birth around us. Maybe I should change my standard reply? I'm very used to this and always start with a positive attitude - I get it from Samantha . What they think isn't going to stop me from taking her out to socialize. I hope if they see her behaving they may meet her next time I see them. Should I be conducting training sessions on the way in?

Years ago there was a very irresponsible family that had rotties that killed a neighbor's cat. I think most of the townies haven't forgotten that. Even in the parks nearby that allow dogs, I've had other dog owners tell me that rotties shouldn't be there. At the vets a woman asked me how I could own one of 'those' dogs. I could fill pages! But I have met a handful of people that are surprised they can pet her and she won't bite their hand off. Nothing makes me feel better than to feel like I've changed someone's opinion of the breed.

But this is why I want to be sure she always behaves with distractions and the reason for this post. I'm determined to do what I can to show people what a great dog she is as a respresentative of the breed. And I'm not sure what else I can do myself. I never heard from the trainer I sent an email to. I'll keep checking back with you Suzanne. thanks

[WorkinDogz]

Sometimes we walk in places completely expecting a negative attitude.

We're already somewhat defensive even before "anyone" says anything.

I've personally witnessed Rottie and Pit Bull owners (the breeds so commonly bashed) jump all over someone for a "Is your dog friendly?" question.

Like the person asking is just supposed to know the dog is friendly...

All dogs WILL BITE given the perfect circumstances...it's a problem when we as owners assume that OUR DOG would "never" bite.

[Chymag]

Hi

Send me an email with your email and I will set you up with an excellent trainer. I will also give you a brief backround on him.
Excellent trainer, he is working wonders with training ME and my dog.

Tara

[cdbeez]

Hello there, I'm asking this question in a few different threads hoping that someone out there knows a trainer in my area that's reputable. The local dog club specializes in agility and since I'd probably like to do Schutzhund and obedience, I'm not sure they're the best people to learn from. I'm living in a an area of Florida that doesn't offer many options, we don't even have a Petsmart So HELP, it will be at least 8 months before we move to San Diego, I'd like to get started sooner than that. (my pup's 12 weeks old)
Thanks

[Janet529]

Thanks for the help and well wishes. Have started taking Samantha to the grocery store and working with her outside as people come and go. We go 4 times a week to pick up my nephew so I've just been going about 15 mins early. She does pretty good as long as we're walking away from people, but when people are coming towards us, I can only get her to sit. Not heel. She just wants to make everyone her friend

Suzanne - thanks again. I hate to bug you about it, I'm sure your daughter is busy. But I appreciate your help!

cdbeez - don't give up looking! Even if you haven't got an answer to your posts yet, you still might. Not everyone answers every post. Have you tried searching for info on trainers in Florida? Give it a little bit and repost if you have to.

[suzanne611]

Hi Janet, I haven't forgotten you, I just aven't heard from my daughter yet. Will e-mail her again when I get off the forum. How is your girl doing?

[suzanne611]

Hi Janet, I just heard from my daughter today, she asked her vet for a rcomendation for a trainer in the Boston area, they did not know of anyone. I guess their contacts are confined to the area of their practice. Sorry I couldn't help you out. Have you gotten a trainer yet? If not let me know because the trainer I usd is always going to seminars and training trainers I can ask him. Boris sends his best woofies to you.

[Janet529]

Hi Suzanne -

I just got an email from one of the trainers I sent a note to. And have been playing telephone tag with Tara's trainers. I've kept in email contact with Tara and think I will go with hers if possible. It's a shame there aren't more reputable trainers in this area. I've asked everyone I know with a dog and none would recommend trainers they've used.

Sorry I didn't reply sooner - in the process of setting up a business ..... not enough hours in the day right now

[suzanne611]

Janet529 did you get a trainer yet? I haven't seen any posts from you in a while. Boris wanted to let you know that he as aspiring social director of the local Petsmart has prevailed. THAT trainer is no longer the trainer there. He is considering attending group classes since they will allow his secretary to use a prong collar.

[Janet529]

Oh Suzanne, thanks for thinking of me. The trainers I'm trying to get sound very good so I'm willing to wait for them. They work with the state police dogs so are used to bigger dogs. One of the two is on vacation until tomorrow. So in the meantime, I contacted the vet about getting her spayed. We have a pre-op check up next week and the surgery will hopefully be scheduled for the following day. Once she's recovered, the trainers should be back to normal business routine and training won't have to be interrupted for the spay. That's my plan, anyway.

So nice of you to ask. I'll let you know how it goes. Am trying not to think about the surgery!!!

[suzanne611]

Janet 529, Good luck with the the spaying, good idea to let her recuperate and then start training. Post every once in a while and let us all know ow your girl is doing.Best wishes, Suzanne,Boris and Sophie