I NEED YOUR INPUT QUICKLY!!!

[guberdog]

I met with a dog trainer this morning, deciding on the private lessons instead of the 10-day in-house training they provide. The price is the same, but I didn't think I could part with Cain for 10 days. Well, after an hour and a half, the tasks he assigned for us to do at home seemed overwhelming to me. I don't think I have the discipline to kickstart his training. While we were there, a salesman came in to sell this guy something, and Cain went ballistic# and totally embarrassed me. The trainer told me that yes, Cain can be trained to become well behaved in public. By the way, this guy has been in business since 1987, and has experience with Rotties. Now, I'm flippin' because I think I need to take him and leave him for 10 days. ANY FEEDBACK? PLEASE TODAY?

[AngelBunny]

guberdog:

The type of training I've done and I'm interested in (obedience) is something I and my dog do while working with a trainer. I would not be willing to hand my dog over to someone to be trained, partly because I would worry that my dog might be trained using methods of which I don't approve.

What were the homework tasks the trainer gave you? I don't understand why the trainer won't work with you and Cain together.

What about looking for another trainer? Length of being in business isn't necessarily an indicator of quality.

[Dei]

What is there to decide for you?

You yourself said it: you don't think you have the discipline to start the very badly needed reforms. And you know that Cain is a danger to others. And you feel that the trainer has experience and competence. It's clear: you have to reconcile yourself to parting with him for 10 days.

It's better than parting with him for good on the metal table of a vet's office.

Away from you, your dog may very well have the opportunity he needs to get started, so provided the trainer is willing/able to work with you afterwards on getting Cain reintegrated with your household, it sounds like an excellent proposition for you.


Dei.

[guberdog]

Yes, the trainer charges the same, whether it is in-house or private lessons. And the cost includes all follow-up as needed.

The tasks all were related to restricting Cain and controlling him, which I have failed to do in the past. I see him as a big baby, which he's not anymore. I understand the logic of it all, but question my ability to carry it out to the extent needed in the first part, sort of "well, you're changing your ways right now, buster!"

[Sammie]

So what you are saying is...you want the dog to behave BUT you do not want to spend the time and enrgy yourself to properly train it?

From the sounds of it the dog needs some attention in the form of obedience...

[Hope]

Originally posted by Sammie:
So what you are saying is...you want the dog to behave BUT you do not want to spend the time and enrgy yourself to properly train it?

From the sounds of it the dog needs some attention in the form of obedience...

No, it sounds to me that this owner is unwilling to allow a dog to leave the house for 10 days for training, but rather prefers to be present. You ask me, your unwillingness to see your dog go is right, I would never allow my dog to go anywhere without me for 10 days. You have not idea just what methods of obedience training might be used, and lets face it, some trainers can be harsh, if not down right abusive.

[Sammie]

Hope:

Sorry...must have mis-understood me...I wasn't referring to letting the dog go and be trained. I was referring to the fact that if the dog stays with guberdog, which would be better, guberdog doesn't seem to have the discipline to train the dog....

Originally posted by guberdog:
understand the logic of it all, but question my ability to carry it out to the extent needed in the first part, sort of "well, you're changing your ways right now, buster!"

The dog needs obedience. guberdog needs to develop the discipline that is needed to train this dog.

[This message has been edited by Sammie (edited September 08, 2000).]

[WorkinDogz]

I want to hear what "miracles" this trainer is going to perform in 10 DAYS.

Sorry guys.....flags are raised all over the place with me.

[guberdog]

Workingdogz, I'm glad you saw my post. I looked for your e-mail but couldn't find it. I really have a dilemma here, could I get some input from somebody that has been exposed to this type of in-house training?

[Augustus`s mom]

In house training for my Gus starts this weekend. I can tell you that boarding him in a training program was the worst mistake I ever made. I`m still trying to undo the damage done by a trainer who sounded great but used heavy-handed training on my then 3mth. old pup. Plus YOU need to be trained as much as the dog. If you train together, you learn together. Sounds "cute", but I learned the hard way. You don`t know what goes on when you`re not there.

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[Bud8]

I would not leave my dog anywhere for 10 days!!!!!!!! Please keep us posted on your situation. I wish there was something that I could do to help.

[guberdog]

Well, I just talked to my sister, who is the ultimate dog person (she has border collies), she said, "Sure, pay someone else to train your dog who the boss is, he'll come home after 10 days knowing that the Trainer is the boss and you're still not!" Makes sense to me, I guess I knew in my heart what the answer ultimately will be. I'm out the door to get the supplies to work at home. I'll count on you guys for moral support.

[WorkinDogz]

This trainer might very well be a wonderful person, well respected and well established blah blah blah....

But....

10 days of training...come on. I highly doubt that much of anything will have a "lasting effect" in this 10-intensive-program. Training take time and effort. I would certainly have to question any trainer and their methods if 10 days is all it took to train even the smartest dog on the planet.

[Echowe]

guberdog, training your dog yourself with help of private trainer is better than sending him to 'boarding' school. When you train your dog, he learns to respect you and listens to you. You also learn the right techniques and can re-enforce the learned commands. Often, dogs 'forget' and it is up to you to 'remind' him to do as told. Learning the techniques yourself will let you correct and remind the dog right away. You can also learn to read your dog's body language and stop unwanted behavior before it starts. I went through a group class with Spencer and he did fine. But until I got a private trainer, I didn't know how to make him the best. Spencer listens very well AND I trained him. I am working with the trainer on my very dominate female puppy. I am beginning to understand her more and knows what I should do with her. The knowledge I acquired will allow me to train more dogs on my own in the future. If I come accross more problems, I would consult a trainer but still do my homework. The idea of someone else training the dog is very tempting. But why stop there? Why don't we buy an fully trained protection adult dog instead? It isn't all bad to go for the 10 day borading school but spending time with your dog training him is more rewarding.

[Echowe]

Another thing, sounds like you do need to spend time learning to be firm with your dog and can't treat him like a big baby anymore. Your trainer can do wonder himself but as soon as your dog comes home, I bet he will go back to his old self in no time if you don't change your atitude. Let the trainer help you but do your homework. It really doesn't take that much time a day to practice. Good Luck


[This message has been edited by Echowe (edited September 08, 2000).]