What to look for in a trainer

[myrottie_chyna]

I have called one place asking about training classes. They said after second set of shots I can enroll Chyna. I was told $40 for four weeks, one class per week. The CGC is $50 and includes test.
They said that after about 6 mos of general obedience, I can enroll her in the CGC classes.
I know nothing about obedience classes. I have never taken a dog to them. What kind of stuff do I need to know? What do I need to ask to be sure this is a good trainer?
Thanks.

[DNeff]

Things to ask the trainer and what you should hear.
What experience do you have? Seminars, schools, apprenticing etc...
What organizations are you a member of? NADOI and APDT both are code of ethics training organizations. Though being a member guarentees nothing.
What training methods do they use? One of the following: motivational, purely positive, clicker, or traditional. Make sure the methods match the way you wish to train. If you aren't comfortable with the method they use, find someone else.
What does the trainer expect of the owner? Completing homework regularly and practicing, essentially a commitment by the owner.
Most importantly they should be good at interacting with and instructing PEOPLE. They should be training you to train your dog. Trainers that can't work well with you will be of little help in the long run.
Be sure to observe at least two classes to insure the trainer conducts class in a manner that will benifit you and your dog.
Best of luck
Dawn Neff
dplantier@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/dplantier

[livertw]

I also find the trainer/training class question intimidating. Daisy's first puppy class (five months old) was wonderful. No choke collars, tons of praise, petting and hugs and food treats/rewards. She loved it and learned most of what she knows now. Her second class was awful. The trainer insisted on choke collars, no food treats. Daisy did not do well. The trainer didn't like her and wouldn't handle her the way she did the other (small) dogs. She told me she didn't want to get bitten! I was shocked. At home I only use the techniques from the first class. I like a reward, so I think my dog should get a reward! I have recommended trainer #1 and and trying to erase trainer #2 from my memory. You live and learn. :p

[myrottie_chyna]

I discussed trainers with my breeder yesterday. She said that she had a trainer that came up and took her dog's leash and jerked it really hard just because she was getting a bit frustrated at her dog. She said she found a new trainer after that. So her recommendation was a trainer that did not harshly correct your dog, and trains YOU how to correct your dog. Sounded good to me.

[Judy Chrusch]

myrottie, that's the key, a trainer that will train US. You are so willing to learn and do things right, you'll be fine. I know you just got your little puddin', enjoy her and don't rush formal training, do the basics now and keep the training short and don't forget, she's a baby so be patient and don't push where she gets frustrated. Let her be a pup and at the same time in a fun way you can slowly introduce some training:D. Best of luck to you.

Judy

[myrottie_chyna]

thanks everyone!
Judy- I know what you mean about enjoying her and letting her be a pup. he he.. I am just thinking in the next few months...
Right now we are concentrating on getting her outside to potty when she needs to go. So far she is learning fast!! She woke me up last night wanting to go!! I was so happy with her. I am already learning her body language when she needs to go out. When she needs to poo she runs around frantically looking for the "right spot" its hilarious.