What to look for in Trainers

[firefly386]

Well,

The question is what are some of the thing to look for in a good dog trainer for rotties. Like what tactics they use for training and ect.


Thanks
Love this site

[Vivianne]

Hi firefly386 and welcome. I just started my rotty in puppy kindergarten yesterday. But before I picked a handler/trainer I sat in on as many obedience classes I could find offered by various groups around town. I made sure they weren’t using any scare tactics, any harsh scolding methods and I observed how the trainer interacted with the dog as well as the owner. There were a few I simply walked away from, in the middle of a session too. I found no difference between men or women trainers either.
I recommend you sit in (with permission of course) on a class or six and get a feel for the trainer and there methods. If you can sit in on an advanced obedience session with the same trainer that helps too.:)

[rottnelmo]

Hello and welcome!!! I am new here as well, but have been posting like a madwoman!!

I totally agree with Vivianne. I am a dog trainer myself. What I look for in a trainer, is someone who is compassionate, able to answer my questions, someone who does not use harsh or punitative methods.

Make sure that you are comfortable with the trainer and that you are comfortable with the training school. Most places are not inpendant trainers, must are schools that hire trainers. Make sure that the school in a whole has a good reputation.

Good luck!
Beth

[firefly386]

thanks for the replays.....I just got the puppy yesterday....He is so qute. I have a couple In mind I will try and go and see if I can sit in one day.

[mickeymichellie]

The best thing that you can do is observe a class. I work at a training facility and we have people come to observe constantly. Also, the people working there should be willing to help you whether or not you are signed up for classes. Often our employees will spend hours working with people who just walk in, if we have the time, of course. And also be sure that the instructor has worked with a variety of breeds and has knowledge of good rottie training techniques. Working with a rottie is much different that working with a sheltie!

[Storm]

Ultimately you want a person with a good disposition, what is that? A person with feeling and who recognises a situation for what it is and is able to address it as necessary. Someone who encourages good motivational methods, especially through developmental training yet is able to converse regarding corrective methods, building the dog and not breaking it down. Someone with an open mind to dogs, realizing that they are all individuals and who has the ability to make use of all training aids and able and willing to address certain behavioural problems, not "shunting" the dog or issue! At first it is difficult to recognize these traits in a trainer, but plainly you want to walk away from a training session feeling that it is informative, constructive and you personally feeling that I am making progress and this is fun.;)

[joannewester]

This is my first post, but I just had to jump in here with my story. We rescued a 1yr. 9mo. old male Rotty. It seems he was kept in his yard for his whole life without any training. He was not abused, just neglected. He is smart and confident, somewhat stubborn but great disposition. He had his first obedience class last Saturday. It was horrible! We were told to wait outside until everyone else had entered the room. After 5 minutes the trainer came up to me and said, "You could have done alot better than this! You should never have adopted an adult, male Rotweiller!
Lady, you are in way over your head!" Wow, my poor dog can't help he was never trained, that was why we were there-for training. He then said I would need private lessons and had to use a prong collar, and give him another $200. All this after only 5 minutes. I must mention, all the other dogs in the class were small breeds. The trainer had no problem giving them sharp corrections - enough to lift them off the ground. Well, I left the class and found an excellent trainer, who isn't harsh and does not think my pup and I are big loosers.

[New2Rotties]

Joannewester, I believe that type of trainer is the prime example of what you don't want in a trainer. Keep up the good work, you will see results.

I found my first training school through research and recommendations from friends. However, I believe in order for you to determine whether or not you would like a particular trainer or school, you must attend with your dog.

I believe that when seeking a one-on-one trainer, you probably need to be a bit more careful. Look for someone who has experience with Rottweilers in particular, and someone who has an expert understanding of dogs and their behaviors in general. I found mine here on this forum. She is fantastic and is everything someone would want in a trainer and friend. Her telephone number is...:D Just kidding Christy.

A thorough seach will prove very productive.

Kylie

[joannewester]

Kylie, You are exactly right! That trainer is exactly what I didn't want. The woman trainer I have now is exactly what I needed - gentle training with many years of experience with large dogs. If the other guy had his way, Spike would be at the pound now. Instead he will achieve his full potential and learn to be the best dog he can. Shame on that man for calling himself a dog trainer.