Checking out trainers...

[Brooke&Ryan]

Hi everyone!

Ryan & I are checking out trainers right now trying to decide where we want to send Julius. We went to a place to watch a class tonight. The trainer actually has a couple of Rottweilers & there was one in the class. I was semi-impressed by the class. The one thing that really stuck out for me though was one of the lab mixes in the class was really acting up. The trainer went over & said something to the owner that I couldn't hear. Anyway---so the dog kept on acting up (whining, growling.....) & the trainer smacked the dog on the nose. Not a hard smack but a definate smack. I was very taken aback by the smack but no one else in the class seemed to be. I would have been VERY ticked off if it was Julius that she was smacking. So we've probably crossed her off the list.

I know that there are questions that you ask prospective buyers of puppies. I'm just wondering...what are some questions that you would ask a trainer when checking out their class.

Thanks!
Brooke

[rottnkidd]

Are you close to Waterford? I have a breeder friend that trains with a woman there. She likes her so much, she drives an hour to class!
kathy

[DNeff]

Originally posted by Brooke&Ryan
& the trainer smacked the dog on the nose. Not a hard smack but a definate smack. I was very taken aback by the smack but no one else in the class seemed to be. I would have been VERY ticked off if it was Julius that she was smacking. So we've probably crossed her off the list.

I would definitely cross that trainer off the list!

I know that there are questions that you ask prospective buyers of puppies. I'm just wondering...what are some questions that you would ask a trainer when checking out their class.

Here's some sites that let you search for clubs or trainers:

http://www.akc.org/dic/clubs/search...obed&display=on

http://www.dogpatch.org/obed/obpage5.cfm

http://www.apdt.com/cgi/trainer-search?m=0

The last site has some really good tips on how to pick a good trainer.

Check out my Finder a Trainer section on my web page:
http://members.aol.com/rottweilerworld/Behavioral.htm

I have several good articles on picking a good trainer.

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 their being a member guarentees nothing.
What training methods do they use? 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.
What size is the class? Low student to teacher ratio. About 5-8 dogs per instructor or assistant.
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 benefit you and your dog. Note whether the instructor helps any students who are struggling or having a tough time. Are the instructions and demos clear and easy to understand?

Best of luck!
Dawn
U-CD Cammcastle's Mystic Riven CDX OAC OGC NA NAJ NJC TT CGC
http://members.aol.com/dplantier
http://members.aol.com/rottweilerworld