Need advice on training/trainer.

[jmd]

Hello,

I have stated on here previously that I adopted a young rottie (1 month old), not knowing that this is not the best time to adopt a young rottie, shortly afterwards i found out on here that in doing so could lead to problems later on.

Well later on has come around. Bentley is now 4 months old and is displaying problems such as nipping at the bottom of pant legs and biting.

Ive read some of the other threads and as far as i know what he and I are both needing is training. For him obedience training, and for me the proper way to interact with him to ensure that he understands his place in my household.

Now on to the purpose of this thread. I currently live in Central America (costa rica) and previously i thought that my resources as far as training were concerned were limited. This is apparently untrue, i have some options and i need advice.

option a) 6 weeks away from home, with me visiting every 15 days. this is apparently obedience and basic training.

option b) 4 weeks in my home, trainer would come to my home five days a week for 30-45 minutes. this is also apparently obedience and basic training.

what i would like to know is which option is best for bentley? also what are some questions i can ask that the trainer is a first rate trainer and not someone that thinks they are good with dogs? what should i expect out of obedience and basic training? i was told that he would learn 8 commands and would listen to everything i say.

any advice/info/insight will be greatly appreciated. also anyone that may be fluent in spanish that could view a website that advertises the 6 weeks away from home program.

[Burnsway]

I would go for the in-home. I don't like seeing dogs sent away. That teaches you nothing and teaches the dog to respect the trainer who has them for that time and not you.

Until you do that, try something I did with the dog I have now.(which I did around that same time period you are dealing with) I tethered her to me almost 24/7. Ok I didnt sleep with her that way or have marital fun with her that way but you get the picture....:D She still isn't the best dog ever but I truly believe this saved her life. She learned everything came from me. She only got to move when I moved, eat when I allowed and we actually just started working as a team that when I untethered her on a more regular basis she was right there pretty much saying whats next mom....

Even when I went to the bathroom..... :D

[JD102175]

If you send him away how are you supposed to learn to interact with him?

I personally would go for the 4 weeks in home training. This way you know exactly what is being done with your dog and you can then also train with the dog yourself when the trainer is not there. If you send him away, you have no idea what they are doing to him. Also training is a great way to bond with Bentley.

Jaime

[tugger5000]

Agreed.

What is the website? It's been awhile since I've taken Spanish, but I can take a look and maybe have some people I know who speak fluently take a look at it...

[jmd]

Thanks everyone for the quick reply and input. I myself have been leaning towards inhouse training but wanted to get a second opinion.

The website is: http://www.losgandules.com/

That is for the away from home 6 week program, the other trainer is out of the phone book and doesnt speak english. i do have someone to translate for me though.

One of my biggest concerns is that whomever i choose for the training i want them to be professional and truly know what thier doing. I would be greatly appreciative if anyone has any advice on what i should look for in a professional trainer.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Check out this http://www.apdt.com/trainers-and-own...ner.htm#choose & http://www.inch.com/~dogs/tips.html

Hope that may help!

:)
Brooke

[Judi W]

Option b but with some changes. Ask for twice a week visits, not daily. Twice a week is more than adequate and gives time for you to work with the pup on what you hae been taught and for some of it to sink in before going to the next steps.

Just because the trainer has a program of 5 days a week doesn't mean that is best or optimal or what you must purchase.

Also, I'll bet if you hunt a bit you can find a dog training club which should be first choice.

[Carina43]

Ditto on the in home training. That's the only way you'll be learning too.
I'll be in Costa Rica right after New Year! :)

[lblax]

jmd it sounds as if you are off to a good start half the battle is having the desire to do the right thing and to learn...i just wanted to give you a bit of advice.... while you are training your dog with or without a trainer and even though you may be a novice, if something doesnt feel right about the training follow your gut it probably isnt right;)