What to look for in a trainer?

[Whamenator]

I am a small female (novice dog owner, too!) owner of Rottie that is maybe 6 3/4 months-old, rescued from being turned into a guard dog, when he was @ 8 weeks, via his owner's arrest for drug trafficking. Overall, he is very good, but he needs to learn some manners and obedience!!!

Is there anything particular to look for in a dog trainer?

[gomer9855]

Mmm, well, my trainer has been into obedience since the mid 70's. His dogs have about 20 titles, he's a judge, he breeds and shows golden retreivers. I also just really like the man and so does Frau. He has a LOT of patience and is very upbeat and easygoing about everything.

I would ask about experience with odeb, does he do obed with his own dogs? How far did they go? How long have they been doing obed? What methods does he use? How far do they go? Just advanced or into utility? What are his class sizes?

You have to be comfortable with him, and so does you dog IMO.

[Judi W]

Yes, I agree. I would want someone who has demonstrated their abilities with their own dogs in a competition environment. As far as methods go, most experienced trainers are not wed to any method but use what the individual dog needs to learn best. If you haven't contacted your nearest obedience training club, that should be your first stop

[Whamenator]

Gomer, Judi.
Training Club???
This is all new to me, so thank you for lending me some direction.
I know he needs obedience training! Some days he is really obstinate, and then he wears this halo and melts me like butter, like right now. Everyone seems to say that he is a "typical Rottweiler." I am learning as I go, and have conceded that I need some help, so thank you for this site, and for the wonderful experienced dog lovers that extend advice to dog lovers like me that have not a clue!

[Judi W]

You can do a search by state here:

http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/inde...bed&display=on

Then look for the word training or obedience club in a location near you

[gomer9855]

You can ask around at vets, humane societies, pet stores, grooming salons, etc. Don't just go by signs, though. If people know his name off the top of their head, I consider that better. Anyone can make up a sign and call themselves a trainer, but to get people to remember your name is something else. There's a few trainers around my area, but mine is one of two that people automatically suggest.
"I need an odebience trainer"
"Oh, blah blah is the best, I took my dog there"
One of our customers does competative with his bichon puppy, and he's through my trainer. My friends took their dogs there. A competitor at the last dog show I was at was trained through my trainer. Word gets around if you're good at what you do (and if you'r bad! )
Only drawback is my trainer used to be the cheif of police, so SOME people don't like him becuase of that and will say nasty things. But it has nothing to do with his obedience work.

Good luck!

[Whamenator]

Y'all are gonna get tired of hearing me say, "Thank you!" Um, but, THANK YOU!!!
~Miriam

[rottsnroses]

Another good place to find good obedience instructors is NADOI. I agree that an instructor should have put titles on their dogs, the more the better. Around here, there are a number of "instructors" that have either taken a crash course, or are self taught, but have never titled a dog at any level.