Sending Away for Training

[Bucky's Mom]

In another thread there was discussion about 2 week boarding/training situations. I know that the "K" Kennel had produced some rather negative results - my question is has anyone had a good experience with having their dog trained in a boarding situation? - Thanks for you time

[luvarott]

I cannot figure out why anyone would want to "send their dog away" for training!! Training is an amazing bonding experience with your dog....a learning time for you both.....only you, no matter how novice you are, know your dog best and under the guidance of a good trainer this is a remarkable time!!
Training takes time.....anyone that is giving long lasting responses to commands within a few weeks is usually not using the kind of training philosophies that I am comfortable with using on my dogs....and it frequently does not last if the owner is not involved....
You have a dog that needs "training"?? Check out what is offered thru your local obedience clubs.......

[suzanne611]

Can you put a nanny cam in his collar?

[Bucky's Mom]

Suzanne! NANNY CAM!(very good guilt trip) LOL - Ok - you are right - I can't trust anyone to do what I want without being right there with him - I will use the same amount of money the resident program costs and use private lessons to get a head start on Spring Group lessons - Thanks for the heads-up

[suzanne611]

:D :D :D

[Aikido]

Why do you need to go to a professional at this point? It seems that if you are trying to bring him back to where he once was, you should be able to do it on your own with a little bit of work. Unless you are trying to learn something new...then definately go to a trainer.

[Bucky's Mom]

I was thinking (not) that an intensive program with a trainer not emotionally attached might bring quicker results than same old me - but as Suzanne was so correct to point out I would need a Nanny Cam to know that nothing bad was happening while I wasn't around - YAY Suzanne! :D

[Judi W]

I can't imagine that anyone else would know what makes your dog tick better than you do. Yes, there are trainers who might be more skilled than you in training, but they are not going to have the vested interest in the long term well-being of your dog that you have. If I were to be paid a sum of $$$ for a couple of weeks of training, I'd feel obligated to show you some real definite results in a very short time. This type of deal usually requires training methods that are expedient, not best.

I suggest that instead of throwing money at it, you throw your own committment and time into the training and get in a class so you have a coach to guide you. If you don't know much about training, you will learn. Of course, all those "we'll take your dog for a few weeks and return a trained dog to you" trainers must be very much smarter trainers than I. It takes me a long time to train a dog and much of that takes place in our daily living relationship.

A good instructor/coach with you being the one on the leash is always first choice.

[Bucky's Mom]

Yes - of course you are right - my only excuse is that moving has been so stressful that I was looking for a short cut - of course there isn't one - I will recommit myself to Bucky's training and utilize some private lessons to supplement the group class we will begin in April - all your words have been wise - thank you ;)