How do you know if you got a good trainer?

[mightyrebel]

Maybe I'm just being an 'overprotective Dad' here but...how do you know if the trainer you're hiring is a good one? I mean, even though they may have 600 certificates, etc. on their wall to show you, how do you know if they're really going to be a trainer who is concerned with what's going to be best for you and your dog, etc? I ask because(and again, maybe I'm just being overly-sensitive.), we only have ONE local trainer here that will do 'one on one' until classes start next Sept. at a school in my area, and when I called to set up an appointment for our first session, the trainer said, "Well, what time is good for you? I have the whole day open after 10:00 am, until early evening." So I said, "Well, whatever you think is best. I work from home, so I'm open to it." And the trainer says, "Well then, we'll set it up for 12:30 pm." 12:30 p.m.!!! In Texas!!!??? Why would a trainer want to train a pup like a Rott with a black coat and undercoat right in the heat of the day? My first thought being , of course, well...he's obviously got 'other' clients he's more concerned with that he's gonna deal with at the better times, so why doesn't he just offer to take me on a different day when we CAN offer me a decent appt.? I mean, I know I could say, :"No, that's no good.". But my concern is that, for him to even TRY and PAWN a noon appt. off on me, doesn't say to me that he has me and my pups best interests in mind. Even though he said they have a shady area outside to do it in, I still just felt kind of 'put off' by the fact that he even suggested we do this in the middle of the day. So, I'm going to go to the first one, and see if it is indeed "okay", at that time of day, as he said, in the "shaded area". Maybe it really will be fine.?. But, then when I asked what I should bring, he just said, "Whatever." Whatever? I mean, shouldn't they be asking what type of leash I have/use? The collar/neck chains I use/have? A clicker maybe? Some treats to reward him with that he enjoys? A 12:30 appt. and "whatever" you want to bring just didn't strike me as being the resposes of a concerned, competent pro. Am I just being a weenie? I just want what's best for the pup, and I'm just not sure this is it. (Of course, I won't know for sure till I go. It may just be 'his way', and he may turn out to be a fabulous trainer.) But does anyone have any suggestions for some smart questions one can ask a prospective trainer to help me ascertain how good he really is? Regardless of what's on his wall? Any ideas to help me weed the wheat from the chaff would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot. MightyRebel :) ;)

[laurlitt]

I doubt that this trainer was trying to slight you by giving you the noon-time appt. It might just be a good time for him (allowing him lunch) and time to do other things after his 10:00 is over? My trainer gives lessons all day on Sat/Sun (if she's not competing) and we live in the valley of Los Angelse-- 100 degrees in the summer. We often have to have appointments that are at noon... on those days we work in the shade and then do some of our exercises in the sun b/c we need more room.

As for his 'bring whatever' comment I would only be slightly concerned at this point. He might want to meet you and the dog and observe your current approach to training w/ the equipment you use... He's evaluating you also! Just a thought.

Now, once you get there and he doesn't seem to care at all what your using and doesn't have any advice then I'd be a bit concerned (unless you do have the perfect setup!).

As for his training approach, I personally would want a trainer who works w/ positive motivation (food, toys, voice, praise, etc.). If he's all about corrections to teach the exercises (compulsion) then I'd be concerned.

Hope this helps. After your first session let us know how it went.

[mightyrebel]

Yeah, that may be the case. Like I said, I may be reading too much into it. I was just thinking if it was me, and someone called who was new, the first thing I'd ask if I lived in a place like this with 90%+ humidity 95+ degrees daily would be, "What kind of pup are we looking at?" If a long-hair, or black coated dog, and I had the "whole day open, right up to early evening", I'd say, "Well, I'm thinking late in the day would be best for him, since my early morning is already shot, etc., due to the fact we don't want to overheat him." Needless to say, I don't want to spend our whole hour watching my dog, "Cool down a few minutes, and catch his breath." , which is pretty much all we do in the mid-day heat at home. But he may very well have a cool enough outdoor spot for it, so I guess we'll see. And, indded, maybe he really did want to see just what I'd show up with if he didn't specify anything. (Nail-pullers, thumb-screws, and iron maiden in the shape of a pup,etc.) I hope that's all it was, and not a lack of care or knowledge. Thanks a lot! MightyRebel :)

[Judi W]

Also, understand that it is in yours and the dog's best interests in this training for the trainer to teach you how to train your dog, not with the idea that the trainer takes your leash and does the training. The trainer should act as a coach for you.

[mightyrebel]

Oh yeah. No doubt. That's actually one of the reason's my choices are so limited here. There are two places that are willing to let me 'drop him off for 6 weeks...though you're welcome to come visit, etc.'...yeah...friggin' right! I've never even understood the concept of that type of training. I made that very clear with EVERYONE I spoke to. I'm gonna train the dog. I just want some tips, etc. from a knowledgable trainer who has some experience, and can possibly offer some insights and shortcuts I might miss alone. I wouldn't even consider any other type of training. IMHO...if that's as involved as you intend to get with your pup, then don't get one. :) :p ;)

[RottnKid1]

Wise words, mightyrebel! I have withdrawal symptoms being away from my dogs when I go to work, nevermind sending them off with some stranger. The owner and dog should be a team and sending a dog away for training accomplishes nothing in my mind.

As for knowing whether your trainer is good or not: Of course, there are those who may be good with some breeds, but not with other, especially Rottweilers. Some mistakenly believe that you have to manhandle them "because they're big, powerful dogs." A good trainer is someone who realizes that each dog is an individual and who has more than one training method - not just the same routine for every dog who comes through the door. It's extremely important that the trainer uses methods that best suit both you and your dog and a good trainer will have a good understanding of dog behavior. As I've said previously in another post, a good trainer will be able to "read" your dog - a great trainer will be able to teach you to read your dog.

[K9-man]

06/16/2001 8:39 AM CDT

Originally posted by mightyrebel:
<STRONG> when I asked what I should bring, he just said, "Whatever." </STRONG>

This would put me off too. :(

The guy should be personable and informative. He should be more than willing to fully answer any questions you might have. “Whatever” was not a very mature or professional answer to your question. :(

I don’t know, maybe I’m too picky, but I would say thumbs down to this guy.

Go with your gut. I'd try the trainer once or a few times, but stop if I didn't have a good feeling about him.

Also, I second the notion that some trainers are good for some dogs/breeds, but not for rotties. I went to a 'nationally-recognized' trainer who happens to operate from our local area. She trains all kinds of animals. I got alot of good info and tecniques from her, but after a point I knew that certain of her techniques are not going to work for rotties, or at least, are not how I want to train mine. E.g. if your dog does something you do not want him to do, throw a can or rolled up magazine so that the dog does not know it came from you. (Uh ..... rotties have this figured out in about 2 nanoseconds; plus, what's wrong with saying 'ACKKK!' -- the dog SHOULD know I'm in charge!). Also, she doesn''t 'believe' in prong collars, but choke collars are OK.

So, I got what I could out of this trainer (in classes; I would not have gone one-on-one to her because I don't buy into all of her methods), and then stopped when I felt we needed something different.

[RottiMomCT]

I took my Ben to a basic obedience class at PetSmart to satisfy the requirement from NERR that all adopted dogs go to basic obedience class (which I was told is a great thing-none of the other rescues in the area requires it, only 'suggested it').

Anyway, after we completed basic obedience, I'll admit that we needed a refresher (more for me than him!) and I didn't want to go back to PetSmart. I spoke to a few folks that had used a paricular trainer in the area and decided to give her a call. She invited me to come down and check out a basic obed class, to bring Ben if I wanted to (of course, I did, he's the one in class as much as me!), and when I signed up for classes, she told me "Bring lots of soft treats and a positive attitude - we were gonna have fun and learn."

Ben graduated basic and now we're into Pre-Novice. He knows that we're off to class every Thursday...and that we'll go to the local dog park after class and have a good old 'romp in the park' to burn off any energy not used in class.

Ben LOVES the trainer (so much so that when she comes up to him to give him a dose of lovin' he usually does a bit of happy pee on the floor! ). Luckily for me, he's very food motivated (actually if I've got ANY type of food-lately it's been pieces of watermelon which he loves!) so training him has been fairly easy.

I have recommended this trainer to several other NERR adopters in my area (Southern CT) and they love her as well. She's a tiny woman who breeds GSD, and takes no crap from any of them. She believes that we, as the humans of the pack, are in charge and we just hafta make sure the dogs understand that. We use tons of praise and positive reinforcment (with the occasional leash correction), and all the dogs in class are doing great (except for a neurotic GSD mix whose owner has no confidence in either herself or the dog and the dog knows it...poor dog!).

If possible, ask to observe a class or traning session prior to signing up. That way, no money is spent, and you can see if that trainer is the one you want working with you and your dog. Good luck!! :D

[SelkeysCompanion]

Originally posted by Judi W:
<STRONG>Also, understand that it is in yours and the dog's best interests in this training for the trainer to teach you how to train your dog, not with the idea that the trainer takes your leash and does the training. The trainer should act as a coach for you.</STRONG>

Exactly!I had(HAVE,contract)a Training director who sais "It's your dog,I'm hear to show you....".He is always avaliable,knows Rotts(got some)and also trains problem dogs.
Some people(with puppies)thought his correction was a bit hard,but "PRRRRAAAAAAISE"is just as important.

[ June 17, 2001: Message edited by: SelkeysCompanion ]

[Judi W]

"the requirement from NERR that all adopted dogs go to basic obedience class ........."

Why NERR is so highly thought of. I believe obedience classes are not optional for the Rottweiler owner. Good Job!