Obedience Training

[fritz'mom]

I am looking in my area for a good obedience trainer and I have narrowed it down to two. I can't decide between them and I need some advice. The first one is an in kennel trainer, I would take him and drop him off for 3 weeks and then pick him up at the end. He will spend the last day with me and teach me the cues and send me home with a video of my dog. The results of basic obedience are guaranteed and I can bring him back any time free of charge to work out any problems. His fee is $450.

The next is a lady who has been showing dogs since 1969. She does obedience, tracking and agility. She has been training dobermans for 20 years and says that they are her second favorite breed. (She raises standard poodles) She really seems to understand the breed and I feel very comfortable with her knowledge. She wants me to bring him once per week charging $20.00 per session. She says basic obedience usually takes 8 - 10 weeks.

So what would you do? Is it better to use the one that will involve me in the training? Or is the more convenient way of dropping him off with the trainer really going to get good results once I get him back home? I would appreciate any advice from those of you who have used either method.

Thanks so much!

Jennifer

[jelly8bean]

I would vote for the second one.. You really should be involved with your dogs training as it is one of the most bonding things you can do. I can't imagine the results from the drop off trainer being as long term as the knowledge and information you get from doing the training yourself with the guidance of a skilled trainer. I personally would never give one of my babies to a trainer, they are MY dogs and I have heard horror stories of the ways that they have been treated or "trained" at this sort of place. Nothing against your person, but you just need to be careful.

[fritz'mom]

Thanks Jelly,

That is exactly what I'm afraid of. I have three kids and I homeschool, plus various farm animals. The reason I thought about the drop off trainer was that I was concerned I wouldn't have the time to devote to training. However, the more I think about it the more I am convinced that this is what I need to do. I keep telling myself "I can handle anything for 8 weeks, right?"

Anyway, I really got a good vibe from this woman. She invited me to come and watch her work her dogs this week. I am going to go and pick her brain some more! I'm pretty sure this is the route I will go.

[jelly8bean]

Just remember that training is like working with your kids on school lessons and manners and your other animals.. daily routine. My dog's best obedience trick that people love (and can't believe) is when I tell them "Dinner". They know they have to go into the other room and stay there.. they can watch but not come in. This is their best thing because we have been doing it every day for years now. I never wanted to have large dogs begging at the table.. just not nice. I work at least 10 min a day on some sort of training with each of my dogs. It will be easy once you get going, then the repetition will kick in on you both.. training is habit forming. :)

[Slaboflab]

since you are the owner of the dog, it just makes sense that you would take part in the training process, number 2 option for me.

[SnuzerDog]

Anyway, I really got a good vibe from this woman. She invited me to come and watch her work her dogs this week. I am going to go and pick her brain some more! I'm pretty sure this is the route I will go.

This means alot. Trust your intuition and get involved, you may find that you really enjoy it- like me. No two dogs, or trainers, or owners are alike, and it really is smart to have an experienced individual help you with your questions, concerns and problems if they arise.

I just went through the same process four months ago, and everything I read said the best way is to pay a trainer to train you to train your dog. The more involved you are with your dog's training, the stronger the bond you will develop. I have learned the truth of this in doing my basic course with Deano. Now I am working on clicker training with him; I told him we would have to figure this out together, so be patient with me- but it's working great! :D