Trainer Started

[Sue J]

The trainer came for the first session. Assessment of all of us. She was very gentle with Jett yet expected her to respond to commands once she started working with her, which Jett did. Then John and I both worked with Jett as she observed and gave feedback. Jett did well with me, but disrespected John quite a bit, which the trainer pointed out. She gave me some good feedback too of things I hadn't noticed I did before too. Said she believed I was the alpha in the house.She asked John if I had ever lost my temper with Jett and he said no I never had, that I had way more patience than him with her and seemed to understand her better. I really never knew he felt like that. An eye opener!! Overall we were pleased with the session and have our homework for Friday's session. She said she thought Jett will learn really quickly. Jett seemed to like her too:D

[Big Dogs]

Well that sounds great glad to hear things are going well and it sounds as if the trainer is doing her job. Everyone tends to think the trainer is just for the dog and it's really a 50/50 deal. Dogs most of the time learn really fast and it is us as handlers that are behind the learning curve. Here is something to observe next time you are working with Jett. Most male handlers tend to give way less praise and reassurance to a dog then females do which is a hard habit to brake. I know it's a hard thing to get males to do for some reason. On the flip side females when learning to work with a dog have a harder time with corrections then males. Which is easier to correct then the male thing. Go figure! Jett will learn quickly and just remember to always end on a good note even if you have to do something she is already good at. Have Fun!

[Sue J]

Funny about that male/female thing. John lets her get by with way more than I do. I correct pretty quick if she doesn't obey. I also praise more than him. He's better at giving hand signals than I am though.

[jelly8bean]

Sounds exciting.. you both have things to look forward to, and of course Jett will have great fun too!