Obedience Training
Hi,
Sasuke and I just went to our first puppy class and I am wondering whether or not to stay in the class or look for someone else. We are currently in the Petco classes. First, Sasuke heard a noise from elsewhere. He then started barking. The trainer said to use a spray of compressed air to distract him... He sprayed it on Sasuke's paw and he immediately stopped barking. He also hid behind me while the trainer sprayed three other puppies for some reason or another. He also seemed to contradict himself on a few occasions.
When I met him a few Saturdays ago, I was talking to him while our puppies were playing. I asked him about humping (because Sasuke was being humped). He said to just let them, and if he is doing it in the house, let him be. I thought this was a bit strange, and always corrected Sasuke if he did so. The biggest turnoff was of the same day: he told me about the gentle leader and said it helps dogs stop excessive pulling, which I thought was okay because it wasn't harming the dog. Next, he showed me these collars: linky
and said that they were good and doesn't harm the dog. He said the last class he taught had all the dogs with these collars on (husky, lab, and some other dog), although he said he strictly uses positive reinforcement training, this was a giant turnoff for me.
What do you look for in an obedience trainer? I was considering this class that I found after I signed up. I spoke to a trainer and she seemed much nicer, but a tad more expensive.
Thanks!
Sasuke and I just went to our first puppy class and I am wondering whether or not to stay in the class or look for someone else. We are currently in the Petco classes. First, Sasuke heard a noise from elsewhere. He then started barking. The trainer said to use a spray of compressed air to distract him... He sprayed it on Sasuke's paw and he immediately stopped barking. He also hid behind me while the trainer sprayed three other puppies for some reason or another. He also seemed to contradict himself on a few occasions.
When I met him a few Saturdays ago, I was talking to him while our puppies were playing. I asked him about humping (because Sasuke was being humped). He said to just let them, and if he is doing it in the house, let him be. I thought this was a bit strange, and always corrected Sasuke if he did so. The biggest turnoff was of the same day: he told me about the gentle leader and said it helps dogs stop excessive pulling, which I thought was okay because it wasn't harming the dog. Next, he showed me these collars: linky
and said that they were good and doesn't harm the dog. He said the last class he taught had all the dogs with these collars on (husky, lab, and some other dog), although he said he strictly uses positive reinforcement training, this was a giant turnoff for me.
What do you look for in an obedience trainer? I was considering this class that I found after I signed up. I spoke to a trainer and she seemed much nicer, but a tad more expensive.
Thanks!
Comments
2. Whilst personally I would never use a choke chain [ or is it a prong collar? ] , they should only be used in very extreme extreme extreme circumstances,[ & even then they're usually not necessary ] and NEVER EVER on a PUPPY.
3. Humping I wouldn't be too concerned about...I've seen dogs do this [ male or female ] I would only worry about it if he's doing this to you &/or other humans / objects. & if he's doing it often.
4. Sasuke is still a puppy, I don't see the need for a gentle leader quite yet.
If you're getting a bad feeling, the enough is a good reason to get out! While the trainer might be more expensive, it'll definitely pay off now, then later when you're spending thousands of dollars to correct behaviours that could've been avoided / out taught early on
Anyway, these points are all in my humble opinion
2. Choke chain=never. Period. Never. And I personally am anti-prong.
3.Humping=eh. As long as everyone is fixed, and it doesn't irritate the humpee to the point of lashing out, no worries.
4.Gentle leaders are great. And wonderful for training puppies. Especially since collars can hurt their necks.
Trust your gut. You don't feel good about the guy, try the other trainer. Trust me a well trained, well adjusted dog is worth every penny!
Any form of choke chain, even the prong collar, when "properly" used is not positive reinforcement training. They are mainly used for correctional training, where whenever the dog does something wrong you make a tug to correct it. Often times used in training german shephards and bully breeds. Next time when you go to Petco, take the prong collar and tighten it against your wrist. Doesn't hurt too much, and this is what people would commonly use to make a potential user think it is safe. Next, flip the prongs to the outside and press against your neck. You should feel a significant difference compared to your wrist. Stole this method from an episode of "It's me or the dog." Another thing with choke chains is that the constant use of it can cause tracheal collapse, especially in smaller breeds. Personally, I would not take lessons from a trainer who requires a person to use this item, especially if the person doesn't want to.
With the gentle leader, it is very helpful with pulling, if used properly. Necessarily you turn your dog into a horse, which means no tight yanking when leading him. More so smooth and fluid like when leading a horse by the halter.
Humping is more of a personal thing, you can either hate it or find it funny. Either way, if it is excessive, find a way to keep him from humping when it is inappropriate, like on a guests leg.
Something that I found helped when looking for a trainer was to ask lots of questions as well as viewing a class or two with out Sasuke. Usually with puppy classes, it should be pretty low key compared to the adult classes, as puppies are like babies.
Never use harsh methods to guide or correct young puppies, which is what your current trainer is doing!
Find a center where you can watch and sit in on a session or two. Try http://www.trulydogfriendly.com/blog/?page_id=2 they have a list of trainers and lots of tips too on their web page. Also many dog training clubs have training too at a nominal fee. Look at AKC.org to find dog clubs in your area that assist with training. When selecting a center ask for classes which use a clicker to train since it really is the best way to go.
The gentle leader works pretty well but it really depends on the dog. It takes some time for some to adjust to it.
I don't know how old your pup is. Right now socialization is really important and you want a class were the pups can also meet and greet also.
Good Luck!
Snf
I think it was harder explaining to my girlfriend that the trainer was no good (she hates returning things and not giving people a second chance). It was really sad watching the other dogs cower as he showed the compressed air can to their face.
So yeah, tomorrow we will ask for a refund and have arranged to talk to the people at the dog parks rather than finding advertisements.
Thanks again!