Is this typical of dog trainers? *long*

tshirtnjeans

Hi all,

I'll start off with saying that have never taken a dog to a training class and I am just really unsettled by the class I took our dog to today. We just got a new addition, Bailey, about 3 weeks ago. I felt that I do not have the skills to train her well and just wanted to learn from a professional some techniques to teach Bailey some basic commands and help teach her how to walk on a leash. We got to the one on one appointment today (held at my vet's location. This lady was recommended by them) She first started off with asking me to put on a choke collar. I've never really felt comfortable with choke collars, but thought that the lady knew what she was doing. She then walked Bailey around and at one point Bailey became very fearful and was trying to pull and twist away. So the lady tackled Bailey and held her to the ground. Bailey was crying a sound that I have never heard come from a dog. Bailey then bit the trainer who then proceeded to get Bailey in a different hold and asked me to come get her or she'll get bit again. So I got Bailey and walked away while the trainer took care of her bite. Then she continued with the walking around on a leash and then started the sit commands. That went fine. Then she wanted to do a down command which Bailey was not comfortable with. So the trainer got behind Bailey And forced her down. Then Bailey panicked again and twisted and pulled away....and got loose and started running away. (classes are held outside in a parking lot) There is a major route right there...So Bailey started down the road...luckily a sherriff was right there and turned on his lights and stopped traffic. A man down the road got out of his truck and was trying to help....I ended up just getting down and calling her to come to me and incredibly she did. Session over. I just feel like such an awful pet owner. There were several times where I felt that this just wasn't right...but then thought, this lady is a professional...she's reccomended by my vet....she has a huge training business all over the state. So after all that...is this a "typical" training method? I'm alos wondering if I should give feedback to the vet...I was shocked by the sudden aggressive behaivoir from this woman. It was not at all what I expected.

katiegrl

I never took Sawyer to training, so I don't know if that is typical. But if it were me, I would be very uncomfortable with her aggressive behavior towards my dog. I asked my DH who has had more experience with dog trainers and he feels that is a bad trainer as well.

Clearly, your dog was nervous. I don't know his background but if he was abused before you rescued him this will not help things. Overall, I don;t think I would go back. My dog is very sweet and not aggressive whatsoever, and if he were biting, I think that would be it for me then and there.

 

WideSmileMama

My sister is a vet tech at an animal hospital in MA (She does MRIs on animals, basically).  I'll email your post to her and see what she has to say about this but it sounds very strange to me!

maisiemae

There are definitely some trainers that teach the whole 'alpha' dominance thing - that you need to establish that to gain control. Which...you do, in a sense, but I would NOT bring my dog back to her. ?There is a difference between getting a dog to 'submit' to your commands and scaring the crap out of it and making it fearful (and in this case, as a result, aggressive). ?It's just like with kids - there are different approaches, and not all people are comfortable with one way or another. ?It sounds as though you are definitely not comfortable with this method (or woman), and I can assure you that not ALL training classes are like this. ?

MilesOfSmiles

I'm sorry you and your baby had to go through this Although I have never taken Gracie to training (although she desperately needs  it), I can tell you that this woman's techniques most definitely are the minority. TONS of trainers use the "positive reinforcement" method (and those trainers are typically against choke collars). Dogs respond best to this method, especially if the dog is food driven. (And what dog isn't?) You can be authorative with a dog in a NICE way, and still have control. It sounds like this woman was beyond authoritive, and had little/no control over the dog. DEFINITELY look elsewhere, and try to find a trainer who uses positive reinforcement. Doesn't your shelter have recommendations??? How about calling the NH SPCPA for advice? Good luck.

aparadis1013

I think some trainers are like that, but its not how I would chose to train my dog. We did clicker training through All Dogs in Manchester and we still use the techniques now. Our dog seemed to respond to it pretty well

LnW

I've been to many different training classes at two different facilities, and I've never seen anything quite like that. 

Walk away.  You should be positively reinforcing you dog so she WANTS to do these behaviors, not scaring her into doing them.  I'm glad you were uncomfortable enough with her practices to ask for second opinions.

I'd recommend All Dogs Gym in Manchester, or American K9 Country in Bedford.

MrsKimberlyD

omg i think shes watched the dog wisperer with ceaser millan a bit too much but didnt get the concept. 

ive seen ceaser put a dog on its back until it becomes submissive but not roughly! he becomes the alpha, but not in any way that would hurt your dog and he definately wouldnt have made it so your dog could go out and get hit by a car!  im so pissed for you!

 

suchaclancy

OH MY GOD -- never EVER go back to that trainer!  EVER!  What a psycho.  You don't bully or scare dogs into doing things.  That's not training.  G--damn Dog Whisperer BS.  Sorry, but the fact that this woman calls herself a dog trainer really makes me angry!  NO JUDGMENT on you whatsoever...how would you have known beforehand!?

OK -- now we find you a GOOD trainer.  Where are you located and I will help you.  Can you email me because I don't check the board often, but I really want to help you with this?  suchatreat at gmail dot com

Thanks!
Michelle