I'm uncomfortable with the new trainer we started working with last week and I'm not sure what to do.

We started with a new training program for our 10 month old rescue puppy last week. It's with an e-collar and several coworkers recommended it. It's a drop-off one-day-a-week situation; they work with us & our dog every other session. My concern is the trainer told me when giving directions on how to use the stim that I shouldn't worry if he yelps, I'm not hurting him. She said that for him it was a discomfort like having the music too loud in the car. I'm having a hard time believing this. He did yelp once; he sat down & tried to scratch the collar off. I stopped using the collar at home since he doesn't seem to understand what I want from him in response to it (she told me it was to be used to enhance my voice; dogs only pretend not to hear us & I'm to increase the stim until he responds. she also said that he'll figure out what to do). We both are frustrated during at-home training sessions. She also told us to not use the word NO anymore or give him treats as rewards.

Cindy's Answer

If you have concerns, then I would talk to your trainer about this. Based on what you have shared, some foundation behaviors may be missing from your dog's education.

Without knowing your dog, what your dog already understands, and the training philosophy and credentials of your trainer I really can't give any concrete advice. If you are concerned enough to contact me then it might be best to find a trainer that uses methods that make you and your dog's experience more comfortable for all of you.