We are not having a problem (yet) with our new GSD rescues we acquired last week. But after today at the trainer's I got some very dirty remarks from other people.

The one dog which Lee on the board helped me with already <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> has only use of her three legs. Well,I pay for private lessons for both dogs. I heard so many remarks under peoples breath "Why the hell is she even bothering"

This shocked me quite a bit since I did bring her to them for an evaluation and they where more than happy to help with her training as well as the "Good dog".

My question is quite simple. IMHO This is a great training place we have used for to many years than I care to count (20 plus)Am I wasting the trainers time? Their is normally a waiting list but they thought it was a great idea to keep her as active and trained to the best possible ability. They hooked my up with these two dogs.

I know the all mighty dollar speaks loud and clear. But I committed myself to these dogs and don't think they need a second rate trainer just because of her problem. I just don't want to think the trainer is doing this as a favor to me.

Any idea's on how I can ask them with out ruining a friendship or sounding ungrateful? I can deal with other's making comments. Just wondering if you trainers out their sometimes enjoy taking on a "special case"

Thanks for any advise or thought's you may have on this.

Emma

I absolutely see no reason why this dog should be denied good training or why you should be ridiculed for doing so. IMO, if a trainer is reputable and supposed to be a professional, then a "special needs" case should challenge them to do a better job, if anything. Any trainer can do well with a dog that's well bred and of sound temperment and body, it's the imperfect dog that shows just how capable a trainer really is.

Thank you Laura!

I could see if I was in a "class" setting and I was taking up most of the time. This is reason we also do private. But I just prefer private anyways.

I agree 100% with you on my dog should not get substandard care or training. The trainers are more than happy it seems to have her attend and get the best out of her.

Just the smug remarks from other people got me very angry. Excuse me I thinking to myself she is possibly going to be more of a challenge to train than my other dog or their dogs.

There are some great dogs out there in rescue and I fully intend to give them the best I can. I am just looking for some honest feedback from trainers on their take on this. I believe I'm in the right here.

Emma,

Laura is absolutely right. Can't add much to it other than I've seen quite a few three-legged dogs who seemed happy and well-adjusted.

You just need to be more assertive <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> .

The dog can do it. Work hard, be at the top of your class............then JAM it down their ignorant throats. There was an amazing three legged dog that roamed the neighborhood when I was a kid. Dont even know if he had an owner but he did fine on his own.

I am not sure I understand. If the Trainer you are PAYING is making negative comments, I would have a concern. If it is other people, it is NONE OF THEIR DAMN BUISNESS. I am grumpy enough to tell them that, probably in even less kind terms. The contract to work the dog is between you and the trainer, not anybody else. Just because the dog has a problem is no reason not to train it. It would even be a more important reason to train it to make sure you have the control you need to keep the dog safe.

Emma, raise your right hand. . .palm facing you.

Aim the back of your hand at the jerks in your obedience class.

Lower all of your fingers EXCEPT for the middle finger.

Smile and continue with your training.

Ok Ok got the point the comments you all gave me were all way to funny true but funny.

Today when I was there I just *happened* to slid it in while talking with the trainer. He told me the same as you guys did lol.

He see's no reason for me to hear or take that crap from the snotty people come in with their dogs dragging them across the parking lot.

Some of the police from the K-9 unit were their today that heard I took in these two dogs and totally agree with me. They said both the dogs were pretty cool.

They all liked the three legged dog the best. Excuse the term but quoting them and the trainer she has *Balls*

So my my finger will be ready if I hear it again. Not to mention showing that my dog can do better than theirs since I actually am their to train not learn how to walk my dogs lol.

So I will go about my merry business and just show them up while they *try* to get through doggie training 101 lol

My husband told me the other day that he saw a TWO legged dog on TV. This dog was born without front legs, and gets along just fine. I guess she just walks around on her back legs......
Doesn't make three legs seem quite as drastic, does it? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />