He came over and we had a long talk with him. We worked our dog a bit. We found out gambit is a little scared to be touched and that can be fixed by us. He just needs lots of petting. Heather started giving him food and then just petting him.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Hey, Nick, this is arguably the most important thing you will do with this pup.
Personally, I would have a very clear outline of how the training works and what you will be "training."
"Trainer" and a web page means nothing. You need to ask and keep asking until you know that no one is coming over to do something you don't want done.
And you need to be "there" (in every way ... not like at the vet's where you come away and blame asking no questions on being "trusting" ..... because you are this puppy's protector, guardian, leader, and decision-maker.
Please do not hire or allow to touch your dog anyone who you "forgot" their training method. Please find out.
He may be fabulous. But to depend on luck for this is not a good plan. Most "trainers" are NOT fabulous, so set yourself up for success in advance by asking him questions.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Weren't you looking for a puppy class?
eta
I have to add, because it's SO important, that "We found out gambit is a little scared to be touched and that can be fixed by us" is never in a million years going to be "fixed" if you continue the "corrections" you were doing when he was doing nothing but being a puppy.
This makes the puppy trainer even more important, IMHO.
I do not want to start a pile-on .... you heard everyone's reactions to you two, both of you, "scruffing" (making the puppy scream). I do want you to make the connection, though, and to be clear to any trainer that you don't want to continue on that path. JMO.
You want a bond .... a wonderful bond .... not fear and mistrust.
Edited by Connie Sutherland (05/18/2011 01:15 PM)
Edit reason: eta
Yes he even said we need a bond. I even changed to his club from the one I was going to be going to because the trainer at the other club is the old crank and yank type. He gets great results but I didn't like the fact he was lifting up the dog leash choking the dog for around 15 sec then getting it to platz. (NOT MY DOG!) The dog compiled and stayed where it was told then got up and walked. The dog then tried to bite him and got hung/platz again. We would rather our dog be motivated to work with us. To be fair to the trainer the dog was marker trained and wasn't doing what it was told so maybe that's why that was done. I don't know I'm not a trainer.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Walking away immediately when you have a gut-level bad reaction to any trainer or training ... this is one of the first things I have read from you that I give two giant thumb-up to.
Keep it up. Sounds like you were thinking.
Continue! Ask what will happen before it happens, because this time it IS your puppy. Saying "bond" is all good, but what is the trainer's method?
And what will you be training the puppy?
Does he marker train? Does he know about your desire to follow Michael Ellis's methods?
Tracy Collins Webboard User Reg: 10-09-2008
Posts: 1917
Loc: St. Louis, Missouri
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ditto. This club does AKC-sanctioned trials, has been around for 45 years. They have a puppy class on Monday nights that starts June 6. Class description: "Basic exercises and commands are taught in an informal environment such as learning to walk on a leash, socialization with other puppies and people, sit, down, and come. Owners learn about housebreaking, crate training, basic grooming and other topics leading to responsible pet ownership."
Sounds perfect to me.
I do know that getting Gambit out of the house and into the new situation of a puppy class (meet new people, see new building, interact with other puppies) is a good thing--as opposed to the in-home training.
It's also very helpful for a new puppy owner to have a network of other puppy owners in your town that you can meet and talk to about puppy-rearing issues.
Something to consider anyway before making a final decision.
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Gambit and obedience
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