So is going to one of these schools a bad thing? Personally I did and I was not aware about all of these other places to learn until it was too late. I am not a "wannabe dog trainer", I may not be as experienced as most of you but thats partially why I am on this forum - to learn more.

This lady was way out of line to tell someone to do something they dont want to do, period!

I got my start in "official" dog training (not just hunting dogs) at Petco, which has been (and still is) the hardest thing to overcome. I almost now wish I didn't do it because I'm pretty much a joke to other professionals. Its been a long embarrassing road. But really what I learned from it all is it doesn't matter where you get your start- just keep digging up info, learn from other trainers, be as involved and persistent as you can, and eventually peole will start taking you more seriously. A certificate sometimes means a whole lot of nothing. Being current and involved will help you more than anything. A good mentor can be priceless. I still don't really feel like a trainer because I'm still learning and I always will be. But building that foundation of experience takes so very long who knows if I'll ever get there. I'll settle for teaching puppy classes every now and then. And maybe someday there will be more.

But that's my personal experience in choosing the WRONG place to start.

Did you learn things there Jessica? Even if it was only what you did not want to do in the future? If so, in my book all experience is good experience.........

To answer Tiffany's questions, it seems that some graduates of different schools have an inflated idea of what their skill level is. You do not know how many times someone has pulled up to a training field with "Certified Master Trainer" blazoned on their business cards and sometimes vehicle and when they got their dog out of the field it was pretty apparent how limited their skills were.

I remember one woman was telling us all about how she had completed the advance Police Canine course or something like that. When it came time for a little puppy type tug work I had to show her how to post her dog.

And this was with a dog that had completed the course with her and didn't really show what I would call drive for the tug. I don't think they ever got a sleeve out.

But they were both certified by this particular school......

And then when you hang around forums long enough you see them giving sometimes dangerous advice, touting their credentials. And you see people taking the advice and you shudder.

 Quote: Betty Waldron

And then when you hang around forums long enough you see them giving sometimes dangerous advice, touting their credentials. And you see people taking the advice and you shudder.

Betty, as always, the voice of reason!

And, re the quote above, this is why I don't belong to any other forums. If someone posts something here that is detrimental to a dog's wellbeing or dangerous to a human, or just plain bad advice, there is no question that they will be called out for it.

And the other thing I find here is that as long as you are willing to learn from your mistakes (and I've made plenty of them along the way), people are pretty non-judgemental.

 Quote: betty waldron

Did you learn things there Jessica? Even if it was only what you did not want to do in the future? If so, in my book all experience is good experience.........

To answer Tiffany's questions, it seems that some graduates of different schools have an inflated idea of what their skill level is. You do not know how many times someone has pulled up to a training field with "Certified Master Trainer" blazoned on their business cards and sometimes vehicle and when they got their dog out of the field it was pretty apparent how limited their skills were.

I also agree any experience is good experience.

I have always been careful to not throw my "credentials" out there because I know I am not the "master dog trainer" I would like to be. I have goals towards becoming that and to me thats all that matters. I try to listen more than I speak (my husband may think differently ) but there is so much to learn.

I understand how many feel about the "certification" but I wish they would first see how they handle their dog and their professioanlism before saying it was a waste of time. The person is the trainer not the school and not the certification. However, I will agree that many get this little piece of paper and think they are better than Ceasar and its just silly.

I've browsed a few trainer websites around my area and am a bit put-off when they post a picture of themselves posing with Ceasar (Millan). Personally, my dogs don't need Cesar or need to be whispered to - they need an advanced obediance, reponsible use of the e-collar trainer. I don't think the dogs are that unusual in that respect.

These types of trainers are very very rare. That's why Leerburg is such an incredible resource. Plus, you can get great advice free! No $100 consultation fee. Also, those of us who find Leerburg often have dogs with a bit higher drive, or higher activity needs than the average pet.

There is no problem with starting at the bottom (Petco). But like with most artistic or professional endeavors, finding a good mentor, or a good group to work with is priceless.

 Quote: Kiersten Lippman

Personally, my dogs don't need.....to be whispered to

Oh, if they could talk, they'd disagree. Sweet nothings.....All dogs long to be whispered to.

 Quote: Michael_Wise

 Quote: Kiersten Lippman

Personally, my dogs don't need.....to be whispered to

Oh, if they could talk, they'd disagree. Sweet nothings.....All dogs long to be whispered to.

Oh yes, example:

http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz51/conansmama/20069_607985185957_30609288_35322605_7935489_n.jpg

Truth be told, I just wanted him to watch a movie with me. He's not very cuddly and wasn't that into it.

 Quote: Katie Finlay

Truth be told, I just wanted him to watch a movie with me. He's not very cuddly and wasn't that into it.

Funny. He called me later braggin' about it.

What?! Somebody's playing hard to get.


eta. heheh, I hope some newbie doesn't log on thinking we really are dog people...