I think this happens in pretty much any field, it is just a matter of the people who don't know expecting those who do know to perform miracles. Just because you are an experienced professional does not mean you have an answer to every set of problem and constraints. In many cases these "request" equate to someone asking a builder to build a house, BUT you seriously object to the use of tools because of the noise, no chemicals of any sort are to be used because the smell bothers you and PLEASE do not use trucks to deliver supplies because the bother the neighbors.

And then there's the other types, the one's the have no idea of what they are talking about, yet they think they do. For you professional trainers how many times have you heard someone tell you "but on TV Cesar Millan did....."?. In my particular field people call me to solve particular problems, usually i tell them what they have to do and I get this answer "bust isn't it just a matter of _______?", if it was "just" ______ you wouldn't have the need to call me.

As a professional in any field you are hired to give your expertise, if a client is not willing to even listen to your advice the only end result is that the client will feel like he/she is wasting money. In many cases people look for a professional not for REAL help, but for validation of their ignorance or flat out stupidity.

Long story short, the only reason you can't help some of these people is not because you're not capable of helping them, it's because they do not want to be helped. As a professional there are certain things and conditions that have to be met for you to perform your job, and a lot of times getting people to meet these conditions is as hard if not harder than getting the job in the first place. Someone said in this thread, and I agree, a lot is knowing how to "sell" what you're proposing, don't just state what it is, SELL it.

 Quote: mike arnold

............And don't you just love it when an owner turns over the leash and the dog almost immediately follows commands that it ignores from its owner? I do.......

Yes, and even more -- when the dog sidles over to stand by the trainer even before the leash changes hands, making it 100% clear which human s/he recognizes "leader" in.

Wow guys, thanks ton. Love the questionnaire prelim, better than the consults that I do now. I will get in touch with my Vet as well...I like that, he refers me the bulk of his separation anxiety clients, so that is a plus, and he can and will sing my praise. And you are right, I guess I need to be a little more "stand my ground" with people. Keep in mind I am in the heart of Southern California and I have to deal with a lot of foo foo she she owners that are killing their dogs with kindness and "Could NEVER...(fill in the blank") with Poopsy! Don't get me wrong, I know they love their dogs, but at times it is a little over the top. So I guess i needed a pep talk and will definitely do all that was suggested. Thank you all so much.