Quote: Michael_Wise

 Quote: Barbara Schuler

 Quote: Melissa Thom

~bravo~ Let's hope the next board is ethical enough not to see dollar signs flash before their eyes at the scent of newb.

???

This may need to be a topic of a new post, but WTH?? I have never seen anything but appropriate suggestions on which FREE videos or ebooks OR the right videos to purchase if possible... Maybe I misunderstood, and if so, I apologize.

You misunderstood. Go eat your twinkies.

It won't be the first time, and I've very glad in this case.

Idiot - I only STEP on my twinkies, never eat 'em. Have you read what is in that mess???

 Quote: barbara schuler

???

This may need to be a topic of a new post, but WTH?? I have never seen anything but appropriate suggestions on which FREE videos or ebooks OR the right videos to purchase if possible... Maybe I misunderstood, and if so, I apologize.

Page 1 of this thread. Do you see anywhere, where anyone suggested ONE link to more information to the new guy asking for help. I do think 8/10 of the people who are burned by the tone of the advice given on this site are information shopping, which is fine. I can think of two other threads in the last month off the top of my head where board members have gone out of their way to be asses to someone new who just "didn't know better."

When you've gotten to the point where you no longer feel the need to justify your answers perhaps new folks aren't people to address at all. They don't know who you are, they likely haven't read this forum the last 3 years, and are simply asking advice.

To round this back to topic however - has anyone ever heard of a Board and Train situation that has worked out for a handler? My only experience is with hunting which typically works out just fine.

 Quote: steve strom

Hey David, I sent you a PM.

Oh, yoohoo, Melissa,,,,

I believe Michael Elli's school does board and train puppies.

When I was there with my GSD in April, his assistant, Lindsey, was training some young puppies, doing the imprinting for the owners. They were all working dogs/puppies. Lindsey was great, by the way.

Don't know the details, just what I saw when I was there.

 Quote: steve strom

So when you jumped in to agree right away, were you flaming the noob or just searching for a place in the pecking order?

I had a certain amount of sympathy for the n00b, being one myself. Jumping in and openly challenging Aaron's statement--even if I completely disagreed with it--would have been a bad idea, considering the pecking order and all that. Thank you for reminding me where I stand!

I do agree with Aaron's sentiment that if you don't have time to train a dog, you shouldn't own one. But no one wants to hear that, and most of the people that have the presence of mind to think, "I might not have time to train a dog" don't get one.

I also sent him a pm before this thread blew up as well. Us Northern CA folk have to stick together. Plus I figured it would help to mention that Michael Ellis isn't the only great trainer here. I was just trying to stay away from the thread so I didn't post here.

- Lamarr

 Quote: ross rapoport

I had a certain amount of sympathy for the n00b, being one myself. Jumping in and openly challenging Aaron's statement--even if I completely disagreed with it--would have been a bad idea, considering the pecking order and all that. Thank you for reminding me where I stand!

I think if you openly challenged ANYONE'S statement, if backed up with sound reason, even if not "perfect" - would be appreciated. People do tend to earn respect and appreciation for their input and support of the forum, but I've never seen this "respect" trumpted by sound advice.

I would not suggest anyone "go along to get along"... If you see something with which you don't agree, stand up for that. We are all here to learn.

Edited by Barbara Schuler (08/10/2010 11:31 PM)
Edit reason: one more typo... i give up

I do know of board and train that have worked out very well. The OP could ask for references from the training facility and check with the people that have used this facility for their dog, or dogs, but I am sure that is why he came here.

I find it laughable when people tell me they would never send their dog somewhere for training, some of these very same people send their kids to daycare 50 hours a week!

The dog training world is funny. Things that seem so common sense to people who have knowledge is just so far away from the reality of what the general population knows about dogs. I think that before we get frustrated its better to take a step back and think for a second about this fact. Just think about how an average dog owner handles a leash for chrissakes!

Chances are the OP didn't even have a clue what working a dog in defense really means. I find that most people who opt for board and train do so because they think that training has to be hard or time consuming. people with experience know that this is not the truth of the matter.

That being said, I know of at least one reputable trainer here in the NE who recommends board and train as a start. In some respects I can see it working if the client is willing to do the homework. The dog can learn without the owners clumsiness getting in the way. For someone who is overwhelmed it may be a good option.

I personally would not board and train my dog, but given that the trainer can be trusted I don't think its a terrible option if you can find the right place. I would of course recommend to anybody interested in doing this to really check out the facility before sending the dog.