Calling All Trainers

[otch1]

I found that one simple post... "What do you think about Uncle Matty?", brought trainers out of the woodwork, with some very passionate responses about their methods, technique, areas of expertise and level of experience in their chosen field. Agility, flyball, schutzhund, tracking, competition obedience trainers, behaviorists, basic obedience instructor, conformation handlers akc-ukc-ckc, ect... trainers, tell us what you do. (Not "how" you train, please. Try to refrain from using the words "positive" or "adversive". LOL) That will open a long a thread that'll have some angry, confused, on the computer for quite some time, eating chocolate, apologizing, and in my case drinking a margarita and reading posts late at night when I should have gotten some sleep!" (For the sake of time, lets consider trainers as those of you taking compensation for teaching another.)Tell us what you do!

 

[silverpawz]

I do mostly Board & train. I take someone's dog, train him through basic and/or advanced obedience to the off leash level and then send him home. The owners of course get plenty of training too.

I specialize in aggression and hard to handle dogs, but get a lot of 'needs manners' cases too. I don't do group classes anymrore due to lack of space.

I also do some private sessions for behavior problems.

 

[dr2little]

I posted in the Uncle Matty thread...I could cut and paste but it's all posted there..

 

[IliamnasQuest]

Along the line, I've taught classes in puppy kindergarten, basic obedience, intermediate (pet) obedience, novice competition, open competition, utility competition, beginning/novice agility, beginning through excellent rally, tricks and just plain socialization classes (adult dogs - off-leash). I'm currently teaching rally, freestyle and puppy class.

As far as private lessons/behavior consultations go, I have done everything from basic obedience to severe aggression (as in already taken a chunk out of the kid's face). I've worked with a large variety of breeds including one memorable summer working with a full-blooded wolf (supposed to be a "pet"). I take whatever is brought to me. Occasionally I have taken in a dog for training but that's rare as I don't think that's the best way to do things. But if someone is taking off on vacation and wants their dog worked while they're gone .. or if they have a physical reason for being unable to train their own dog, I will do that.

My own personal dogs are first and foremost my companions, but I enjoy showing them too. In the past six months I've shown in rally, regular obedience and conformation. In the next two years, I'd like to continue with those but add in herding, tracking and freestyle. My dogs also have visited at nursing homes, performed at numerous fairs, visited schools and three have been on TV.

And I can't say I ever get angry or confused in these threads. I am adamant at times, however .. *L* I never leave these threads fretting over it .. I don't post here real often because I find that it takes a lot of time and it's time better spent with my dogs or doing something more productive. I can't figure out how people post on here several times a day and still are able to spend sufficient time with their dogs or earn a living.

I'm over my quota for today's posts, too ..

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

 

[britney]

bacsically I got no place in this thread. I only train my own dogs. or maybe will sort out a friends dog for them. But I got to say that most of the solutions I read on this board are so generalised as to be counterproductive. In particular the over-reliance on trreats is, dare I say, not the way to go,. It ignores the basic principle of dog training. Which is to get the dog on the same wavelength you are on. If all these trainers would teach the basics of getting a dog to share a world-view with ther owners instead of going for the quick fix for each so-called problem the owners bring to them, there would be a lot less problems in dog land.

Of course that would involve telling owners that little precious does not for a moment belong on some kind of pedestal that puts them above the so-called owners. Which would instantly put them off-side with the vast majority of "my-dog-is-perfect-but-wont-do-a-single-thing-I-say purchasers. I'm sure this stance will get me alienated from all the people who will happily take money to reinforce the doggy-can-do-no-wrong position and instead will suggest that a steady diet of choccies will solve every problem.

Anyway, having marked the territory, here's what invariably works for me.

number 1. You are the leader. You are smarter than a dog. You also have an innate understanding of how the languaged world we all live in works. In short. your dog has no right to run anything.

Number 2. #What you say goes. Last time, this time time and next time. If it doesn't work your way you go over and over it until it does. and then go over it some more. By this time your dog will be happy to do what you want without needing to be bribed, If not your dog still has some issues about being somehow better than you. The font of independence from which all disobedience springs.

Number 3. None of this explains to a dog what it is you what it to do. You really need to get these ideas through to a dog. I got no issues with the vast majority of the lolly jockeys here. apart from that a kind word to a well socialised dog will do everything that a special treat will. Apart from make a dog fat.

As I said, I only take on dogs for my own benefit. But I will happily take on any dog you care to give me and make it do the business. What I wont do is take your money and tell you that you are a natural dog trainer and a few more chocolates will solve your problems. If you wont spell it out to a dog in no uncertain terms you will forever remain a victim of your dogs ignorant nature.

I guess by now you can see why I don't promise people that for a fee they can have dogs that act like mine.

 

[dr2little]

bacsically I got no place in this thread. I only train my own dogs. or maybe will sort out a friends dog for them. But I got to say that most of the solutions I read on this board are so generalised as to be counterproductive. In particular the over-reliance on trreats is, dare I say, not the way to go,. It ignores the basic principle of dog training. Which is to get the dog on the same wavelength you are on. If all these trainers would teach the basics of getting a dog to share a world-view with ther owners instead of going for the quick fix for each so-called problem the owners bring to them, there would be a lot less problems in dog land.

Of course that would involve telling owners that little precious does not for a moment belong on some kind of pedestal that puts them above the so-called owners. Which would instantly put them off-side with the vast majority of "my-dog-is-perfect-but-wont-do-a-single-thing-I-say purchasers. I'm sure this stance will get me alienated from all the people who will happily take money to reinforce the doggy-can-do-no-wrong position and instead will suggest that a steady diet of choccies will solve every problem.

Anyway, having marked the territory, here's what invariably works for me.

number 1. You are the leader. You are smarter than a dog. You also have an innate understanding of how the languaged world we all live in works. In short. your dog has no right to run anything.

Number 2. #What you say goes. Last time, this time time and next time. If it doesn't work your way you go over and over it until it does. and then go over it some more. By this time your dog will be happy to do what you want without needing to be bribed, If not your dog still has some issues about being somehow better than you. The font of independence from which all disobedience springs.

Number 3. None of this explains to a dog what it is you what it to do. You really need to get these ideas through to a dog. I got no issues with the vast majority of the lolly jockeys here. apart from that a kind word to a well socialised dog will do everything that a special treat will. Apart from make a dog fat.

As I said, I only take on dogs for my own benefit. But I will happily take on any dog you care to give me and make it do the business. What I wont do is take your money and tell you that you are a natural dog trainer and a few more chocolates will solve your problems. If you wont spell it out to a dog in no uncertain terms you will forever remain a victim of your dogs ignorant nature.

I guess by now you can see why I don't promise people that for a fee they can have dogs that act like mine.

:spam:

:yikes: opcorn:

 

[Gijora]

:spam:

My sister meets with a small group every thursday and now every sunday. She hasn't went to doggy college or anything :lol-sign: but she teaches basic obediance and helps owners with their puppies. She also meets with people privatly to help with problem behaviors. She sounds waay more qualified than Britney

 

[silverpawz]

:lol-sign:

I'm right there with ya, Dr2.
Popcorn? I have cheese flavored this time. opcorn:

 

[otch1]

Hi all... Britney, my apologies. In my attempt to be clever, you misundertstood the thread/post. For this thread, I would like anyone making their living as a trainer, to let us know who you are. No one is feeding their dog chocolate, hot chocolate or margs. Just a joke about eleviating stress over a subject we're all very passsionate about and have different opinions about. As for trainers eating chocolate, I saw one of their pictures and she can afford to eat all the chocolate she wants. No one was to discuss technique, use of food reward, training equipment or personal dislikes for another trainers methods... (in my opinion), that will clog this thread with unnessecary debates. I hope that cleared things up a bit... and if you pee on this thread again, I'll bite. Ha! Have a great weekend.

 

[opokki]

I'm not a trainer yet but I'm working on it. I am a student at Animal Behavior College and at Cynology College. Currently, I assist a local trainer with 2 puppy preschool classes and 2 family companion obedience classes weekly.

In the future, I hope to teach group obedience & puppy classes, CGC prep, Clicker, and possibly agility classes. I would also like to offer private canine and feline behavior consultations.

 

[otch1]

Excellent Opokki... there are 2 other students from Animal Behavior College that I've spoken to privately. I hope you'll all compare notes on how you like the school and where each of you is at in your certification process. Feline behavior consultations, you are very brave! Lol

 

[doberkim]

while i am not a paid *trainer*, i have been a trainer for shelter dogs, and i am currently paid to deal with dogs before most of you ever see them as a vet, i deal with a lot of behavior cases, puppies, and manners issues, as well as referring to local trainers i respect to finish up what i start. i do a lot of behavioral issues in both dogs and cats, usually SA, aggression, and of course, inappropriate elimination in cats (by far the hardest)

 

[Borntoleadk9.com]

Hi all

i am new to the boards here. I am a trainer in raleigh nc. you can check out more about me if youd like at my website, borntoleadk9.com.

i have been training and working with dogs since i was about 8 years old. only recently did i make it a career. i am now 32, almost 33 and i regret waiting. this is the most fun and passion i have ever had in my life earning a living!

i work exclusively IN HOME. i do not beleive in classes or kennels. i think they are a huge waste of money.

1) dogs are contextual learners. teach them sit in a park, and take them home, they will be confused. they also learn QUICK that they have to behave in the class or the kennels. and once home, back to running the house.
2) i could easily take dogs home or in someones back yard and get them performing quite easily. being a dog person, i have learned the proper mental approach and mindset to working with dogs. i NEED the owners there and to be PART of the process. i need to educate them on how to be effective leaders in the way in which the dog understands. i need to show them why FREE things send the wrong message. none of which are covered at petsmart or in boarding kennels. i need to show them how to issue correction and how to continue the training. i demand their participation. i need to teach them MORE than i need to train the dogs. thats the EASY part!
3) in classes the learning is diminished because the distractions are much greater! you need to start with low distractions and gradually introduce them. you cant work backwards!

after years of doing this, i have learned that much to my dismay, i am a cesar milan clone. the part that really irks me, is that i was doing this stuff 10 years ago when he was still in mexico!! HE STOLE MY SHOW!!! JK! i think he is a pretty cool guy. all things considered, the point is that he didnt invent anything, but he is dead on the nuts! if you try to go against nature, your screwed. you have to go with what the dog understands and your dog will be successful and happy!! a dog with no purpose is not a happy dog.

 

[otch1]

Thank you for posting Borntolead. I did look at your site. Nice design, "interesting" statements made. (I'll post my own info when I have a little more time, so you know where my "interesting statements" remark comes from. i.e. classes, kennels, ect) You're an APDT trainer. This helps me understand where some of your philosophies stem from. Ian Dunbar is on the board of both APDT and ABC... I'm a fan of his, having taken workshops with him over 18 yrs ago. Had you visited his training center in California? Several students from both schools post on this site. When did you finish your certification?

 

[Borntoleadk9.com]

Thank you for posting Borntolead. I did look at your site. Nice design, "interesting" statements made. (I'll post my own info when I have a little more time, so you know where my "interesting statements" remark comes from. i.e. classes, kennels, ect) You're an APDT trainer. This helps me understand where some of your philosophies stem from. Ian Dunbar is on the board of both APDT and ABC... I'm a fan of his, having taken workshops with him over 18 yrs ago. Had you visited his training center in California? Several students from both schools post on this site. When did you finish your certification?

actually my philosophy comes from experience alone. kind of trial and error. the dogs will tell you whats right and whats wrong.

i know dunbar and he is pretty cool, but some of his stuff is off the mark a tad, but who am i to say this? i think there is not one definitive way to train a dog, and many ways work. i try to stay open minded to all ideas and methods.

i did most of my "formal studies" with Jerry Bradshaw at Tarheel Canine.

 

[otch1]

Excellent... yes, you'll find Jerry Bradshaw at Tarheel and Ian Dunbar are quite different in method, years of experience, areas of expertise, protection/schutzhund, verses behavioral modification, ect. All depends on your needs as a dog owner. So, were you certified by APDT and a current member, Tarheel or both? And when were you certified? I'm hoping more APDT trainers will post!

 

[Alex]

Hi all

i am new to the boards here. I am a trainer in raleigh nc. you can check out more about me if youd like at my website, borntoleadk9.com.

i have been training and working with dogs since i was about 8 years old. only recently did i make it a career. i am now 32, almost 33 and i regret waiting. this is the most fun and passion i have ever had in my life earning a living!

i work exclusively IN HOME. i do not beleive in classes or kennels. i think they are a huge waste of money.

1) dogs are contextual learners. teach them sit in a park, and take them home, they will be confused. they also learn QUICK that they have to behave in the class or the kennels. and once home, back to running the house.
2) i could easily take dogs home or in someones back yard and get them performing quite easily. being a dog person, i have learned the proper mental approach and mindset to working with dogs. i NEED the owners there and to be PART of the process. i need to educate them on how to be effective leaders in the way in which the dog understands. i need to show them why FREE things send the wrong message. none of which are covered at petsmart or in boarding kennels. i need to show them how to issue correction and how to continue the training. i demand their participation. i need to teach them MORE than i need to train the dogs. thats the EASY part!
3) in classes the learning is diminished because the distractions are much greater! you need to start with low distractions and gradually introduce them. you cant work backwards!

after years of doing this, i have learned that much to my dismay, i am a cesar milan clone. the part that really irks me, is that i was doing this stuff 10 years ago when he was still in mexico!! HE STOLE MY SHOW!!! JK! i think he is a pretty cool guy. all things considered, the point is that he didnt invent anything, but he is dead on the nuts! if you try to go against nature, your screwed. you have to go with what the dog understands and your dog will be successful and happy!! a dog with no purpose is not a happy dog.

LOL copied and pasted from your own site

Do you offer group classes?
Not at this time. We are currently in the process of developing classes and securing locations. More to come on this soon. Please contact us for more information at 919.***.****, or use the "contact us" form.

I thought you didn't believe in group classes????

 

[otch1]

O.K. Alex, very naughty. Ha! We can't go there. You missed my point about Dr Ian Dunbar being on the board of APDT. Him having one of the most recognized training facilities first in London then Berkley CA. and being one of the trainers who helped develope the certification process for Borntolead to actually become a trainer. And Ceasar Milans... very large board and train center in L.A., whom Borntolead gave extreme praise to by calling himself his "clone". We all contradict ourselves fom time to time. Part of the learning process... and while I find BTL is certified w/APDT, he's admitted he's new to the training industry. So... where the heck were you when it came time for trainers to post! You should have posted before he did. lol Tell us about what you do!! I'd like to see a large base of well rounded training posts. Agility, schutzhund, obedience training, ect and you certainly have something to enter about your experience as someone who trains for a living. I know what you do and I think others need some insight about your program.

 

[Borntoleadk9.com]

LOL copied and pasted from your own site

Do you offer group classes?
Not at this time. We are currently in the process of developing classes and securing locations. More to come on this soon. Please contact us for more information at 919.***.****, or use the "contact us" form.

I thought you didn't believe in group classes????

alex

thanks for noticing that. im hoping potential clients will too and CALL. thats when i can secure the one on one training in their home when i tell them that group classes are not being offered. its just a marketing strategy to get people to call so i can engage them in a conversation. 75% of the time i get the client for in-home training when they call for groups and i explain the benefits of in-home vs. group training.

you should have seen what i had up there before. geez. im lucky i wasnt sued by petsmart!! i joke. it wasnt that bad. i just told it like it is. but that wasnt getting as many calls. starting to see the logic?

notice it says to call for more information.

 

[Borntoleadk9.com]

We all contradict ourselves fom time to time.

actually its no contradiction. again, i do not beleive in classes. anything on my website is designed to get the clients to call so we can talk and i can find out more about the needs they have. if they just refuse private training and are adamant about classes, i refer them to a colleague whom i help out every now and then with her dog and puppy classes. its important to note that i do this to a) gain more experience and b) work with dogs because i love to and love to help people. i do not get paid.

i am not going to say that categorically classes suck. thats not the case. for socialization they are clutch! but for obedience and dealing with issues that always occur in the home or in the dog's "territory", i find classes to usually do little to actually solve the real problem. also, when dogs are in kennels, they are working with pros, who know how to train dogs with results. once they get home, they will find the same owner who let them get away with anything and revert right back to their old ways.