Which option for training? - Page 1

Being new to looking for trainers/training, I have no idea what to look for and I'm in need of advice.  We recently adopted a 2yo GSD that I feel would benefit from training.  She's got some basics down (sit, stay, come), but they're weak and at her whim - I spend a lot of time 'waiting her out'.  She starts off walks thinking it's a race and pulls, but settles into a loose-leash or traffic-handle walk after a bit.  She runs really well with me, actually she's better about not pulling when we're running than when walking.  I try to provide plenty of exercise (running, walking, fetch), but it just never seems to be enough - she's brimming with energy.

So, in checking into training here, I've found places where I can leave her with them to train for a period of time or have someone come to my home for 2-3 hours to work with us and then leave a packet of info for us to work on.  I'm not sure which would be more effective, or if there are other options I'm not aware of.  I don't mind doing the work myself, but I'm not sure that I'm doing things right, or the most effective way...for her.  Our other dog was already trained when we took her and we've just reinforced that and taught her a few other things.  The GSD is not food-motivated and *seems* (I say seems because I'm not sure if it's her breed/personality or she just isn't used to it) indifferent to praise, which are things we've used with the other dog and had work very well. 

I'm hesitant to leave her with someone to train because she's already left one family and has only been with us for a few months.  I don't want to perpetuate any feelings of confusion or abandonment....if that's even an issue in a boarded training situation.  For those with knowledge of these types of training - is that something I should be concerned with?  For a trainer to come to us, could he really show us what we need to know in one 2-3 hour session and a packet?  It just makes it seem too easy, but that could just be my cynicism.

Any feedback/opinions are appreciated, as I'm really not sure of the best way to go.  Thanks in advance.

Personally I never recommend sending a dog away to be trained, you just don't know what they are doing to the dog.  They can tell you they use praise etc but once you are gone God only knows what your dog is dealing with.  We are just finishing up training a dog that was "in Board Trained" he went there because of typical puppy stuff pulling, jumping and not paying attention, what they picked up was a severly food aggressive dog that has now bitten several people. The dog was also thin when they picked him up so again who knows what has been done to him.  I would recommend finding a group/private class where you can attend several weeks with your dog.  Check into local dog clubs to see what they have to offer.  You can also check online under AKC.org they will have obedience clubs listed.  Everyone has their own methods etc but personally I like working with dogs one on one with the owner we take the dog show what you will be working on for the week then have every member of the house work the dog in front of us to tweek any issues that we see.  We usually do 6 week classes and the dogs never stay with us, everything is done right in front of the owner.  You can see the good and bad that your dog might do and learn what your response should be.  Just my own opinion but we've had to retrain way too many "in-Board Trained" dogs for my liking and most either are aggressive or super submissive afterward.  I would also stop in and watch a class prior to joining you can talk to the owners and get a feel for what they think of the trainer, what issues did their dog have and has the trainer helped them.  Best of luck!
amy

Are you seeking general Obedience and good control, or a specific area such as Schutzhund?

What options and preferences are available to you in your area? 

Is it possible for you to visit a few Clubs, and meet the Trainers, watch Classes in action, and then stay a little longer to watch a more advanced Class too.  This will help you see how the Trainer can progress Owners and dogs.  You equally want to see that the dogs have good manners and the Owners have good control not only when they are working the exercises, but generally, and that goes for the advanced groups too.

Bear in mind that you are relying on a Trainer's experience, knowledge and skill.  This does vary greatly, which is why it is important in your choice.

I would not leave a dog to be trained by someone else.  Building trust, teamwork and respect is all part of working with and training your dog.  So finding the right person to guide and help you, will help you both learn and progress in your relationship together.


Kind Regards,
Vixen

I had my previous shep and got her damaged. The people I bought her from never socialzed her and ruined her. I paid for a trainer to come to my house and work with her and that helped for a little bit but not quite the way that I wanted her to be. We were moving to Germany and I wanted her to have more socialization and I sent her to a training place on a Monday afternoon and On Tuesday Morning I got a phone call that she died. She did not react the way they said she would and got out of there so called secure kennels and got run over. If I could do it all over again I would, in two years I came a long way with her with my trainer at the house i would go that route if I were you It broke my heart and I would hate for that to happen to someone else.

Thank you all for your feedback.  I've decided not to go with the boarded training option - I was never fully comfortable with the idea, but it was one of the options that I came across.  Ultimately, I want someone to teach *me* how to work/connect with her.  I've developed a strong bond with my other dog and want the same for the GSD, but the same things aren't working, so I need some guidance.  I'm looking for general obedience and control.  I believe something like agility would be awesome for the GSD and that she would thrive, but our options are limited here.  For now, I'm hoping that general obedience combined with the exercise I provide will be good enough.

"So finding the right person to guide and help you, will help you both learn and progress in your relationship together" <<  Well said, and exactly what I want.  I believe I've found someone to work with.  She seemed interested in hearing about my dog and the issues we're facing first, instead of giving me a blanket statement that all my problems could be solved in a 2 hour session and a manual.  She prefers to do a one-on-one visit first to evaluate the dog (and me?) to determine what fit would be best - group sessions or one-on-one training.  She offers small group classes at different locations which I would (ultimately) prefer because meeting other dogs while on a walk/run presents our biggest challenge.  And of course, I was pleased that she suggested we come and check out a session.  She seems to have a great deal of experience and I plan to check more into working with her.

CMora - I'm sorry to hear about your experience, thank you for sharing it.

I hope it all works out for you!! It was a terrible loss then leaving the country without her drove me crazy my husband then bought me another shepherd not to replace her but to help ease my pain as she was my baby. Let me know how it all goes, it was a long two years with the trainer but we came a long way on one on one visits and play sessions and ect. Good luck to you :)

I hope it all works out for you!! It was a terrible loss then leaving the country without her drove me crazy my husband then bought me another shepherd not to replace her but to help ease my pain as she was my baby. Let me know how it all goes, it was a long two years with the trainer but we came a long way on one on one visits and play sessions and ect. Good luck to you :)

Train the Dog to respond to you, another person training your dog is no good once you get the dog back you will be back to where you started and have wasted money,
 Get help from someone to guide you and handle the dog yourself it is the only way for the dog to see you as its boss, when the dog does look at you in that vein then things will improve so firm strong verbal commands, and  firm corrections once the dog knows what you want from it
Steve1