I am concerned because after reading many posts here, I think I have made a mistake with my choice of trainers. I did a lot of research before choosing a trainer and went with this guy who I thought would be great because he was recommended by a boxer organization.
He has been to my house two times now and I am worried. The first time, we really worked on "no bite" because Lola was biting me like crazy no matter what I did. I had tried all of the methods recommended here and it did not work at all. So he showed me his technique (which I cannot describe here) which did cause her discomfort but got her to stop biting. We worked on other things that day such as wait, etc... None of these used discomfort to teach and she learned them well. I was apprehensive but decided to give him another chance.
Last week he came to my house and he brought one of the collars we cannot discuss here. He then proceeded to show me how to correct her while he taught us curbing. Lola got very upset and reacted terribly. I told him that I did not agree with using that collar and correcting her this way. After all, she is only 4.5 months old and is just being a puppy. I do not want a perfect dog - just one that is good in general. I was in tears after witnessing this.
He told me that the problem was that my dog does not respect me or see me as the leader. He said that these were his methods and that they were the only ones proven to work. He said that with a breed like boxers you have to assert control and this was the way to do it. He said if I do not do this now, when she is big she could hurt me or someone else and I will end up having to give her up for aggression.
I talked to him about the Dog Listener and he said that was a bunch of BS. I have talked to people locally who use him and love him and others who hate him. Basically, the conclusion I have come to is that he is probably good with dogs that already have problem but I do not think he is right for my Lola. I do not know where to go from here. Should I get her into a socialization class or is it too late? Everyone here tells me that the PetCo classes are a waste of time. Can I get some feedback.
He has been to my house two times now and I am worried. The first time, we really worked on "no bite" because Lola was biting me like crazy no matter what I did. I had tried all of the methods recommended here and it did not work at all. So he showed me his technique (which I cannot describe here) which did cause her discomfort but got her to stop biting. We worked on other things that day such as wait, etc... None of these used discomfort to teach and she learned them well. I was apprehensive but decided to give him another chance.
Last week he came to my house and he brought one of the collars we cannot discuss here. He then proceeded to show me how to correct her while he taught us curbing. Lola got very upset and reacted terribly. I told him that I did not agree with using that collar and correcting her this way. After all, she is only 4.5 months old and is just being a puppy. I do not want a perfect dog - just one that is good in general. I was in tears after witnessing this.
He told me that the problem was that my dog does not respect me or see me as the leader. He said that these were his methods and that they were the only ones proven to work. He said that with a breed like boxers you have to assert control and this was the way to do it. He said if I do not do this now, when she is big she could hurt me or someone else and I will end up having to give her up for aggression.
I talked to him about the Dog Listener and he said that was a bunch of BS. I have talked to people locally who use him and love him and others who hate him. Basically, the conclusion I have come to is that he is probably good with dogs that already have problem but I do not think he is right for my Lola. I do not know where to go from here. Should I get her into a socialization class or is it too late? Everyone here tells me that the PetCo classes are a waste of time. Can I get some feedback.
LOL.
