Trainer Problem

[Muttluvr]

This is likely true

He told me that the problem was that my dog does not respect me or see me as the leader.

This is definitely NOT

He said that these were his methods and that they were the only ones proven to work.

I would not have this guy back. Even if you've already paid for more "lessons" from him, you'll be doing more harm than good. There are other methods to show you're alpha, without involving violence (and some studies show that alpha dogs don't usually resort to violence, it's the dogs who are striving to be alpha). My personal favorite is the NILIF (Nothing In Life Is Free) way of living. You can google this and find a lot of info on the internet, but basically you're just expecting your dog to earn everything he gets. You want dinner? Wait for a release first. You want to go outside? Sit at the door and wait for a release. You want on the couch? Only when you're invited (or not at all for some). There are different levels of NILIF. Some people go as far as to not even pet the dog without expecting a behavior first. We're more laid back about it, but it really depends on the dog.

It's definitley more of a way of life than a "theory".

 

[efb01]

Lolita, I know where you are coming from.

Since I live in the Houston area and had the local Boxer organization recommend a trainer I KNOW who you are talking about. You even quoted him dead on about dog needs to respect you and be the leader. I also pulled my dog out of his class when he overcorrected Sherlock because he was not walking fast enough. He yanked on Sherlock's leash so hard it picked Sherlock up off the ground by all fours. Sherlock would not come out from behind me when he approached which only made the trainer more irrate. I'm like you, I don't want the perfect dog but I knew I didn't want one that "respected me" because he was terrified of me. We didn't go back. The one thing that I gained from the class was I do have Sherlock's attention when I call his name. Yes, some people love him and some hate him (kinda like President Bush or Michael Jackson). Ask your vet or co-workers who have dogs for a recommendation. My vet gave me an excellent recommendation. She would come to my house. Unfortanately she has now left the Houston area. The SPCA and Petsmart do classes. But once the basics were established I got information off the internet, videos, and books for further training. Don't give up and go with your gut. If the technique makes you uncomfortable-change.

 

[Lolita]

efb01.... thank you thank you thank you!!! I feel so much better knowing it is not just me being overprotective or whimpy!!!! That is what he told me. He made me feel so terrible. I questioned EVERYTHING I did with my dog after he left my house. Not just that but everytime he comes to my house Lola pees on the floor. She does not do this with ANYONE else except for him. He says it is a puppy excitement thing but then why does she not do it when everyone else comes to my house? Just him! And you are right that when the dog gets scared, he just gets more irritated. I am so glad that someone who has been in his class responded to my email.

I have read the Dog Whisperer and I am incorporating those concepts in my home and I am hopefull that it will work. I am also going to find another trainer. It is too bad the other person you worked with moved. Did she use clicker training or treats or what? The trainer we were working with says that neither of those methods work with Boxers because they only work when you have the clicker or the treat in your hand. Can you tell me what worked for you?

 

[Dixie_Belle]

We are putting Dixie into Petsmart kindergarten classes and will then put her in more advanced classes. The trainer we want to use owns boxers and dalmations, so she KNOWS how to deal with the ADHD tendencies of boxers. We're excited to get her into classes. Like everyone else said trust your instincts. Only you know your dog.

 

[pricerj7]

Trainers

I am in Atlanta and have a boxer, Isis, who is now 18 months old. I took her to both the personal trainer as well as the pet smart classes. Unlike many of the people on this thread, I want an obedient dog. My ultimate goal is to be able to take her to the park off leash and while amongst all dogs, if I call, she will instantly come.

While I've used both the treat method (Pet Smart) and the negative reinforcement method (Personal Trainer) I have gotten MUCH more use from the personal trainer. Although he uses negative reinforcement, he stresses the need to take breaks with the her while training because of the stress that the training can put on a her. During the breaks, he encouraged me to play and run around with her. He encouraged me to make games out of training as well. He does not believe in (bribing) the dog in order to get the dog to do what you want.

Ultimately, I use pet smart for socialization more than anything, but at the same time, I don't see a problem with incorporating some of all aspects in training. This way you can help prevent your dog from getting bored with the same thing as they can easily do.

 

[Maniago]

and the negative reinforcement method (Personal Trainer) I have gotten MUCH more use from the personal trainer

With that statement I will remind you of the rules you agreed to.

From the rules we support and promote wholeheartedly positive training and behaviour management, that is, teaching the dog what to do by using positive methods, not teaching a dog what not to do by causing it discomfort and pain. Any threads which appear to promote "negative" training and methods will be closed.

 

[efb01]

Postitive approach

Lolita, the trainer had us just start out with positive praise, lots and lots, Then once Sherlock got it, we then incorporated treats. She noticed right off that Sherlock really likes to be praised, he lives for that!!! (Since I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time, the trainer was concerned that I wouldn't be coordinated enough to click and give a treat ).
You need to find out what motivates your dog: Sherlock - praise, Copper - food.

 

[JulieM]

He does not believe in (bribing) the dog in order to get the dog to do what you want.

This is a common statement, which shows a complete lack of understanding of positive reinforcement training. Using treats (or praise, or toys, or games, or activities, or what have you) in positive training is *not* bribing the dog. It is reinforcing desired behavior. Huge difference there.

 

[sgbtab]

Unlike many of the people on this thread, I want an obedient dog ( from pricerj7)

well my dog's are very obedient and there was never negative training. you do not have to be negative in any way. when we go to the dog park (off leash) my dog's come to me everytime. and I believe it is because they love and trust me. not fear me in any way.

 

[samsonite]

We went through obedience school with Samson, and it was a positive reinforcement through food and praise. Our trainer used cut-up hot dogs because the dogs can eat them very fast and they don't crumble like biscuits. The goal was to work several times a day for a few weeks with food and praise, and slowly phase out the food treats. It really did work! Samson LOVED training, he still loves learning and practicing his tricks! The funniest thing is to watch him when he sees something he wants. Hel'll go through all his tricks without being asked. People think it's cute, but other dogs tend to stare at him like he's crazy for expecting them to play with him because he can roll over!
Anyway, for the biting: we had a lot of trouble with Samson trying to use our arms and legs as teething toys. Our trainer told us to fill a water gun with vinegar, always carry it or have several around your house, and squirt in his mouth when he bites. It only took two squirts for him to stop. We switched to water because I didn't like squirting vinegar around the house, I was also scared I'd hit his eyes. :0