What questions would you ask possible trainers?

[pinx05]

I am in search of a trainer for my GSD. She is not quite 8 weeks now, but I am looking for something now so I am not rushed to do it later. I have found a couple but I really don't know what to look for or ask.

If you were looking for a new trainer what would you ask?

Oh I might add I am just looking for obedience training at this point.

Any input or suggestions are welcome!

[TitonsDad]

Questions I asked my trainer...

1) Do you believe in positive training atmosphere?

2) Do you believe in motivational training techniques?

3) Do you have any references from people that have taken training from you before?

4) Do you have dogs living with you that you have personally trained?

5) Is training fun for you to do or do you take training seriously?

[onyx'girl]

Along w/ the above, I like to see different surfaces, noises for the dogs to experiment with~wobbleboard, placeboard(teaching rear end awareness) maybe a shortened height dogwalk.
Puppies having all parts of their body touched/massaged(especially feet, ears, mouth for grooming). That is the first thing we did at one class, first few minutes, we sat w/ pups and just touched them, put them in a relaxed mode as they learned to be gently handled.
The bond you form w/ your pup is most important, so the focus in the first set of classes should be pup focusing on your face and gaining confidence in the new surroundings. All fun, and not too long of sessions.
I wouldn't want to have "puppy playtime" unless the pups are all under control and no bullying. That can take away a pups confidence real quick.
I think in most beginning ob classes they focus on new dog owners and how to deal w/ housetraining and the problems some are having.
So if you've already been there, done that it can be a bit tedius w/ some of the new owners learning how to just deal w/ having a pup in their lives.
The real obedience comes much later.

[JakodaCD OA]

and the big one, I would go and observe a puppy class to see if it's 'controlled' or 'chaos', and ask to observe a more advanced class as well..

Do the dogs look happy?? how does the trainer interact with the clients?? is it cramped or open spaced??

Definately go observe..IF the trainer doesn't allow observers, I'd walk away ..

[Cassidy's Mom]

Are you looking for a trainer or group classes? I'd recommend group classes for socializing a puppy, you really don't need a private trainer.

Do the people you've found have websites we can take a look at?

If you put your general location in your profile you might get some specific recommendations in your area.

[jenedge24]

do any of you train dogs? and if so why can't you live in Idaho!!!?
On another topic I had mentoned that I was having a hard time finding a trainer that was ok with my dog not being neutered. We've only had him a few months and would have got him into training sooner, more for bonding, he's pretty obedient. after his surgery this month ( he's a crypto) hopefully we can find someone!
Great input!

[pinx05]

Originally Posted By: Cassidys MomAre you looking for a trainer or group classes? I'd recommend group classes for socializing a puppy, you really don't need a private trainer.

Do the people you've found have websites we can take a look at?

If you put your general location in your profile you might get some specific recommendations in your area.

I am really just looking for anything group or a trainer.

I have a couple of websites.
I don't really like this one, because I just don't think it is what I want. I am being pushed by my in-laws to do this one, they all say he is SO good... but yet they don't take their dogs to him, or any trainer for that matter.
http://www.wckkennels.com/training.htm

I was referred to this place from a different site to take my Dobe to.
http://www.aotcdogs.com/

and this is the one that my husband wants us to put her in.
http://www.ktk9s.com/index.htm

I think they are all very different from the next and maybe that is why I am having a hard time choosing.

I changed my location on my profile but I am in Amarillo, Tx.

Thank you everyone for your replies so far.

[ShawnM]

I'm surprised there are trainers that won't accept unaltered dogs. What I ask my clients first is what do they want to do with their dog. Is the issue behavioral or obedience? Depending on the situation sometimes it's best that the owners are present, other times not so much. Most behavioral issues are easier knocked out at the home as opposed to being at the facility. Ask the trainer if you can sit in on a session ( I don't do group classes but they can watch me work with my dogs or another clients). Ask if they will do a free evaluation on your dog to see what the trainer thinks will be the way to success for YOU to handle your dog, not the trainer to handle your dog. It will also give the trainer an idea of how best to work with the dog and what method to use. Any decent trainer will make any decent dog look great. The key is to get the owner and the dog to work as a team. Every situation is different, with different owners, different ideas, different situations. The best advice I can give is to look at the trainers dogs, see their relationship and how they interact as a team. If you get a good feeling while talking with him/ her then go for it. If you don't like it, run away.

[Achielles UD]

Well, after looking at your choices, for me its a no brainer!

Go to the AOTC.

Not enough information on the willow creek site and the KtK9's is a board and train only program.

As far as what to ask a trainer; Some of it depends on what you want, but as a trainer, along with those already listed I love to hear questions like:

What methods do you use?
How many dogs are allowed in class?
What are your (trainers) qualifications?
Are you a member of any professional organizations? (NADOI, APDT, IABC or have their CPDT?)

GOod luck! But stay away from the boarding training! IMHO

[BuoyantDog]

Ambrose4, I hear ya! It is hard to find trainers and classes when you live in the boondocks! Glory is currently taking a level 2 obedience class, but we have to drive 1.5 hours to get there and 1.5 hours to go back home....every Tuesday! At least it's only for 7 weeks though. Then, on Tuesdays, I do my "civilization stuff" like shopping, etc.

As far as picking trainers....because they are often so far away, I visit their websites and read thoroughly about them. I call them on the phone and get a feel for them. This is for group classes only, mind you, and I feel I can't be too picky because of my location. That being said, I did the above mentioned things, and I am happy with Glory's current class and instructor.