German Shepherd Dog Forums - Trainer Needed: Northern California/SF Bay Area

Hi Friends
I am looking for a trainer for our 1YO GS girl, to help with leash aggression and overall building of her confidance. Much of the training will also go to helping ME/our family to being better parents to her, and importantly establishing me as the Alpha. My husband has been in the past year(adopted her at 3months old), however he now travels quite a bit and I am home with her and I think she's a bit put off by who is now the "protector". She is a VERY very sensitive dog, extremly smart and quick to learn. I had her in classes 3 days a week when we first got her, for about six months--until my husband was laid off and we could no longer afford it.

She knows her sit, stay, down commands fairly well. The training I want is to address the leash aggression specifically (when she sees another dog or furry animal she goes crazy wanting to chase them/bark).

I have spoken with many trainers in the area and frankly, it seems that most are "part time" hobbiest trainers, and are not as familiar with addressing challenges. I did find one trainer who I really liked over the phone, Gary Maria in our area, however his fees are VERY high, like $900 for a six week session which we were a bit skeptical about without checking into him further.

I would greatly appreciate feedback and suggestions for a trainer who knows GS dogs and truly knows what they are doing.

thank you,
Elisabeth