Dumped my trainer - still want the 'perfect' trained dog

[mwiacek10]

Not sure if I've picked the right forum for this one, but it's more of a people problem than a trainer/dog problem. I just dumped my trainer. On more than one occasion this person has mentioned to me "we are going to do this my way". I've never given the impression that I would do it another way. We have different beliefs when it comes to the difference of training horses and dogs. Any horse person will tell you that they are not the same – pray vs. predator. Regardless, I was feeling judged and wasn't comfortable with it any longer. I'm feeling bad now because I know my dog really loved going to classes. We've been with this person for over 1-1/2 years, puppy stuff right up to intermediate and now agility. Gunny is a very good dog, no aggression issues, but I know need to keep working with him. He's just shy of two years and I know he's still has some puppy issues – dominance & his recall is a little week (he flat out ignores me in the yard when he thinks he's "working" – that we need to work through. My question is, do I try to do this on my own or find another trainer? Like I said, he's not a problem dog at all. I think it's my personal problem with wanting the "perfect" dog.

[MaggieRoseLee]

My question is, do I try to do this on my own or find another trainer? Like I said, he's not a problem dog at all. I think it's my personal problem with wanting the "perfect" dog.
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Just find another trainer, I know I've been to a bunch and now am with someone who's the best mix to help me and my dogs. The best trainers have an open mind, and if what they recommend isn't working, and I have a way that IS working, then they can learn new things too

On the other hand, I alway try to listen and learn and do it the way being taught (unless it was punishment based and not (at least initially) positive training while the dog is in all the initial learning stages for the behavior.)

One thing I have REALLY learned is just cause the method is new to me, or doesn't make sense to me, I should go with the flow and TRUST my trainer. Cause it turns out that most of the time they DO know what they are talking about....

I think it's my personal problem with wanting the "perfect" dog.

I missed that sentence when I first responded. If you quit your instructor only cause you dog wasn't 'perfect' yet, you may be having a pecular goal that NO ONE can meet. And that training home alone will only bring on a ton of frustration and anger directed at your dog. In the 'you don't know what you don't know' it's hard to have a good eye and SEE an issue when you are in the middle and probably part of the problem.

What I KNOW, for sure, is that dog training is NOT about the dog. Our dogs can learn just fine WHEN THEY ARE TAUGHT PROPERLY IN A WAY THEY UNDERSTAND. This puts the burden back where it belongs. Squarely on MY head or on any other handlers head/hands because when WE learn what we need to... our dogs become BRILLIANT. And when we fail to listen, fail to learn, fail to continue asking questions and learning new methods, then the learning/training stops dead.

So you may need to do a mind shift and no longer be having the 'perfect' dog as a goal at all. But instead have the goal of YOU learning to be the best dog owner/trainer you can be so you can pass on that knowledge to the dog. When this works, your dog will be on it's way to being closer to what we all want, a great loving dog that listens/learns and loves to be with us.

Heck, how's your 'engagement' training? Perfect yet?

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[MaggieRoseLee]

[mwiacek10]

MaggieRose, I didn't dump them because he wasn't perfect. I have some personal issues with perfection, and I need to get over it. There are some other underlying issues between and this person and I as well. Regardless, Gunny is a wonderfully, trained and loving dog. The only issue I'm having at this point is truely getting his attention when he's "zoned" out. He gets extremely focused and its difficult for me to get him back to me (mentally and sometimes physically). I'm not sure if I should just let it go or continue with another trainer. He's really a good dog. I have no desires to complete, so why do I feel the need for him to be (in my eyes) "perfect?

I do however appreciate the comments and videos. You have been quite helpful.