Starting 1:1 training this week...
 

My Yoschi is right at five months old.... we're starting 1:1 schutzhund training on Wednesday.

*I'll be keeping a journal,, for sure.

*The trainer said we'll be working on "imprinting"

*We'll do 30 minutes of specific behavior training and 30 minutes of play traing as well as planning for my at home training for the week.

What questions should I be asking?
What should I be looking for in my trainer and in my dog?
Are there any red flags I should look for in my trainer and/or in my dog?

FYI, I am a complete novice to formal training

Just go and have fun.
You should be handling your dog, not the trainer. If the trainer wants to show you things, hopefully s/he'll have a demo dog and not use Yoschi. I think your trainer will be working on you as much as Yoschi, footwork, positioning and line handling is important.

Always end every session on a positive note, and crate him after your session.

I'd get the book from Sheila Booth Welcome to Dogwise.com it has a great foundation for puppy chapter, and helps to understand different training exercises.

Who are you training with?

I'm in Austin, Tx
I'm training with a guy named Rex from Canine Headquarters in Hutto

Not familiar with him. I know a few of the SchH people down there, but he isn't one of them. :) I was mostly curious.

He's a young guy, with long brown hair... seems nice enough... hopefully he knows his stuff :)

yeah you do Lisa... Canine Headquaters is Dave Kroyer's place :-)

So,, am I in good hands? :)

First day of training went well... I think I like this guy... we covered some basics. He described his style of training. He teaches in a way that makes sense to me... its a balance of reward and correction. You reward to teach engagement and for repetitive learning .... once the dog learns then you use corrections. Having worked at a juvenile behavioral treatment facility for years,, a balance of strong rewards and fair, timely punishment has been what we always use,, so it makes sense to me.

Thank's Frank. Yes, I know who that is. LOL