Health and Trainer Issues

MattL · 09-15-2011, 10:15 AM

Greetings Everyone:
So I have had a few posts regarding my dog Ace coming down with coccidia. He is almost 11 weeks old. He has been on 250mg Albon since Friday 9/9 which finished on Tuesday. He’s been on 250mg twice a day Flagyl since Monday and will be on it for 10 days.

My main issue is with a puppy class I have enrolled him in. It had its second session on Tuesday which Ace was unable to attend due to being symptomatic and the trainer doesn’t want to risk the spread of the parasite. It’s understandable and I am fine with it. The trainer wants documentation of a "clean bill of health" before he can come back to class. She said the vet could e-mail her regarding the matter. According to the vet he should stay out of class till the series of flagyl is finished which would be on 9/22, again I can deal with him missing another class.

I received an e-mail from the trainer this morning saying that she got an e-mail from the vet but that it wasn’t enough. She wants me to have a stool sample tested and get Ace examined again before he can come to class. Does this seem unreasonable to anyone else? I've paid $140 for a training class that is non refundable and I am at over $200 in vet bills to deal with coccidia already. If I want to follow through with the training class I am looking at a $35 fecal test and possibly a $40 office visit.

It’s my understanding that Coccidia is something that can stay in the dogs system for some time and as the puppy gets older his immune system keeps it in check. I feel like this trainer is making things more difficult than it needs to be. I am going to be contacting the vet later today to see what can be done frankly with everything I have been through with the little guy; I don't need the added stress of a difficult trainer as there are plenty in my area.

Thoughts? Advice? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Stosh · 09-15-2011, 10:54 AM

I think an email from the vet should do it. As long as other pups are not in contact with you dog's poop I wouldn't think there's a high risk of infecting them. She should at least let you transfer the class fee to the next round of classes.

MattL · 09-21-2011, 04:02 PM

So I am glad I spoke with my Vet. She feels that getting Ace tested again is a reasonable request. I still think its overkill but I’m not a vet. He is not showing any symptoms and is back to eating normal kibble.

I will say that I am officially done with my trainer when this class is over. I went to class last night without my puppy to observe and try the lessons with him when I get home. She acted surprised that I didn't bring Ace to class. We had another person whose puppy was sick observing the class as well. At the end of the session she seemed accusatory toward us and telling us that "We need to bring our puppies to class."

I walked out to my car to head home and on the way home it hit me how ridiculous the whole situation was. Here I am paying for a class up front with the condition of no refunds. She demands that I keep him out of class till the 10 day antibiotic prescription is finished then asks me to get another parasite test before he comes back. This trainer has the nerve to act rude and wonder why I don’t bring him to class.

I am sorry for ranting but this whole situation has been a total pain in the neck. I am sure there are other trainers in the area that would appreciate my business more than she does. You live you learn I guess. I have had such a great experience with my vets’ office who also offers training classes so I will look into what they offer.

**JakodaCD OA** · 09-21-2011, 04:06 PM

I don't think it's unreasonable to request another fecal..

However, I would have been quite irritated when first she says 'don't bring him', you show up, and she is "where is he?"

I would have brought it up, and said LOOK you said don't bring him till I get another fecal, so why chastise me in front of others when I am DOING what you asked??

Stosh · 09-21-2011, 04:14 PM

The trainers at our club tell everyone the first night of class that if your dog is sick please leave it home but definitely come yourself to observe and get the handouts. After all, dog class in mostly training the handler not the dog, especially in puppy class. She doesn't sound very consistent, and it seems unreasonable that you absolutely can't get a refund- especially under the circumstances.

MattL · 09-21-2011, 04:16 PM

JakodaCD OA:
Exactly my point. I'm the kind of person to choose my words carefully and frequently have great rebuttles pop into my head 10 minutes after they would have been useful. With 3 classes left I figure its not worth the trouble and I don't need the added stress. I'll take what I can away from the sessions and be done with it. Customer service issues aside, I think she has been a decent trainer and knows what she is doing but I'd still like to see what another trainer can offer based on her attitude. I guess its good that she has a job as a dog trainer because I'm not sure she "gets" people very well.

Stosh:
I was told the same thing on the first day. I agree it is reasonable and have no problem with it. I do have a problem with the way in which the trainer acts toward a customer.

msvette2u · 09-21-2011, 04:19 PM

There is always the Better Business Bureau

**JakodaCD OA** · 09-21-2011, 04:30 PM

unfortunately some trainers just don't have 'people' skills but can train a dog

I'm like that to, 10 minutes later and I have a good line to use LOL..

Definately always good to check around and see what's out there in regards to trainers..

MattL · 09-23-2011, 02:37 PM

Well I just got off the phone with my Vets office and my dog Ace is still testing positive for Coccidia. He has not shown any signs of diarrea for over a week and has been on Albon for 5 days and Flagyl for 10. I'm not sure what to do regarding getting him back into class. As you have read from previous posts the trainer has been inconsistant with her policy regarding bring him into class. Any advice, thoughts, ideas?

BowWowMeow · 09-23-2011, 02:49 PM

I'm not going to wade into the mess with your trainer but I have an adult dog with a not-so-great immune system who gets coccidia (from eating bunny poop in the yard!). I have treated him very successfully with an herbal product called, "Kocci Free." His symptoms stop and he tests negative after treatment. Just an option for you...I know quite a few people who have used this when antibiotics weren't doing the trick.

Amazon.com: Kocci Free - All-Natural Anti-Parasitic for Pets (1oz): Kitchen & Dining

09-15-2011, 10:15 AM	#1 (permalink)
MattL Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 33	Health and Trainer Issues Greetings Everyone: So I have had a few posts regarding my dog Ace coming down with coccidia. He is almost 11 weeks old. He has been on 250mg Albon since Friday 9/9 which finished on Tuesday. He’s been on 250mg twice a day Flagyl since Monday and will be on it for 10 days. My main issue is with a puppy class I have enrolled him in. It had its second session on Tuesday which Ace was unable to attend due to being symptomatic and the trainer doesn’t want to risk the spread of the parasite. It’s understandable and I am fine with it. The trainer wants documentation of a "clean bill of health" before he can come back to class. She said the vet could e-mail her regarding the matter. According to the vet he should stay out of class till the series of flagyl is finished which would be on 9/22, again I can deal with him missing another class. I received an e-mail from the trainer this morning saying that she got an e-mail from the vet but that it wasn’t enough. She wants me to have a stool sample tested and get Ace examined again before he can come to class. Does this seem unreasonable to anyone else? I've paid $140 for a training class that is non refundable and I am at over $200 in vet bills to deal with coccidia already. If I want to follow through with the training class I am looking at a $35 fecal test and possibly a $40 office visit. It’s my understanding that Coccidia is something that can stay in the dogs system for some time and as the puppy gets older his immune system keeps it in check. I feel like this trainer is making things more difficult than it needs to be. I am going to be contacting the vet later today to see what can be done frankly with everything I have been through with the little guy; I don't need the added stress of a difficult trainer as there are plenty in my area. Thoughts? Advice? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

09-21-2011, 04:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
JakodaCD OA Moderator Join Date: May 2000 Location: Old Lyme, CT USA Posts: 14,237	I don't think it's unreasonable to request another fecal.. However, I would have been quite irritated when first she says 'don't bring him', you show up, and she is "where is he?" I would have brought it up, and said LOOK you said don't bring him till I get another fecal, so why chastise me in front of others when I am DOING what you asked?? __________________ Diane Danger Danger vom Kleinen Hain aka Masi "Angel" Jakoda's Bewitchen Sami CD OA OAJ OAC NGC OJC RS-O GS-N JS-O TT HIC CGC "Angel" Steinwald's Four x Four CGC HIC TT Harmonyhill's Hy Jynx NA NAJ NAC NJC RS-N JS-N HIC Jakoda's Jagged Edge

09-21-2011, 04:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
MattL Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 33	JakodaCD OA: Exactly my point. I'm the kind of person to choose my words carefully and frequently have great rebuttles pop into my head 10 minutes after they would have been useful. With 3 classes left I figure its not worth the trouble and I don't need the added stress. I'll take what I can away from the sessions and be done with it. Customer service issues aside, I think she has been a decent trainer and knows what she is doing but I'd still like to see what another trainer can offer based on her attitude. I guess its good that she has a job as a dog trainer because I'm not sure she "gets" people very well. Stosh: I was told the same thing on the first day. I agree it is reasonable and have no problem with it. I do have a problem with the way in which the trainer acts toward a customer. Last edited by MattL; 09-21-2011 at 04:19 PM.

09-21-2011, 04:30 PM	#8 (permalink)
JakodaCD OA Moderator Join Date: May 2000 Location: Old Lyme, CT USA Posts: 14,237	unfortunately some trainers just don't have 'people' skills but can train a dog I'm like that to, 10 minutes later and I have a good line to use LOL.. Definately always good to check around and see what's out there in regards to trainers.. __________________ Diane Danger Danger vom Kleinen Hain aka Masi "Angel" Jakoda's Bewitchen Sami CD OA OAJ OAC NGC OJC RS-O GS-N JS-O TT HIC CGC "Angel" Steinwald's Four x Four CGC HIC TT Harmonyhill's Hy Jynx NA NAJ NAC NJC RS-N JS-N HIC Jakoda's Jagged Edge

09-23-2011, 02:49 PM	#10 (permalink)
BowWowMeow Crowned Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 14,798	I'm not going to wade into the mess with your trainer but I have an adult dog with a not-so-great immune system who gets coccidia (from eating bunny poop in the yard!). I have treated him very successfully with an herbal product called, "Kocci Free." His symptoms stop and he tests negative after treatment. Just an option for you...I know quite a few people who have used this when antibiotics weren't doing the trick. Amazon.com: Kocci Free - All-Natural Anti-Parasitic for Pets (1oz): Kitchen & Dining Amazon.com: Kocci Free - All-Natural Anti-Parasitic for Pets (1oz): Kitchen & Dining __________________ Ruth & the 4 Legged Rescue Gang Rafi the malaroo http://www.dogster.com/dogs/693238 Gio & Varda, the krazy kittens ....In my heart: Cleo Kitty Chama Kai Basu Massie

09-15-2011, 10:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 8,434	I think an email from the vet should do it. As long as other pups are not in contact with you dog's poop I wouldn't think there's a high risk of infecting them. She should at least let you transfer the class fee to the next round of classes.

09-21-2011, 04:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
MattL Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 33	So I am glad I spoke with my Vet. She feels that getting Ace tested again is a reasonable request. I still think its overkill but I’m not a vet. He is not showing any symptoms and is back to eating normal kibble. I will say that I am officially done with my trainer when this class is over. I went to class last night without my puppy to observe and try the lessons with him when I get home. She acted surprised that I didn't bring Ace to class. We had another person whose puppy was sick observing the class as well. At the end of the session she seemed accusatory toward us and telling us that "We need to bring our puppies to class." I walked out to my car to head home and on the way home it hit me how ridiculous the whole situation was. Here I am paying for a class up front with the condition of no refunds. She demands that I keep him out of class till the 10 day antibiotic prescription is finished then asks me to get another parasite test before he comes back. This trainer has the nerve to act rude and wonder why I don’t bring him to class. I am sorry for ranting but this whole situation has been a total pain in the neck. I am sure there are other trainers in the area that would appreciate my business more than she does. You live you learn I guess. I have had such a great experience with my vets’ office who also offers training classes so I will look into what they offer.

09-21-2011, 04:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 8,434	The trainers at our club tell everyone the first night of class that if your dog is sick please leave it home but definitely come yourself to observe and get the handouts. After all, dog class in mostly training the handler not the dog, especially in puppy class. She doesn't sound very consistent, and it seems unreasonable that you absolutely can't get a refund- especially under the circumstances.

09-21-2011, 04:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
msvette2u Crowned Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Beautiful Pacific NW Posts: 5,533	There is always the Better Business Bureau

09-23-2011, 02:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
MattL Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 33	Well I just got off the phone with my Vets office and my dog Ace is still testing positive for Coccidia. He has not shown any signs of diarrea for over a week and has been on Albon for 5 days and Flagyl for 10. I'm not sure what to do regarding getting him back into class. As you have read from previous posts the trainer has been inconsistant with her policy regarding bring him into class. Any advice, thoughts, ideas?

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