Bark Busters - Opinions please!

[GSDMUM]

I had signed on with Bark Busters. I was pleased with the first two visits but am left wondering if I am too much of a "softie" and a failure at being the "Alpha" in certain ways orare my feelings about some training method or assessments of myself or my dog are correct or not. Before I get into that, I would like your unbiased opinions on what you really think, pro or con about the Bark Buster methods.

[gsdraven]

Personally, not a fan. They are too heavy handed for me and I am not a subscriber to Alpha non-sense. I think there are much better ways to have a respectful relationship with your dog than to constantly try and show them who's boss.

I am also a big proponent of going with your gut. If it doesn't feel right, it usually isn't.

[bocron]

I met a Bark Busters owner/trainer a couple of years ago at an event. He seemed like a nice enough guy, I did not get any info about training methods. I did, however, hear about their business model a bit. From what I gather they seem to want to sell people on these big packages, or even lifetime training things, but have tracked it and learned that a huge percentage of the people use on average 3 lessons, sometimes up to 5 lessons and then never use the rest. So their goal is to sell at somewhat of a discount and then assume they won't actually have to do all that training. So their per lesson rate is actually pretty high if you base it on what really gets used.
The guy was telling me this as a "fellow" trainer, I guess assuming that we get the same rate of use.
I don't like the fact that you can get a trainer who has put out a shingle based on their training criteria, a short course and away you go. Some of the franchise owners have years of experience, while some just took their course. It's a crap shoot I guess.

[Holmeshx2]

Don't like them.... AT ALL!!!!!!! Personally, I want my trainer to be invested in the dog and actually care not worried about some "scheme" Also, we have called one out a long time ago (before knowing about them) and the idiot kept baaaaa'ing like a sheep at the dog as a form of correction. Tehn he would throw things on the floor to scare the dog and use them as "corrections" just a bunch of stupid stuff thankfully I had a pretty solid dog that just looked at him like he was crazy then looked at me like "mom do I have to" we asked the guy to leave after that. Also, as Jamie said, they are big into "everything is an alpha issue" which drives me nuts. If my dog didn't sit it was because he was declaring himself alpha, if the dog didn't heel it's because he was trying to be alpha and didn't know his place etc... They may have a few good trainers among them however for the most part have not been pleased with what I've seen and heard.

[carmspack]

Don't like them....AT ALL!!! See the vans emblazoned with logo and promotion zooming around , strut around like some puffed up experts - but some have zero experience in training and rely on a handbook with instructions . Very mechanical , poor timing. They are people who bought in to the franchise scheme.
It is not about isolated barking but the overall relation and obedience that the dog has.

Carmen

[msvette2u]

We have declined adoptions to Bark Buster users.
'nuff said

[GSDMUM]

Okay, I appreciate all of your input. I have a few more questions. I was told and I disagree with these (from BB's):
1. Your dog is hiding under the table because he respects me. Iy is not fear but a sign of respect. Really? I see dogs being trained very strictly but positively and they never hide, they look up with strong attention to the trainer or owner and are happy, wide open mouth, tongue hanging out, ears erect.
2.If one aspect of Alpha behavior is not done my the owner, the whole training can collapse. Really? I choose to have one aspect very lenient as it works best for ME.
3. Is letting a curse word out at your puppy by the trainer, calling it a nasty name, being positive. in positive training. Where is the patience by the trainer.
4. Because I admitted to having a hard time with one aspect of training ( see #2), I was told that I was spoiled the dog and that I will never be able to train him in any of it, that I was the problem. What a vote of confidence.
This trainer started out sweet and helpful but we are only a few lessons in and although I didn't train my pup as much as I could have this week due to illness (I did do many of the exercises but not to the best standards) that I was wasting her time.
The trainer interjected a few misplaced compliments after a number of bad comments as if trying to repair what he said.
As I am locked in ( no they will not refund, the main office refuses it to everyone) and no other trainer is in the area), I am not throwing my money away but we are going to have a sit down discussion with the trainer with all of our concerns and boundaries that should never be crossed again.
I researched far and wide for trainers to handle fear agression and other issues not handled in other classes and this seemed to be the best option with great reviews from our area. I was happy with the first few sessions but darn, I am steaming.

[studio1one]

This trainer sounds like they have some very strange ideas to me. Never heard of bark busters as it doesn't exist in the UK but if a trainer told me some of teh stuff you have just said I would be out of the door and never back.

[Holmeshx2]

just for the record if they had my fear aggressive dog (or any dog) hiding under the table from them heads would be rolling. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read up on training print out if you have to and sit down with them and give them the lecture. Let them know that no longer will you be using such harsh methods that this is the manner in which you will be training and they will NOT be doing these things to your dog and they are to be respectful to you and be professional. HOLD THEM TO IT! If they choose not to come back then great they stopped training and owe you your money back if they don't small claims court them for breach of contract. Do not allow them to screw up your dog and if its already fear aggressive your dog is going to get much worse with these methods you need to work on confidence not scaring the heck out of the dog.

[msvette2u]

OH no, they didn't.
Please report them to the Better Business Bureau.
They will refund your money.
Don't go there again.
There is worse things than NO training at all (professional) and this qualifies.
There's a ton of training vids on youtube. Please use them if you cannot find a training buddy or helper.

Originally Posted by GSDMUM

Okay, I appreciate all of your input. I have a few more questions. I was told and I disagree with these (from BB's):
1. Your dog is hiding under the table because he respects me. Iy is not fear but a sign of respect. Really? I see dogs being trained very strictly but positively and they never hide, they look up with strong attention to the trainer or owner and are happy, wide open mouth, tongue hanging out, ears erect.
2.If one aspect of Alpha behavior is not done my the owner, the whole training can collapse. Really? I choose to have one aspect very lenient as it works best for ME.
3. Is letting a curse word out at your puppy by the trainer, calling it a nasty name, being positive. in positive training. Where is the patience by the trainer.
4. Because I admitted to having a hard time with one aspect of training ( see #2), I was told that I was spoiled the dog and that I will never be able to train him in any of it, that I was the problem. What a vote of confidence.
This trainer started out sweet and helpful but we are only a few lessons in and although I didn't train my pup as much as I could have this week due to illness (I did do many of the exercises but not to the best standards) that I was wasting her time.
The trainer interjected a few misplaced compliments after a number of bad comments as if trying to repair what he said.
As I am locked in ( no they will not refund, the main office refuses it to everyone) and no other trainer is in the area), I am not throwing my money away but we are going to have a sit down discussion with the trainer with all of our concerns and boundaries that should never be crossed again.
I researched far and wide for trainers to handle fear agression and other issues not handled in other classes and this seemed to be the best option with great reviews from our area. I was happy with the first few sessions but darn, I am steaming.