Question For Trainers

[Gharrissc]

If you are working with a shelter dog,do you think it's harder to get the training to stick if you just work with the dogs at the shelter,but don't take them for private training? There are so many people handling the dogs,and unless everyone is being told to do the same thing, I would think that it would be pretty confusing for the dog.

[onyx'girl]

I agree, and the stress in the shelter won't have them focusing or processing lessons as they could in a one on one situation. When I volunteered at a rescue, anyone could take a dog out for socializing/etc with little training themselves...it wasn't in the dogs best interest other than getting them out of the kennel for a bit.
Some of the people probably had no clue handling or managing certain dogs, let alone 'train' with them.
First and foremost there should be a protocol within the volunteers/staff so consistency is given. And updates on the dogs progress should be documented every session.

[Gharrissc]

This was the problem with our city shelter.There was a trainer who came in a couple of times per week to work with certain dogs. He would take them to a field across the street from the shelter and the dogs did great for him. Once they were put back in the kennel, all of the training was undone by other volunteers and staff. Even though the dogs were being taught, it was kind of an uphill battle with all of the other people who handle the dogs.

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

First and foremost there should be a protocol within the volunteers/staff so consistency is given. And updates on the dogs progress should be documented every session.