So, I now have a list of three different people in my town who are willing to work with Gypsy. Best of all, two of them are the more balanced sort of trainer I had been looking for. After being told by an expensive positive-only trainer in the city that my dog could not even make it through a basic OB class, I was feeling really disheartened. Then we had a private lesson this Sunday with a local trainer who actually went for a walk with us and watched her responses to the neighborhood dogs. She said, "I don't think you have a problem here." Showed me proper leash handling and Gypsy calmed down right away. Sigh of relief! We are now signed up for obedience classes in the fall.
Here is what I have learned from this experience, for the benefit of others:
1. Always get a second and third opinion. Trainers and behaviorists are different animals.
2. Word of mouth is important: I found out about these trainers from a pet store owner and a GSD breeder, specifically. Just ask politely and even total strangers can help.
3. Take your time. Uncover some leads, investigate, then take a break. It can be easy to "settle" for something you are not happy with just because it is readily available.
Just my thoughts. I feel like a huge weight is off my shoulders.
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Here is what I have learned from this experience, for the benefit of others:
1. Always get a second and third opinion. Trainers and behaviorists are different animals.
2. Word of mouth is important: I found out about these trainers from a pet store owner and a GSD breeder, specifically. Just ask politely and even total strangers can help.
3. Take your time. Uncover some leads, investigate, then take a break. It can be easy to "settle" for something you are not happy with just because it is readily available.
Just my thoughts. I feel like a huge weight is off my shoulders.
Sent from Petguide.com Free App
