Obedience training...?

Question

We are taking Max, our APBT for a consult with a trainer tonight to see what kind of work he needs and if we like the guy's training methods. Is there anything specific I need to ask or make sure of when I go?

Answer 1

Asking him how long he's been a trainer is a give-in.

More important is getting the details of his training methods. You and I both know that APBTs are people-pleasers by nature, and thrive on positive reinforcement. You do not want a trainer that uses harsh physical corrections. Ask if you can sit in on a session with another client (without your dog), so that you can see him in action.

Bottom line: You know what your dog needs. If his methods make you uncomfortable at all, find another.

Answer 2

I'd ask how long this person has been a trainer. Turns out that the person who taught Eli's class of "puppy education" (That cracks me up) was teaching her very first class. We asked Qs that she couldn't asnwer.

I really wish there were good trainers around here.

Add: I agree with what Memphisbelle says about Greekman. If I wanted to know specific questions about what to ask a trainer, I'd email him, but, that's just my opinion.

When Max is finished, see if his trainer would come to NE FL to train Eli. There are absolutely NO trainers here. The one that I've found doesn't do training sessions until winter.

Answer 3

I would ask how much experience the trainer has with your breed.   I would ask what the policies are for missing a class and make up.   Also some trainers will repeat 1 or 2 classes with you for free.    We went through petco and had a really good trainer.    Ask if they use force or punishment (you don't want your dog manhandled)  You want postive training.   The other will make your dog scared and fearful.     Don't be afraid to ask any and all questions that pop into your mind.  

Good luck to you and Max

ADD:  We had a one on one training class as well.   They offer both.

SO is it a trainer or a behaviorist.  Sounds like a behaviorist.

Answer 4

Before I let someone train my dogs now, I go to watch a class to assess the training methods. My youngest Dobermann JJ's puppy classes were excellent, but as he grew into a junior and needed the training methods modified, they weren't much help.

Greekman's advice was far more useful, prong collars were never recommended at any English training clubs I have been to.

Answer 5

Well we went to PetSmart and this guy first met my dog and was letting my dog l**k his face and really seemed to enjoy himself (i was completely  grossed out) but then we went to a class and he really knew what he is talking about and we learned that he fosters cocker spaniels and has four at the moment and he has talked about things he has taught them that are really impressive so I would ask what he has had experience teaching and if he's had experience raising dogs and/or fostering problem dogs.