Lots of new dog trainers

Rachel 999

Has anyone noticed just how many new dog trainers are cropping up all over the country. Some of them are not cheap and promise to do a lot of wonders for you and your dog.. Is there any way of sorting out the good from the bad.

00112984

I've noticed this too. Had my dog to the vet yesterday and the notice board was teeming with flyers for trainers, groomers and boarding facilities- far more than I've spotted before. The only thing I can think of is that people whose jobs were no longer secure decided to become self-employed in an area they have a passion for- animals.

Personally, the only way I'd decide to go with one trainer (or groomer etc.) over another is through a recommendation from a friend or someone (say on Boards) whose opinion I'd trust.

I'd also shop around price-wise if I'd short-listed a few.

p28559

hi,
i think that there is no absolute training requirement needed to set up as a dog trainer. i know some dog trainers are accredited by a UK group.

in essence it does depend upon recommendations and the impression you get when you talk to such people.

in addition i would think that if after a session or two (over 2 weeks), where the dog owner has put the effort in out of class you should see an improvement in the dog. if you dont maybe you need to change trainer .

i doubt any sensible person would claim to do wonders when the dog may just not cooperate or the owner either....

I am actually looking for one. I have a husky that i want to train in Dublin. Anybody got any sugestions ?

odeacl

In reply to the OP, when sorting the bad from the good I would definately go with a fully quailified trainer.

IMO trainers have a big effect on your dog, and if you wouldnt bring your dog to an unqualified vet why bring them to an unquailifed trainer?!!

In respone to the message above, in dublin I would recommend DogTrainingIreland, I brought my dog there and they were brill, and they are all fully qualified!!

Rachel 999

What is a qualifed TRAINER. Which is better1. A young person who has done acourse and got some letters behind their name. R 2. Some one who has years of experience and may not have the fancy letters after their name.:):):)

odeacl wrote: »

In reply to the OP, when sorting the bad from the good I would definately go with a fully quailified trainer.

IMO trainers have a big effect on your dog, and if you wouldnt bring your dog to an unqualified vet why bring them to an unquailifed trainer?!!

In respone to the message above, in dublin I would recommend DogTrainingIreland, I brought my dog there and they were brill, and they are all fully qualified!!

p28559

option 2..............

odeacl

From personal experience I would definately prefer option 1.

Having been to both with my dog, I would never go to anyone with years of experience and no letters after their name.

I did once because I was under the same impression as you, yes my dog was trained but then I went to the youngs ones with letters, my dog was trained more efficiently and in a much nicer way too.

The person with years of experience under their belt bullied the dog into being good, using choke chains and loud voices....scaring the dog.

The young ones who went to college and learnt about dogs etc. Used rewards such as petting throwing a ball etc, and suddenly my dog wanted to learn, enjoyed going to classes and spending time with me, instead of being afraid of being shouted at.

Theres no point having a trained dog, if he isnt a happy trained dog. While im sure not all people with years of experience are like this, I have heard of many who are.

Also I felt alot safer in the classes with the quailified trainers, as they knew how to diffuse any difficult situation arising between two dogs calmy and swiftly, whereas the trainer with years of experience did alot of yanking of chains flapping of arms and hitting, to no effect.

Rachel 999

Yes I agree that the younger qualified should be better but I have come across situations were their lack of experience has left them wanting if difficult situations arise.Older trainers do tend to bully the dogs into submission but some of them are changing. What is your opion on Ceaser Millan.:):):)

odeacl wrote: »

From personal experience I would definately prefer option 1.

Having been to both with my dog, I would never go to anyone with years of experience and no letters after their name.

I did once because I was under the same impression as you, yes my dog was trained but then I went to the youngs ones with letters, my dog was trained more efficiently and in a much nicer way too.

The person with years of experience under their belt bullied the dog into being good, using choke chains and loud voices....scaring the dog.

The young ones who went to college and learnt about dogs etc. Used rewards such as petting throwing a ball etc, and suddenly my dog wanted to learn, enjoyed going to classes and spending time with me, instead of being afraid of being shouted at.

Theres no point having a trained dog, if he isnt a happy trained dog. While im sure not all people with years of experience are like this, I have heard of many who are.

Also I felt alot safer in the classes with the quailified trainers, as they knew how to diffuse any difficult situation arising between two dogs calmy and swiftly, whereas the trainer with years of experience did alot of yanking of chains flapping of arms and hitting, to no effect.

ShirleyH

I would always go for a qualified and experienced trainer, and would be inclined to choose one from word of mouth, or recommendation than from a golden pages listing or whatever. My husband is a dog trainer, and apart from his website, he has never advertised, all his business are follow on recommendations.

There are definitely a new crop of trainers popping up all over the place lately, I also spotted the noticeboard in the vets was jammed with ads for dog trainers. I guess people are getting resourceful during the recession

BeauZak

Hey just cause your young does not mean you don't have experience! For example a young trainer could have spent the last 3 years training over 100 dogs per week! Plus any older person can start training at any stage. Anyone can say they have "years of experience" but prove it. In order to gain CCPDT accreditation you must have at least 300 hours of training experience plus know your learning theory, husbandry etc.

I would advise that you look for a trainer with qualifications from a reputable college, an insured trainer, certification from the ADPT or one who has been independently assessed by the CCPDT or both AND experience. Plus they should have a safe area to train your dog in and give good clear instruction. Finally they should make sure that learning occurs (owner and dog) in each session and be realistic as regards the outcome. Go and meet your trainer, watch the classes ask questions as regards quals, experience etc. A good trainer will be delighted that you have your dogs best interests at heart plus it shows that you are dedicated to training your dog.

Remember it's not all about the trainer. Success depends on the owners ability, the level of training that needs to be applied, the owners understanding of animal learning theory (timing, rewards etc) and their commitment (1 day a week, 1 hour a week, consistence etc). The trainer MUST provide this information in a comprehensive manner to the owner and make sure that the owner digests it all. They should be supportive and mentor the owner when working with them using a multi modal approach to training (visual, demo, explain, check that they understand).

That's MHO hope it helps. If you want to PM me about anything feel free will help where I can.

BeauZak

And what qualifications does Cesar have? Can anyone spot them on the website? Sure he is a nice guy ex groomer. But TV is not real. Any dog trainer will tell you that.

Here is a good link

http://www.komonews.com/home/video/37440019.html?video=pop&t=a

00112984

Odeacl, I have to ask: are you in any way affiliated with Dog Training Ireland?

The reason I ask is that I've seen you post about them so many times on here. I've often recommended business/service suppliers on here but never to this extent.

odeacl

no not affiliated with them in any way. brought my dog there once a few years back to be trained, and thought they were very good, thats why I keep recommending them!

Discodog

It's a positive sign that some Irish dog owners are taking an interest.

Amimad

Always look for a recomendation/ testimonial. Ask can you get in touch with past clients? Look for owner & dog classes
BeauZak is right, look for a safe & secure training place, insurance etc.
The rest is up to you, what to you want your dog to gain from lessons.
Do you want group/private lessons?
Do you want weekly sessions over a number of weeks or do you think a once off will suffice?
At the end of the day , it's owners choice & with more trainers out there you can make a well informed choice.

Most impotant is to think about what you want to get from the lessons & ask relevant Questions. Any trainer with their salt will answer honestly.

By the way, it's definitly not a quick fix to making money, so anyone thinking it's recession proof is far off the mark.

Rachel 999

What qualifications does Ceasar need. Any one can see from his tv prog's that he is an excellent animal communicator. Anyone can be a dog trainer, after they are just conditioning the dogs to react to a certain situation e.g. put your bum on the ground and you get a treat. How many so called trainers work only with collie's etc but shy away from other breeds and blame the owners. One can not learn what the likes of Ceasar Milan does. Good animal communicators are born not made, and life experiences make them better.:):):)

BeauZak wrote: »

And what qualifications does Cesar have? Can anyone spot them on the website? Sure he is a nice guy ex groomer. But TV is not real. Any dog trainer will tell you that.

Here is a good link

http://www.komonews.com/home/video/37440019.html?video=pop&t=a

LisaO

Any one can see from his tv prog's that he is an excellent animal communicator.

Have you looked at the link?

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url]http://www.komonews.com/home/video/37440019.html?video=pop&t=a[/url]

Rachel 999

I am not saying Ceasar is perfect. TV people will always pick out the stuff that makes you watch and if possible get your back up. If you look at his latest stuff you can see he has change his approach but his power is still there. The tv crowd will drop him as soon as the ratings go down. If you have any experience with dogs you wil know that the nicey nicey approach does not work with all dogs. Some are much to far gone in the wrong direction due to their owners.:):):)

LisaO wrote: »

Have you looked at the link?

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LisaO

Rachel 999 wrote: »

you wil know that the nicey nicey approach does not work with all dogs. Some are much to far gone in the wrong direction due to their owners.:):):)

What is the nicey nicey approach ??

Rachel 999

The nicey approach, stuffing the dog full of treats, talking to the dog in a high pitched excited voice.:):):)

LisaO wrote: »

What is the nicey nicey approach ??