Has a professional trainer really helped you?

Question

I have a pit and she is being a little stubborn to my training methods. I have now found a trainer in my area and I'm little nervous to take her. This is not my first rodeo of owning or training a pit and I love the breed and have done my research, so please don't make rude remarks. I just wanted the opinions of other people that have taken their dogs to a trainer and if it worked or not?

I want to thank you all for the support and opinions of your experience! I'm feeling a little more confident that this stubborn child of mine will be more well behaved and more comfortable with my choice!

Answer 1

I love our trainer! She's been training for 25+ years as well as breeds and has a lot of experience with dogs and their behavior. I wouldn't trade her for anything and am very happy we found her. Sadly, just about any idiot can call themselves a trainer and this is where issues can arise. My search for a good trainer had me contacting out local Agility Club to get suggestions. I think this is the best way to find a really good and qualified trainer (tho obedience clubs, general training clubs and breed specific clubs can give referrals too). The good thing is that these people take their training very seriously, so I ended up with suggestions of people they have personally trained with in the past and trust.

Answer 2

Yes, I have had great experience with a professional trainer. I have a very headstrong Boxer and could not get him to behave properly on a leash. Other training and houses breaking went well, but the leash was a nightmare. I short course with a trainer fix the problem right up and we couldn't be happier. I think the trainer was able to see the problem better and had a larger "bag of tricks" to pull from and was able to key in on the right combination for my dog and the specific problem. I obviously would not hesitate to use a trainer again with a dog I was having a problem reaching. Best of luck!

Answer 3

I've taken my dogs to Petsmart training (it's a joke - don't bother). Petsmart is great for little puppies who need socialization, the basics and for people who don't know what they're doing (but are trying).

Talk to a trainer who will come to your home and address the issues you are specifically having. I have two dogs and the trainer I got was AMAZING.

They learned:
Heel - I've tried using the hali, I tried the choke chain, I tried a harness, I tried petsmart's method but nothing worked. The trainer came to my house and in two sessions he had them walking OFF the leash and on the leash in heel!!! I can now jog w/ my dogs (both of them at the same time).

Relaxation techniques.- Willow (the Setter) is very anxious and edgy. When she gets worked up she now automatically lays down.

Come-I have two hunting dogs so when they catch a wiff of somthing they are off! I can blow my whistle and they come running right to me and sit!

Wait- I can have to door WIDE OPEN. go in and out, mow the lawn, clean my car, get the mail etc etc.. and the dogs will sit at the door and won't come outside till I tell them.

(These are the specific commands I asked for). He went over the basics also. I loved it. It helped w/ Willow's dog aggression and so many other issues I was having.

I highly recommend hiring a trainer - regardless of how much knowledge you have

Good Luck

Answer 4

I've been through 2 trainers and a behaviorist and I've come to this conclusion. They are great IF you know absolutely nothing about your breed of dog. If you are informed, you already know the techniques that they are going to teach you. The key is consistency and I am basically a lazy person when it comes to training my particular dog. Don't get me wrong...if he were something like a lab or a terrier, he'd be REALLY REALLY well trained...but like you, I have a more complicated problem. I have a german shepherd. You can't ever let down with these types of breeds. They take constant and consistent vigilance and an owner who is willing to take their dog to the ground if necessary.

I'm walking a midway point. I accept that my dog will never "jump to command" unless I am on total ALPHA at all times, so I've picked my battles with him.

Answer 5

I'm a trainer, so I guess I'm biased :o) but I can honestly say that many people who take classes tell us that doing so helped so much - they had tried this and that and nothing was working.

Also, I have consulted with colleagues regarding issues with my own pets, and it helped a lot. Though I know about training and behavior modification, it's hard to objectively analyze one's own dog. Talking to another trainer gave me insight I couldn't reach on my own.

If you are having trouble, you have nothing to lose by seeking out a trainer. If you don't like this woman, there are plenty of other fish in the sea.

Answer 6

i personally have had better luck with local dog clubs.there are lots of people to help you;you have more time to interact with other dogs;they are cheaper so you can spend more on your dog and you can make wonderful friendships.most areas have a local dog club and you can always do a search on the net if you can`t find one in your area,that`s how i found one when i moved to a new area.but if it comes down to having someone else train your dog or it not getting trained,go with a trainer,it`s better then having an untrained dog running your life.

Answer 7

trainers aren't magicians, they will train YOU how to train your dog. different trainers use different methods, so you should try to find someone who uses methods different from the ones you have tried since you say they aren't working. pits are very trainable, but they can be stubborn. glad to hear you are willing to work with her and explore options! professional trainers are definitely worth checking out! consider taking a class, it will be good for you and your pup!

Answer 8

I've had luck with trainer who use positive methods and who are not intimidated or scared of the bully breeds. I've also had bad experiences with trainers. Some dogs and owners don't necessarily need trainers but need behaviorists instead.

Answer 9

we had great results from our trainer. it was k-9 university in garland, TX. i think the socialization was the best part for our American pit bull terrier, and learning to be part of a pack and not aggressive. otherwise, i think pits are extremely smart and eager to please their owners, so training from a pup was not difficult. i cannot speak for the ease or difficulty of retraining an older pit, never had one.

Answer 10

you want the help of a dogs behavioralist, (cesar milan dogs whispered did a coach on the Jindo.) examine up on the breed. You sound like a strong dogs man or woman. Love on my own in certain circumstances isn't sufficient.strong success.