trainer's techniques - Page 2

 Amen to that KCzaja! 

I also train dogs for a living and offer in kennel training as well. I don't know about you (it sounds like we kind of do the same things) but even MORESO with shepherds I let the dog have the first couple of days to adjust to the setting, and bond some with the dog (spend time grooming, playing, maybe some handfeeding for obedience type things, take a walk etc.) I normally just prevent poor behavior during those first few days but it's rare indeed to correct a dog for it depending on the dog. Some dogs come in just fine and are perfectly ok, or maybe knew me before we started, with those I might start right away, but even then I wouldn't really correct a dog like that, and particularly a 5 month old shepherd ya know? And I don't allow a visit from the owner within the first week at all. And THEN it's just to come in for handling sessions, very controlled by me...preferably though I don't set up a handling session until the dog has been there for a little longer (I do 3,6,8 week programs) so they're a little more adjusted.

KCzaja is right railroad, I think most trainers wouldn't have the handler come on day 3. Did this trainer do any kind of demo or did you really research before taking your dog there? He doesn't sound BAD per se (I've heard of some very awful in kennel trainers trust me....we're talking like this one near me that literally put a puppy in a crate for 4 days with a bark collar on and did not let the dog out at all (not even to go to the bathroom.) dog had urine scald all over and rub marks on his neck when the owner came for the first lesson at day 4...yikes! The trainer said he was crate training the dog, and that the dog had not been quiet the entire time so he couldn't let him out until he learned to be quiet....) but he sounds pretty "old school" and there's better ways to work with your dog then that. Personally if I were going to be letting my dogs go into anybody else's care without me there, I'd check and double check about them, check references, ask to see him/her work a dog, and not only his demo dog, but also YOUR dog. Ask in detail questions on what sort of training technique he/she uses. And don't just let them say "positive" techniques, many trainers know the buzzwords people want to hear. Ask specific questions like "what would you do if my dog did _______" Remember that trainers do NOT have to have any kind of credentials, anyone can hang a shingle. It's better to find one that DOES take the time to keep up to date, and voluntarily gets credentials (for instance, joins one of the major training organizations (APDT, IACP, NADOI) and passes one of their tests for example). Years of experience may be good, but it's what they DID with those years of experience that makes the difference. A trainer could have been training for 30 years...but if they're still training the same way they did 30 years ago, they won't be as good as someone that has trained for 10 years and has kept up to date and is open to learning anything new to help the dog. 

 Go get your pup out of there before this guy crushes him, and definitely research your trainers better for next time. 

I agree. Go get your dog. find a trainer whose methods you can live with.

SS

Thank you all so much for the advice and comments.  My husband just went and picked up our dog (Ginger!) from the evil trainer!   Now the problem becomes where do we take her?  We would like to bring her to a trainer that would keep her because we both work full time and a once a week class that requires a lot of work with her during the week won't work very well for us right now.  It's kind of like, we need her to have a good month of base training and then we can keep it up.  She can already sit on her own and lay down.  I've taught her that using treats.  We need to work on the loose leash walking and breaking her habits of biting/nipping and jumping up.  We live near BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA.  Please!  Does anyone know of any trainers in our area?  We don't mind traveling to another state, but preferably not a state 3,000 miles away!

Please bring your dog home! Let her be a loved pup! She's still a child. You can do more about teaching her to be a good citizen by just spending time with her and using more praise than punishment until she's old enough for formal training. She needs happy play ....NOT pinching and hitting.

Please bring her home.......

Thank you Thank You Thank you for going and getting your dog.  The training was not appropriate for her.    Try

http://dogtrainersearch.com/ or www.apdt.com to search for qualified trainers in your area.  I don't know if these folks are near you but they might also be able to recommend a good reputable trainer:

There us also a shreveport .La club and a man I know trains out of that club....I ll get the number..and post later...thank goodness......you did the right thing.......glad you posted here....

Thanks to everyone who stood behind this lady and family....and Baby Ginger     Hope you can post a picture of Ginger for us.....