Looking for a trainer in the New York City area - Page 1

Hey, I'm posting this for someone else.  There is a person (on another forum) who is having issues with a dog (not a Shepherd) who has been fine off leash at the dog park, is fine off leash in general.......but when on leash it lunges, barks, growls, etc.  They've used a "head collar" which didn't help with the pulling (obviously). He's an Old English Sheepdog and has been pulling them all over the place to the point they've gotten hurt. They said he's a terrible biter and the vet has the dog on prozac..........Anyway, I'm just going by what they listed on the other forum......They live in New York City, so they walk past dogs all the time and need help with their dog's issues.  Anyone know of any good trainers in the area that I can refer them to? They've tried some behaviorist with no luck.  They put their post on a forum where the users don't believe in correcting a dog.....ever.....(not saying you can't work with some dogs with positive only......but we have to be realistic) so how much good advice they get on that forum......is doubtful.  Any trainers to suggest?

Maybe they'd like to apply to get on that new CBS tv show "Dogs in the City"  with some dog trainer/behaviorist named Justin Silver, it's in New York City too. 

Here's a place if they're willing to drive an hour;) http://www.selfhelpdogtraining.com

I would put a soft muzzle on the dog right away for everyone's security.  I think a combination of desensitization, which in fact is easy to do in the city, and learning the best way to hold and control the dog would be best.  Obviously, an early step is to see who runs the house, the humans or the dog?  If they want to PM me, I live and work there, and could perhaps help them out.

phoebe, they're on another forum, but can you PM me your email address so I can give it to them? 

I'll give it to them by private message on the other forum, obviously.....I won't be putting it out for the world to see.

Prong collar, 3 minutes, problem probably solved? Am I being too optimistic?

While many people on this board could probably explain who is boss to the dog very quickly, as we all know, dog training is really people training.  If they have been using a halter, they may need a little convincing to use the prong.  And if the dog runs the house, the dog will of course run the walks.  Yes, I would also recommend a prong. But, I have to say, I am a little taken aback by your description of him as a biter.  Dogs, or people?  In NYS, two bites (on people) and you have a dead dog. 

To the extent this is leash aggression, there is a very useful book called Feisty Fido that they can read.  I can lend them my copy.

I think the dog is a biter on them......I wasn't 100% clear on their description either.  Biter as in it won't stop biting or being mouthy on them. They've used a "halti" but they said it didn't work at all......so maybe they'll be willing to use something different. They joined a forum full of positive only people who know nothing more than what they've watched on Victoria Stillwell's show.  No one on that forum has actually trained dogs, nor have they worked with dogs with real issues.  

I would start by asking them a few quetions.  How old is the dog?  Are we talking puppy mouthing, resource guarding, re-directed aggression?  I think it is not uncommon for new dog owners to mistake mouthing for biting.  Are these nips, punctures or scratches?  Does the vet muzzle the dog at the office?