Is this type of training ok?

1765 Views 22 Replies 12 Participants Last post by hanksimon, Aug 1, 2012

Leah00

Discussion Starter · Jul 30, 2012 (Edited)

First off let me say that I know there are a lot of different opinions on the best training methods. I just want to make sure that the method that is being used with my dog is ok. I've never used a professional trainer before so I'm new to this.

Buttercup started her obedience training this weekend. She had two lessons, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. From now on it will be once a week (with me working with her through the week).
The trainers had choke collars that they brought and also a martingale with a chain loop. They brought all of them just to see what fit her and they used the martingale because they said they liked it better because it's easier to show people how to use the correct way. They demonstrated "corrections" with it and one trainer made me practice on a bucket filled with weights while the other trainer worked with Buttercup. They said that for every one correction you give, you want to give even more praises when the dog gets it right.

She actually did really good the first day. She learned heel and auto sit. They hardly gave her any corrections the first day, mostly just lots of praise and showing her what they wanted. When they did correct her, she didn't seem to mind it and bounced right back.
The second day was tougher.... It was just a follow up on the day before but with less room for error. There were more corrections this time (a hard upward tug on the leash). Buttercup didn't like it. She was ducking her head a little bit in a heartbreaking way. She started to "burn out" a lot quicker than the day before. They said that it was normal and that later on she won't have to be corrected hardly at all.

As soon as it looked like she was getting tired they stopped and took a fun break, running around and letting her play. She went right back to loving them.

Does this sound ok? I really liked it the first day but the second day it was almost like watching someone spank your kid.... I wanted to cuddle her. It's not like they were really being mean to her or anything, but it still made me hurt to see her kind of pouty.

They are really nice people (husband and wife) and their two dogs are really sweet and well behaved.

I just need some 2nd opinions!

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trainingjunkie

· #18 · Jul 31, 2012

Let me promise you from painful, firsthand experience: Free agility training from someone who hasn't really learned the art can ruin your dog.

I had a boxer and I wanted to do agility in the worst way. I had NO CLUE about the sport and no clue about competitive obedience or anything. I signed up with a local woman who was actively running her dogs. She would super-soak dogs for barking (This I would not allow on my dog) but she would also force my dog into the tunnel and over the obstacles. My dog had no choices in the matter. But the 3rd week, she would stress so badly on the course that she couldn't be off lead at all. Because I started agility with the sole purpose of having fun with my dog, I quit. Later, when I knew better and tried a different approach, my old and sensitive boxer eyed all of it with grave suspicion and held her ground until I just let it go.

Find someone who really knows what they are doing. Attending some lessons isn't enough. Agility takes a few years to really learn.

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