training by a professional

[Yoladybug]

My sister is insisting that I leave my dog with this trainer (link listed below) to have him completely train her. She did this with her Brittany Spaniel and speaks very highly of him. Her dog was aggressive and they were to the point where he was going to have to be given away or PTS. This man totally "fixed" her dog (if that's possible). He now behaves incredibly well and has not had an aggression problem in about a year.

My dog doesn't have aggression problems...she's actually a little too submissive at times. She's a little defiant with me, but generally listens pretty well. She's only 1, so I sometimes write off her occasional defiance as her "teenage" phase. It seems really weird to me to leave your dog with someone else for a week for training to be done. My dad is really pushing for me to do this too because he feels that she would not protect me if I were in danger (I agree..she's just too nice)...that's why he wants the training. Since my dog is already somewhat submissive, I wouldn't want a harsh trainer to make it worse. She also has the sweetest, friendliest personality I've ever seen in a dog, and I'd be heartbroken if that were to change. I didn't get her for protection...I love her friendliness.

I'm very confused by all of this. Until my sister took her dog, it never really occured to me that people send their dogs away for training instead of doing it themselves. I promised her that I'd meet with the guy to ask some questions, but I have a feeling I will not go through with it. It just seems like I should be the one to do all of the training...it is my responsibility as a dog owner. I dunno...just wanted to hear your opinions on this. Thanks!

Here's the link to the trainer's site:
http://capitalcanine.com/index.html

[Horsefeathers!]

She also has the sweetest, friendliest personality I've ever seen in a dog, and I'd be heartbroken if that were to change. I didn't get her for protection...I love her friendliness.

Even though they "fixed" your sister's dog, it doesn't seem like your dog is in need of being "fixed." I don't know anything about this guy, but it says he specializes in aggression and hard to control dogs (even though it says they also do basic training). Since your dog seems to be neither, have you checked out the Tallahassee Dog Obedience Club? I've heard good things about them and have been considering enrolling one of mine, myself. Since she's kind of timid, maybe it might be a good confidence booster? I'm only offering that up as an alternative since it's always good to have choices. I'm in no way discrediting the other place. Contact either of them (and others if you like) and decide who you're more comfortable with for your particular dog. :wink:

One thought, though... since she wasn't intended as a protection dog, I don't know that I'd be trying to "make" her into one. I would think that as her confidence increases, she'd be more likely to become more "assertive" (not aggressive).

[pLaurent]

My personal opinion - I would NEVER send my dog away to be trained. You can't possibly know what methods are being used on them, and some might be ones you will not approve of!

[Horsefeathers!]

Another thing... shouldn't dog training also be about training the OWNER how to handle the dog? That seems to me like it would be best achieved working as a team and not by sending the dog away.

[kendalyn]

This may have been an appropriate step for your sister's out of control dog, but I see no reason to go to such an extreme measure for your typically and happily maturing pup.

Your dog is completey normal and will most likely excel at whatever you train her to do. Her dog is not normal and as such required not normal intervention.

I would never send my dog away to be trained as you have no idea what is happening to her. This is a place that specializes in aggressive dogs? What happens if one of those aggressive dogs gets loose and attacks yours? As a result your dog could be hurt and possbily defensive around other dogs in the future. Nope, I'd want to be there to supervise at all times.

Part of the fun in owning a dog is working together in training anyway. I would much rather do it myself.

Edited to add: If you do want to go to this trainer, I would ask if you can attend with your dog. Or at least ask if you can watch. If they say no I'd walk away and never look back.

[Guest Anonymous]

I agree with pL and HF.

1) I do NOT trust other people with my dogs sorry no way no how. Not when I can not see what it is they are doing. If you let them know you are watching they are on good behavior.

2) I want to KNOW what my dog has learned. The biggest thing about training a dog is training the owner to know how to read his dog and work with his dog.

I suggest if you want to build confidence in your dog and train them find something like Petsmart or another trainer that does group classes.

[Lokipups]

I actually know of Ken, he's supposed to be an excellent handler and he has a good reputation. Sending your dog to a reputable trainer for "board and train" is fine, as long as you "finish" with the dog. When I still did board and train, all the clients would have to spend 3 hours working with their dogs on pickup day.
However, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
And no reputable PPD trainer will take a dog like yours to make it more "protective", dogs used for that purpose are handpicked from puppyhood. If you dog is shy and submissive, and makes a lovely pet, then great! And just wait, she's only a year old, as she hits maturity, she will become more naturally protective of her pack, but as of now, it's like asking a girl to do a womans job.

[imported_nea]

I think it seems strange to let someone else train your dog, but then again I don't know much abotu it...

But as for protecting you if you were in danger, I think most any dog would defend its person/people if neccissary even if its a sweet, friendly dog who loves everyone. And just the mere presence of a dog can help. :)

[courtnek]

I have to agree with everyone else. This man's speciality is training/breaking aggressive dogs. I know he does basic training, but I personally wouldnt want to send my dog anywhere where I couldnt see and interact with what's going on. I know he has an excellent reputation and all, but I;m just not the trusting type.....

Shy and sweet is not a bad thing. Confidence boosting is easier than aggression training. HF had an excellent suggestion as well. Talk to some of the other training places, that allow you to stay and learn in the process. I would definitely prefer that.

As far as protecting you? There is a big difference in a watch dog and a guard dog. That's where people get confused. What kind of dog do you need/want? If just a dog to alert you to strangers around the house, let you know something odd is going on, bark to wake you up if necessary, all you need is a watch dog, and most breeds (not all mind you) comply with this naturally. Some, like my Foxhound OVERcomply, even when unnecessary, and baying at the wind and a slammin door can make you crazy.....

If you want an actual guard dog, it doesnt sound your little sweetheart fits the bill. Dogs chosen for guard duty, police work and military are usually aggressive to start with, and then get strict obedience training to make them handleable. Or they're puppies who show dominant traits from the get-go. So I guess you need to decide which you feel more comfortable with. Personally, I wouldnt send her, but thats OMO.

[Yoladybug]

Thanks for all of the replies. Those were basically my thoughts...I didn't really see the point. I never wanted a dog for protection -- my dad just worries about me :roll: . The point is that I like my dog the way she is. She isn't timid, she just takes the more submissive role with more dominant dogs. With people, she's friendly and confident.
That's a really good point about having her in an environment with those aggressive dogs that he specializes in. That could be a disaster. You all pretty much reinforced what I was thinking, so thanks! I didn't know if I was being over protective, but just the thought of leaving my dog with a stranger for a day makes me sad. Plus, it's my responsibility as an owner to train her, which I think I've done very well (if I do say so myself). I appreciate your opinions and advice...you all seem to be very knowledgeable and this forum has been a big help.

Now I have my sister's wrath to face...she's not too happy when I don't take her advice!

Thanks again :D .

[imported_Kat]

When I take my training classes, I always tell new people and remind more advanced handlers that I am training the handler to train the dog. It is up to me to pass on advice to the handler then up to the handler in turn to pass on advice to the dog.

Sending dogs away to be "trained" is in my opinion a bit of a scandal as you must bear in mind that the trainer will not be there at the dogs home to continue training. Dogs thrive on repitition and without that all those hard earned dollars that went to the trainer are basically a waste.

[Shenanigans]

I wouldn't bother really. I don't usually see much a point in other people training your dogs unless there is a serious problem and I still think you should be involved every step of the way.

What I would do is get involved in a local obedience club. Not only to get that extra teenaged energy out, but also to reinforce your bond, have a set of objective eyes to lend support, pack positions and more advanced obedience or flyball or agility can boost a dog's confidence tenfold.