Been a few threads lately about dog trainers. I want to find a new one in London. I've loved the gundog training, and I'll do it again, but right now I'd like some 121 lessons close to where I live. I don't have the time for an hour drive each side of a lesson right now. Pippa posted this recently: Good start. I want someone that has a high level of skill, and is going think about me and my dog as hard as I do. At least in the time I'm paying for. But, there are no KC accredited trainers in my area. I've been searching for two days now and am just disheartened by the number of "dog whisper" "pack leaders" "alpha dogs" dot coms that I've come across. And have yet to read anything on "goodboyschool" "pampered pet pooches" "delicious dog" dot coms that make me think the people on offer know more than I do (which is not a lot). Sigh....so difficult!
Re: Finding a dog trainer I know you say want something close to home but have you considered going for a week somewhere really good as this may equip you with the tools to either work on your own or compensate for the local trainers if you still want to work with someone/other dogs?
Re: Finding a dog trainer One of the things I find frustrating is how hard it seems to be to book a lesson within a two week period and it's rare that you can book the same time every week.....I'm not sure if it's uneconomical to do 121s or if the work is so genuinely varied that it's just hard to manage the diary. Don't get me wrong I've had immense enjoyment and great value from all the trainers we've been to but I do find it an odd way to work
Re: Finding a dog trainer I'd happily go somewhere for a week...if I knew where to go. It's probably not for right now (we are still on 5 x 25 min lead walks a day only) but am definitely going to start looking, yes.
Re: Finding a dog trainer I have been down to Steve Kimberley a few years ago with my German Pointer on a weekend course, it was very good and the food is Cordon Bleu ;D Helen, I have just had a look at his short video and he mentions on that about training dogs who can run off for hours! http://www.kimberleygundogs.com/course.htm
Re: Finding a dog trainer [quote author=Stacia link=topic=5440.msg68584#msg68584 date=1397653208] I have been down to Steve Kimberley a few years ago with my German Pointer on a weekend course, it was very good and the food is Cordon Bleu ;D [/quote] Thanks - checking that out now - suspect it might be for later when Charlie is better though, but having a look. If anyone has any more tips or suggestions, please throw them my way. Residential courses.
Re: Finding a dog trainer [quote author=Stacia link=topic=5440.msg68584#msg68584 date=1397653208] I have been down to Steve Kimberley a few years ago with my German Pointer on a weekend course, it was very good and the food is Cordon Bleu ;D Helen, I have just had a look at his short video and he mentions on that about training dogs who can run off for hours! http://www.kimberleygundogs.com/course.htm [/quote] I've enjoyed courses with Steve Kimberley too
Re: Finding a dog trainer Dogs For Life (Philipa Williams) is very good, I went to the one in Wales, great but it rained every day. We stayed in a super country house with excellent food. Unfortunately this year's course is too early for you, that is why I didn't mention it earlier but something to think about for next year. I see she does do some weekend courses in near York. Did you see Philipa's You Tube demonstration at Crufts?
Re: Finding a dog trainer I did, thank you. This has all been really helpful, thank you. I have now have 3 prospects of 121 training if I travel to stay somewhere for a week. Thinking it over really carefully this afternoon though and I came to the following conclusion: If I took him to a new place in the country now, he'd go nuts for ages. And, for all my general incompetence, I have at least demonstrated that I can get him to calm down and cope - with my clicker training, time, and taking it slow. I don't need to go away for a week to do this (which is what I would do right now). I have a plan now for the whining by avoiding all triggers - which are linked to frustration and the mildest distraction stops the whine - and we got through the day ok. This is progress. If I stick him in a stressful situation now, he'd whine. I can incorporate slowly reintroducing triggers, using my calm routine and clicker training. I'm reasonably confident about working on calm around kids kicking footballs, other dogs, and remote controlled trucks. A seahide fuelled walk tonight went well. And my dog walker (she is not a trainer, but she is sensible, experienced, and intelligent) has agreed to help me with other dogs and "faking it". So, I think I'll work through that lot on my own, and book a week away just as soon as I think he will be calm and controlled enough so we can get some value out of it. I think that's a plan...
Re: Finding a dog trainer That's a good plan Charlie has been restricted for so long he needs to get rid of that 'frustration' and then the world is your oyster!
Re: Finding a dog trainer [quote author=Stacia link=topic=5440.msg68672#msg68672 date=1397676779] That's a good plan Charlie has been restricted for so long he needs to get rid of that 'frustration' and then the world is your oyster! [/quote] I think so! And hope.
