Hi, just back from a puppy training session, and I'm feeling a tad confused/fed up? Maisie did really well in her training session, great recall, heel work, etc . The trainer is great with the dogs, good at explaining what to do, BUT, she shouts, and I mean really scary shouting, at the dogs if they do something wrong. She did this last week when her dog would not do an exercise properly and she screamed at it. Today, Maisie was chewing on her lead and I told her to leave it (the trainer was talking so I didn't think it appropriate to raise my voice). The trainer stopped what she was saying, turned to me and said I was not firm enough with her and proceeded to shout, almost scream at her! She was terrified and so was I. She sounded like a mum that had finally lost the plot with her toddler! So, my question is is this acceptable? What do you think or I am I just over reacting or over thinking this?
Re: Shouting at our dog! I know each trainer/class will be different but it doesn't sound anything like the classes i go to, our trainer is always calm and cheerful when speaking to humans or dogs. If a puppy isn't understanding something, or distracted, she'll change the task just for that puppy so that he still learns but is more engaged in the task he/she's doing or it's simpler for him/her. In addition, she'll actually point out if our body language or actions are causing the dogs concern i.e. if we hover over a dog and they think it's intimidating etc.
Re: Shouting at our dog! I would say screaming is not acceptable, either at children or dogs, and counter-productive to boot. I mean, we all lose out temper at times, but if this is a regular occurrence, which it sounds like it is, I would be thinking about whether I wanted to continue in the class.
Re: Shouting at our dog! I think you get to say what happens to your dog, and what they get to do, and how they are treated. And you get to say this regardless of who is interacting with your dog - trainer, vet, family etc. No-one removes your rights and obligations as your dog's owner. So if it's not ok with you, it's not ok. (It wouldn't be ok with me, either, although it would have little impact on my dog. I also think shouting at a dog is not a good look when out and about). That said, I wouldn't necessarily dump the trainer - I've never met a trainer that I've agreed with 100%, but that doesn't mean I can't learn a great deal. Maybe just find a way to speak to her and say that bit of proceedings isn't going to be part of how you train your dog. I've had a few of these conversations, and you need to handle them carefully, I think, in order to preserve your relationship.
Re: Shouting at our dog! Thanks guys, glad it's not me just over reacting! I had to bite my lip big time!!! Her methods of training are good and are in line with the trainng information I've learnt from this forum and Pippa's books and articles, so that's positive. Julie, your comments about not agreeing 100% is spot on. I'll have a think about how I can handle her in these situations. She is very opinionated and I don't deal well with people like that, but I did manage to put her in her place when she started lecturing me about vets and insurance. She doesn't insure and basically said I was wasting my money. I asked her if she had house insurance, yes she did, and wouldn't she be happy if she didn't have to claim each year........her answer was a very quiet "yes"!!
Re: Shouting at our dog! [quote author=Debs link=topic=6134.msg80040#msg80040 date=1400681552] She is very opinionated and I don't deal well with people like that [/quote] Yes, I think I've had similar experiences. It's particularly tough if strong minded people are in the "in charge" position. If you want to keep on training with her, you might have to play a long game. And good trainers are not easy to come by. I usually blame myself: "of course I respect that you have a billion, trillion, years of experience, and I'm as green as a cabbage, but slip leads/poking/telling off (or whatever) just aren't for me, I can't do it, it makes me unhappy and I'm here to enjoy my dog. So humour me...". And so on.
Re: Shouting at our dog! I don't think you are overreacting at all. As others have said it's up to you to decide how your dog gets treated and if you are unhappy with the way the trainer treated your dog you are perfectly within your rights to speak up about it, or leave the class, whatever you decide to do. I do think that commands such as 'leave it' or 'no' need to be delivered firmly, but there's no need to scream and shout.
Re: Shouting at our dog! I would be off to another puppy class - shouting is only going to confuse the pups imo.
Re: Shouting at our dog! You know best Debs! Do what you think is right. I would probably start making enquiries for another class and dump her. If she's not shouting at your pup she'll be shouting at someone else's and I would hate that. I would also ask for a refund for the classes you won't be attending stating that you do not think the lessons are right for you. Sorry if I am stirring it up for you :-\
Re: Shouting at our dog! Thank you, you all make me feel a lot better! My 4.10 am start this morning was not helping with trying to work out if I was being a bit precious or not! I just was to get the training right. Off to Google to see what I can find!
Re: Shouting at our dog! I'm with everyone else and you! Why would you shout - ever? Firm, sharp sometimes but shouting - a definite no no.
Re: Shouting at our dog! Not over-reacting! Shouting at the dogs (or humans!!) is not ok. If an instructor did that at our dog club they would be asked to explain themselves to the Training Sub-committee!! If they did it twice they probably wouldn't be given another class.
Re: Shouting at our dog! I'm a bit late but just wanted to say that I agree with all the comments that shouting is not OK, especially with such a young puppy.
Re: Shouting at our dog! Yey, found myself a new trainer, who comes highly recommended. Interestingly she has taken on lots of owners/dogs who did like like the trainer I've been with Meeting with her for our first outside session Wednesday morning at our local woodland park. Can't wait! Now, I've got to tell the scary trainer I'm not going to class again........ :
Re: Shouting at our dog! Glad you found a new trainer Debs, now be a big brave girl and tell the scary trainer you just don't agree with her methods If she is losing people to other trainers she may have to change Hope you enjoy your next class more and good luck x
Re: Shouting at our dog! Totally agree no one should shout at your dog, a change of tone voice should be used but only by you? Now go tell her that you will not be back, but don't shout .
