I completely agree!!! ANY Person with dog experience would know better than that. For the original poster, I think you seem much more informed as well as having better instincts for your dog than your "trainer." Good luck with your puppy! I have a 14 week old puppy and I use a flat collar and treats. Works great for us.
I forgot to mention that if you google choke/prong collars, you'll see horrible images that make you reject the idea of the devices. That's what we did for many weeks and just endured the dogs pulling 'hoping' he'd sort himself out with our other efforts. Dobes tend to pull naturally...would be interesting to find out if anyone here has a Dobe that was never a puller? The other confusion we had was around the difference between the two devices. I used to think they were interchangeable so it was good to have it explained by those that know!
I teach with my dogs on my left side but it can be taught on either side. Start just standing still, pull straight back slowly on the leash until there is a good amount of tension on it. Hold tension and as soon as any of your dogs feet make a movement backwards mark the behavior and immediately release the pressure and reward. I use the word yes for my reward marker but it can be anything you want. Something quick and easy to say, timing is the key. I also teach leash pressure in all directions, side to side and forward, it will allow subtle adjustments with the leash while teaching heeling to keep the dog in perfect heel position. Once the dog is moving easily with pressure you can start giving the pressure a command, like back, say back first then apply the pressure. Eventually your dog will back up with just the command and no leash pressure. Train all steps before taking it outside with distractions.
