What Makes a BAD Trainer?

[DoberMink]

Ivan is definitely a pup that requires correction. Since I have implemented he has been more of a joy and less of a terror that has me ready to cry at the drop of a hat!

And, since I have been correcting him, he has more respect for me as well. He is doing really well at coming when called and not ignoring me. He is also a crazy puppy for a short period of time, then chills out.


Potty training is still frustrating, but I figure it will be at least another 3 weeks or so to get him better at that. For now, we are happy he has been using the potty pads more than the carpet, and goes just about every time we take him out which is when he gets looots of praise and luvins.

As for socialization, I don't know about going to a trainer for that any more. Once things even out after the move I think I will just take him around as I am doing now and after all his shots are given, get him out to the park for a bit more walking and seeing other dogs and people.

As for that trainer....there are many things that CAN be said to him, including what Bomary suggested lol. However I am a bit...er...lower key than that. I wouldn't say that I am timid exactly, as I am not, however I rarely say what I want to, instead following the old saying "Can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all".

Then again, that is litterally my job so a habbit/quality of mine that won't be changing anytime soon. (For those who are curious, I handle corperate escalations in a call center. So while I am being called a retarted B*,being told what a terrible person I am, and that I have no clue about how to do my job AND being threatened or told that they wish my loved ones and I would die, I can only politely request that a customer keep their language professional and apologize that they feel that way. It's definitely not a job for just anyone lol)

 

[GennyB]

I don't think I understand the sensitivity still.

Hmm...let's try this and see if it helps.
Dobermans are the only breed breed to protect their people. Therefore they are more in tune. They want to please their person. So you start working on some obedience. You are trying to teach something new and Ivan is not getting it. You show signs of frustration be it over correcting, (ex: yanking the lead a little too hard) You will notice Ivan shutting down. Some symptoms of shutting down are crouching down, trying to get away and just not acting like he is enjoying the experience. Time to change methods.

 

[DoberMink]

He has never 'shut down' with me. So I guess I am doing something right? Lol.

Also, for a minute there, Ivan seemed completely unconcerned with pleasing me and had more of a 'wee! F* it!' attitude. No care about what I wanted. Then again, he is only just now 12 weeks, so I'm sure that was just him being a puppy and not being a rude SOB...well....he is an SOB but he can't change that! Lol

 

[Stephnshawn]

Hmm...let's try this and see if it helps.
Dobermans are the only breed breed to protect their people. Therefore they are more in tune. They want to please their person. So you start working on some obedience. You are trying to teach something new and Ivan is not getting it. You show signs of frustration be it over correcting, (ex: yanking the lead a little too hard) You will notice Ivan shutting down. Some symptoms of shutting down are crouching down, trying to get away and just not acting like he is enjoying the experience. Time to change methods.

Wow, this explains a lot! I always thought it was mostly Kaia but man she is so sensitive. You just have to look at her wrong or change the tone in your voice and she knows she did something wrong. Half the time she goes and puts herself in her crate when she did something bad!!


As for trainers, I always stay clear of any Petco/Petsmart trainer types. Like it was said above, they have to do very little and they can say they are a trainer.

I've had 3 trainers over the life I've had dogs. The first one took my Rottweiler and helicoptered him with his leash (basically swing the dog around by his neck). We left immediately and never went back.

The second was fine in theory but something didn't click.

The third is how I got Kaia. She is amazing. She travels all over and has stayed with the Monks of New Skete (great training books btw) and various other high profile trainers.

Sometimes it's trial and error too, in finding the right trainer. I would ask your vet or check with local dog clubs as well.

 

[AresMyDobie]

If I could make a suggestion for the potty training ... I would get rid of the potty pads. You don't want him to go in the house but praise when he does on the potty pad in the house. This is confusing for the dog. Keep things black and white. Inside bad, outside good

 

[DoberMink]

We started out that way but then he was going EVERYWHERE. At least now he goes on the pad 80% of the time. Also, we don't reqard him for going on the pad, we just don't yell at him like we do when he goes on the floor. The reward and praise happens ONLY when he goes outside.