The following are some things your dog trainer may hesitate you tell you, or may have to put into nicer words, but in most cases you should know:
1. Many of your dogs so-called “issues” are actually caused by you. While many owners realize this right off the bat, others tend to blame their dog for his “issues”. The reality is your behavior and leadership (or lack thereof) is more important than your dogs predispositions. It's not just your dog that needs training, you do too.
2. You have a dog that really isn’t suited to you. If you wanted a easy-going family pet that didn’t require much work, maybe you should not have gotten a (insert breed here). For example, a Border Collie is a smart breed of dog, but they are bred to work and need an active lifestyle. When they don’t get the type of home they need, things can really go bad.
3. We don’t like the gear you have for your dog. From extendable leashes to plastic baggie holders that are clunky and dragging on the floor, we often don’t like the gear your dog has. Harnesses, head halters, and even choke chains are not suited to every dog. Ask your trainer what equipment he or she recommends, and bring it every time.
4. We can tell when you’re not practicing at home. You may choose to do lessons or classes that meet once a week. When you come the following class, we expect to see some progress. We can tell when you’ve put work in and when you haven’t, so don’t lie.
5. Your dog is not your baby, he is your dog. While we all love our dogs like family, we must make the distinction and realize they are not humans, and they have different needs. Treating them like "children with fur" is doing them a disservice.
6. You aren’t exercising your dog enough. When I ask clients how much exercise their dog gets, some will claim they run with their dog three miles every day, and I don’t believe it. A hyperactive, anxious, wound up dog is a sure sign the owner is not exercising the dog enough.
7. Your dog is not trained. New clients will sometimes say they’ve already done training and want to join an advanced or off-leash class. Their dog pulls them in the door and they proceed to show me their dog “sits” (when they ask three times and hold up a treat) and “gives paw.” We have a bit higher standards for what a “trained” dog is. Start with formal obedience basics and build upon that, but don’t brag that your dog is already trained.
8. Don’t wait until your dogs behavior is unmanageable before contacting us! Every trainer has received this type of phone call, and it makes us want to pull our hair out: “Hi, our 4-year-old dog has just bitten someone and now we’re desperate for training.” Trainer: “When did these issues begin to surface?” Owner: “When he was about 6 months old, but now it’s gotten worse.” Start training early, and contact a professional behavior specialist at the first signs of issues.
9. I am not a magician, and I cannot put a spell on your dog to behave. Dogs don’t generalize well, so they have to learn that the rules apply in new environments. You come for lessons and your dogs behavior is now perfect in the training hall. But the point of training is that you take the skills you learned and follow through by putting in the work at home. So don’t call us and complain the training didn’t work when your dog chews up a shoe in your house-- there is no magic spell.
10. Stop trying things you see on tv, hear from a friend, or read on the internet! So you watched a tv show where the trainer used a particular technique with a dog. That doesn’t mean it’s necessarily something you should be applying to your own dog. Follow your trainers recommendations and not just what you see on tv or read on the internet. If training your dog was as simple as reading “how-to’s”, then we wouldn’t be in business.
For dog training in Chicago, visit Dynamic Dogs www.DynamicDogsChicago.com
BONUS (#11) We hate your dogs name. Just because you have a large breed like a Pit Bull doesn't mean it needs a macho name- Kujo, Felony, or Gotti is so overdone! Be original and choose a name with a positive connotation that is clear sounding (Pits already have a bad rap to overcome). Two-sylables makes the best dog names.
Comments
Very funny, great article. I sure would hesitate to tell someone their dog is fat, people can get really touchy about weight, even in their pets!!!
LOL. This was very funny and very true! But feel free to use a harness or properly desensitized head collar in my class.
Great article, but shoot - I must not be a dog trainer, then, because I tell my clients ALL of the above! : ) If you do it right, most of them actually appreciate it, though, don't they? I have stories on my blog about some that do, and some that don't.
I don't think anyone is telling clients they should have contacted us before, because then you're just making the person feel guilty. And it's also hard to tell them when their dog is fat. Great List.
Why sugar coat if they are fat? Fat is fat. If they exercised it (see #6 above) it would be a non-issue.
I personally am offended by the #11 bonus. My last dog who passed with cancer his name was Stinky. Children loved him and giggled at his name. I dont like when people name their pets human names.
I know this was meant to be a light-hearted article, but all I can think is that this is why it is hard to find a good trainer. If you do not feel comfortable enough to explain the basic pros and cons of gear for your dog, why would I trust you on any other aspect of dog training. A side note, I do not know about you but my dogs do not understand English, as long as I put a positive spin on what i call them it really does not matter, really sounds like it is your issue with people not anything to do with dog training
Funny! I totally agree about not liking the gear. I hate the thick nylon leashes they are so tough on your hands, and I also don't like the poop bag holders since they can accidentally smack the dog in the face while you're doing obedience. The name thing I would feel silly calling a dog a name like that but I've heard worse
To clarify, this headline is like "10 things your waiter won't tell you" it's meant to grab attention in order to point out certain things we may hesitate to tell clients, or that we may be touchy about- This list was gathered from multiple trainers.
I AM telling my clients most of these things. But I do hesitate to tell someone I think they are *lying* when they tell me how much they exercise their dog, it's not my job to place blame or make accusations! If you don't practice, I'm not going to scold you. I will tell clients what equipment to use, but it does annoy most trainers when ppl come in with those chain leashes or really skinny leashes that cut into my hands when I work w/their dog-- hate it!! I will tell them leather is better, but I'm not going to demand they replace nylon with leather for my comfort if they dont mind it.
So once again, the headline is to grab attention so people will read the article and hopefully take something away from it or identify with it
Jennifer, great job on this article, it is funny and true. Look forward to reading more of your writing, thanks.
Since the past post was removed, You and your trainer friends had a session where you complained about clients, you Jennifer had the audacity to print in, and you sell it under the guise of being informative and light hearted. At best it is unprofessional, worst passive aggressive, pretty sure I will start a blog- 10 reasons I believe that dog training has gone to the dogs.
It's funny to see someone get upset about this article and call the trainer unprofessional. I just read a thing on Yahoo 50 Secrets from Real Dentists, and one was "dont have a heavy garlic meal before coming" and a bunch of funny ones. I guess the dentists are unprofessional too according to the wackjob leaving comments. I like these articles because they are interesting.
@Christine- You would not be saying the same thing if you knew the dentist was complaining to everyone but you about how horrible your breath was because you ate garlic, or published a list to all your friends about how bad your breath was.
this list, is it on the front door of your training establishment?
The list isnt just to friends its on the internet so its obviously to everyone
Right on! I like number 10, stop trying everything you hear or see. Consult a pro. number 6 is funny they lie and say they run with their dog miles every day, then they must be very in shape themselves!
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