A short video of a training class.
What is your opinion on how the teacher is handling things here? What is your reaction to this?
This is indeed an actual question; I've considered working with this guy, but some things (prong correction to a nervous dog) aren't really sitting well. That said I'm not the best trainer myself and I hardly am going to dismiss one of the only guys in my area because of it. So, analyze away.
Which One of These Four Dog Training Mistakes are You Making?
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Does he put prongs on all dogs, or just the ones needing a bit more of a correction? I would be weary of someone who threw a prong on every dog that walked in the door, some simply don't need it. However, he looks like he deals with a lot of "harder" breeds.
I believe go as soft as you can, but as hard as you need to.
I have no problem with a prong correction to a nervous dog, if that is what is needed. Luther is extremely fear aggressive. We tried the positive only training for weeks on end, because we heard physical corrections should NEVER be used on a fearful dog. He only got worse with the training, so we found a trainer through the local schutzhund club. The first thing he did was put a pinch on Luther. His stance was that we had not corrected Luther for what he was doing wrong (his aggressive behavior), and had therefore allowed in in Luther's eyes. So an extremely fearful dog, and we were using a pinch on him (eventually moved to a prong). Within 2 weeks, Luther was a different dog.
Proven Dog Training Methods
- I do not like the use of prong collars on any dog. He is using the older, punishment method of dog training. Having used it and the new positive reinforcement training system I can say that I prefer the new style much more. My dogs have learned faster and with fewer problems with positive reinforcement training. (I train to do agility work/play.) It does take a little more work from the trainer initially to learn the new system but its definitely worth while. Its also easier to teach tricks using the new system. Good luck with your dog.
- The video did not show training just a lot of dogs walking around but the one that was being desensitized to others looked good. The thing is if you don't like what you see you can always leave, another video did show a lady that had been bit by her rescue dog and said he was the only trainer willing to help her with the dog and said she is happy with the results.
- With a proper training technic, there is never a need for a prong or choke collar. You get much better results with positive reinforcement training than a negative reinforcement training program. I do not like it at all.
I did work for a professional trainer/handler and she would rip this guy a new one. She has walls of ribbons and titles in agility, conformation and obedience.
Find another trainer - You didn't say what type of dog you are training, or what style of training you prefer. Prong "pinch" collars can be a great training tool if used correctly. They are especially great with large, strong or hyper dogs. It's like having power steering, and much safer than a choke collar. Your dog walks with you, no more pulling. I have used them for our German Shepherds during basic obedience. Once the dog is trained you won't need a leash.
After watching the videos, I liked his training methods, he gets great results and gives lots of praise. His method of using a command 3 times is a little over the top, but it seems to work for him. I was taught to give a command only once, then correct. I also like using hand signals with voice commands. This guy looks like a great trainer to me. Clicker training methods are great for small dogs. With larger, working dogs you need corrections to get the results of a bomb proof, obedient dog. Just my opinion. Check with his former clients, they are the best ones to give you a referral. - He appears to have decent methods other then the use of prong collars. I liked the part where they had dogs walking behind the one dog to work it through that issue. This is obviously a more advanced class I would be interested to see how he handles the beginners and the puppies. I find many trainers are to hard on puppies and young dogs which ends up with the dog hating the whole thing which is not what you want.
- I like it.
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