Guy 2: uses treats and a pinch collar, seems very passionate about what's best for the dogs, has different kinds of experiences (schutzhund, K9 police work etc.), not as bossy, talked about protection and tracking training and behavior modifications.
My puppy is a 3 month old German Shepherd Dog. I have taught her many commands, but she does not obey them consistently. She jumps on people and furniture and pulls on her leash so she has a few behavior problems, but is very sweet and loving. I know these descriptions are brief, but does anyone see any red flags or anything like that?
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I would have to meet these people and investigate their training experiences, of course, but my gut says number two just based off of your descriptions. I like to see trainers with different experiences in training methods and i like to see someone who uses positive and negative. I did not see either mentioned for number one - just pack leader talk and discipline (which i agree has a place in training - right next to praise.)
I would like to know what kind of "training" does not use commands of SOME sort. Behavior modification i can understand, but that is not exactly "training" per say.....
Oh - Jumping and pulling are not "Behavior Problems", they are simple puppy behaviors that can be worked with via training. Behavior problems (at least to me and to many people i know) mean aggression, fear, and related things that require behavior modification methods to control/manage.
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- Neither. #1 sounds like a Cesar Millan wannabe and NO veterinary behaviorists or acknowledged, published trainers approve of Millan's methods. Google "Dodman Dunbar New Skete Millan" for quotes. #2 sounds like your guy if you want a guard or attack dog. If your GSD is going to be a pet rather than a working dog, keep looking.
- I think that guy 2 sounds better, but I don't think either sounds great. Your puppy is still very young, sounds like you've already done good teaching her what you have. Keep it up and good luck!
- We use method # 2 but we have show dogs and they need to be perky in the ring.Just my preference good luck in your decision.
- Number two without a doubt.
- yes go with #2..
- She is a puppy and has to grow into a better attention span which will happen as she gets older. Relax and do not expect too much of her right now. GS dogs mature between age 3 and 4 years of age so you have a lot of puppy time left with your dog. She will change a lot in this time period so just be prepared and accept it. Be kind and consistent. I don't like either trainer you describe. I would never use a pinch collar. I do all my training using positive reinforcement and it works great. I have never failed at being able to teach my dogs. You should make sure your puppy is well socialized beginning immediately. Very important for all dogs, but especially a GS. She needs lots of space, and time, and attention and kindness and consistency. My girl just turned 4 in November. She is a wonderful dog but very very smart. Good luck with your puppy. You should have a great life with her. Just stick with it. She is a baby and will come around with time and proper attention.
- I guess it depends on what you want to do with your dog.
If you are interested in Obedience or protection training (which is basically exactly what the GSD is bred for) then going with a trainer who does not use commands is probably not going to be in your best interests, because you're not going to be learning the skills you need to train your dog in this way.
If you are more interested in behaviour modification, stopping problem behaviours before they become ingrained, and want to learn how to be a better leader for your dog then the first trainer may be the better option.
Personally? If I had to choose I would be going for Guy 2: mainly because I have a high interest in Obedience and Schutzhund, which is exactly why I want a German Shepherd Dog. I would find training without commands and seemingly without any reinforcers redundant. - Guy #1 strikes me as a bit new-agey and I would want to know more before... not using commands seems kind of bizarre to me... the dog is supposed to psychically know what you want, or what?
Guy #2 better, if flexible. I am not a fan of pinch collars for baby pups (although I like them very well for adolescent butt-heads). If he has done what he says, he probably understands GSD well. I would want to watch him train before I hired him.
What you want to keep in mind is that this pup is YOURS. If you are uncomfortable with something a trainer wishes to do or would have you do, you have the freedom to decline to do that.
Whoever you end up hiring and working with... you should have the opportunity to watch them in action beforehand as part of your decision-making process. - I wouldn't hire either one.
The first trainer is obviously just a scammer. No need to go into detail there!
The second trainer is talking way too advanced for a 12 week old puppy. Your pup has no need of Shutzhund or protection training.
Find a local club that teaches basic obedience to puppies and begin there. At 12 weeks you ar expecting way too much in the area of jumping and pulling. 12 week old pups do not have "behavior" problems. They are blank slates that you must make the most of.Time for the fancy training when your dog can come, sit, stay, and do other basic commands consistently, which is what you learn in a puppy class.
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