Last week I was outside mowing the lawn......again. I own a lawn mower, a blower, rakes, brooms, shovels, hedgers, and several other implements of lawn manipulation. I spent 2 hours and 15 minuets making my house look nice. Ready for my well-deserved shower, I was about to go inside when what did I see? No, not Santa, but a truck full of (not so merry) landscapers.
Three men jumped off the truck, grabbed tools and scurried off. I watched the trio landscape my neighbors home in just under 18 minuets. I walked in my house disgusted and said "Jen, we are going to hire a landscaper next year."
I really shouldn't have been upset. I should have learned from my botched door installation (see Dog Training 8/1). Landscaping is not rocket science, and neither is dog training.
What will a trainer do?
A good trainer (emphasis on good) will save you hours of reading, learning, video tape watching and training experimentation without ruining your dog. We can teach you to shorten your learning curve and train your dog more quickly and effectively.
I have many clients who read "all the books" but still don't really get it. They understand the concept but don't know why it's not working. Usually its two problems, timing and consistency. The books and videos can show you what to do, but they can not help you improve your timing. A book won't say "Good job!! Do it again, but this time try..."
I encourage people not to choose a trainer, but to interview one. See if you want to hire them. How do they react with you, your family, and your dog? Do you feel comfortable with them? Ask yourself if the person in front of you is capable of teaching you and your family.
Have a great week.