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Annoyed with our trainer!

Ursa

Well-Known Member
Today was puppy class #2 and once again Bob wasn't interested in off lead following. He did get up this time and followed me for a short distance which was a major improvement over last week! He's doing so well with everything else that we're working on that I'm very happy with his overall performance.

Our trainer annoyed the heck out of me today though. She seemed to think it was acceptable to make fun of Bob during class. One or two comments wouldn't have bothered me but every exercise that involved working in place - a sit-stay, a down, ignoring people and paying attention to the handler, even handling his feet - was prefaced with a "Bob will excel at this - he doesn't have to do anything" or some similar comment. The last straw was when she started doing the "duh" sound effect (think cartoon slack jawed yokel here) while Bob was very patiently allowing me to put socks on him. Seriously? Was that appropriate? That one crossed the line from "maybe she thinks she's funny" to "she's being an a$$". I wanted to remind her that no, he's not one of the 2 service dogs in training that are in the group but that doesn't mean he's stupid. He kicks their hyperactive little tails when it comes to paying attention and staying in a sit!

I'm kicking myself for not saying anything. I didn't really know how to respond to that without making a scene (cause I was NOT happy). Should I let it go unless it happens again? Go early to the next class and have a talk with her? I've already started looking for a new place to train because the current facility is a 45 min drive from my house so maybe I should just shrug it off and finish the class quietly.

For what it's worth - I do feel like Bob gets a lot out of going to class - I'm just tired of hearing her crap.
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
I would be truthful with her. Point out what she is doing then see how she responds. If she continues being a b*tch. I would find somewhere else to train and if she has a boss I would speak with them and let them know why you are leaving and could not recommend their facility.

BTW, tell them you are a member of a forum with plenty of Fila, Corsi and many other breeds that would take offense at a mastiff being made fun of. They just might show up for training one day. LOL
 

DDBsR4Me

Well-Known Member
Wow, I'd probably be pretty ticked off too!

Her comments are uncalled for - she's there to teach, not degrade you/your dog.

I would probably bring it up to her either before or after class, be polite but let he know that her comments are unacceptable. If she's unwilling to stop, she can refund your money and you will find a new trainer!

Besides...the whole point of a puppy class is socialization, learning some obedience,and having fun. It isn't like any of the dogs in the class are going to be top obedience competitors from this one class..she (the trainer) needs to lighten up!
 

Duetsche_Doggen

Well-Known Member
Wow, I'd probably be pretty ticked off too!

Her comments are uncalled for - she's there to teach, not degrade you/your dog.

I would probably bring it up to her either before or after class, be polite but let he know that her comments are unacceptable. If she's unwilling to stop, she can refund your money and you will find a new trainer!

Besides...the whole point of a puppy class is socialization, learning some obedience,and having fun. It isn't like any of the dogs in the class are going to be top obedience competitors from this one class..she (the trainer) needs to lighten up!

I agree 100% its dog training not an armature comedy club.
 

metaldad904

Well-Known Member
You're paying her, if she's not doing her job up to your satisfaction then tell her, if she doesn't comply its time to go.
 

Cody

Well-Known Member
I agree with Angelbears.
Word of mouth is an important advertising device. I would speak to her, if that doesn't work then to management.
As for the service dogs in the class, they are puppies, may not end up as service dogs and you and Bob may very well decide to do therapy work...
Can't judge a dog as a puppy :)
 

tchvt

Well-Known Member
I am a animal behaviorist with a veterinary background and if she was working for me she would no longer have a job. This is highly uprofessional of her. Remind her that you are paying her to train your dog not deface the value of him getting socialized and trained and to not be a statistic like so many of the breed become. You are the responsible adult and she needs to act the same. :mad:
 

DDBsR4Me

Well-Known Member
In response to Cody's post - my boy ended being the "shining star" of the class. The instructor was encouraging me to continue with more advanced training and to compete with him.
 
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Jadotha

Well-Known Member
I agree with everyone else. Also, although Boris is my first EM, in terms of learning he is very similar to our Irish Wolfhounds. They are highly intelligent and learn quickly, but are often considered dense because once they have understood a command and performed it once or twice, they have little tolerance for endless repetitions and will flop down and sleep. I would definitely have a chat with the trainer.

@ tchvt: I didn't quite understand your comment: ".....and not be a statistic like so many of the breed become". What breed and what statistics if you don't mind my asking ?
 

Ron Ackerman

Well-Known Member
Mastiff breeds require much different techniques and a lot more patience than other breeds. The cookie-cutter training methods most have been taught and use are just not condusive to working with mastiff breeds. It is very important when looking for a trainer to find one that has worked extensively with our breeds. I care little what they have done with high drive GSD's, Mal's or Pit's. Mastiff's are a different breed of animal and often require outside-the-box thinking.
 

Sadies Mom

Well-Known Member
I agree with Ron on the outside-the-box thinking. I have taken what the trainers have tought in class as a base and modified the techniques to fit us. Some things Sadie will pick up fast and others, well, not so much......
 

tchvt

Well-Known Member
My comment is that I often see out of control aggressive mastiffs or another mastiff has attacked someone. That is what I meant about statistic
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
Mastiff breeds require much different techniques and a lot more patience than other breeds. The cookie-cutter training methods most have been taught and use are just not condusive to working with mastiff breeds. It is very important when looking for a trainer to find one that has worked extensively with our breeds. I care little what they have done with high drive GSD's, Mal's or Pit's. Mastiff's are a different breed of animal and often require outside-the-box thinking.

Agree, 1000% The problem is finding one.
 

Ursa

Well-Known Member
Thanks everyone. I'm definitely going to have a talk with her. She is the owner of the facility and is quite well known in our area so I doubt she'll care what I have to say but if she shuts up for the next few weeks then I'll be as satisfied as I'm going to get.

Bob reminds me a lot of how our Pyr was as a puppy. She learned everything very quickly but still managed to sleep through half of every class! He also responds at a more leisurely pace just like she did (and still does). Our former trainer used tolove her because she was a nice break from training a sea of Labs and Goldens. I sooo wish that trainer hadnt retired!!

---------- Post added at 11:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:35 AM ----------

Agree, 1000% The problem is finding one.

So true. It seems that most facilities around here are full of smaller breeds in the basic classes. By the time you get to the advanced classes it's nothing but Aussies training for agility.