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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

So angry at trainer

22 replies

pelagra · 22/09/2021 09:25

I wasn't really happy with the out-dated methods in our puppy class, but there was nothing else local, so I thought the socialisation made it worthwhile.

Yesterday the trainer insisted I use their treats rather than the ones I'd brought, even though the mere smell of theirs sent 4 month old Pele-pup hyper, and left him unable to focus. So the trainer took him off me to demonstrate how to "make him calm down", started jerking hard on the lead and eventually pulled so hard he went up in the air, over backwards and landed on his head and spine.
I went icy calm, took the dog back and walked out, saying "I don't think we'll stay for that, thank you"

This morning, I'm still seething, both at the trainer, and at myself for adding the thank you.
Pele-pup was a bit subdued last night, but seems his usual joyful, bouncy self this morning.

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 22/09/2021 10:01

Complain , RSPCA , trading standards , whoever leases them the space , local council and if they are qualified the governing body . Disgusting behaviour .

bunnygeek · 22/09/2021 10:23

That's appalling! If they are a registered trainer (and they should be) definitely say something to their governing body.

Etonmessisyum · 22/09/2021 10:25

Awful, try to get a pro dog trainer
Very positive training and they tend to be v enthusiastic. You do need to travel for decent dog trainers at times. What treats did she give? My dog doesn’t take anything at all ever, fussy git. Trainer is lucky she didn’t get walloped with the lead for that had it been me!!

StrongTea · 22/09/2021 10:25

Good for you, no need for that to have happened.

Original poster
pelagra · 22/09/2021 10:47

I don't think this is a registered trainer, she told me she used to be but had retired when she moved here.
I'm starting to feel quite tearful about the whole thing. I've let my puppy down by continuing there. I had thought I could work round the bits I disagreed with, so when she wanted me to shout "Leave It" at my dog I told him firmly, but at normal voice level, to leave, as we do at home.
I want him to co-operate with me by choice, not because he is bullied into it.

I'm on the trail of another class, but it is fully booked for several months, and I think Pele-pup most urgently needs to learn how to approach other dogs calmly. I have worked on "Wait" and "Leave" at home and he can steady himself from over-excitement here, but when we are out he just gets carried away. Any tips, or good videos on teaching him to be steady? He comes from a working gundog line, so should be able to achieve. it.

OP posts:
Original poster
pelagra · 22/09/2021 10:53

@tonmessisyum
The trainer was using smoked sausage. At home Pele-pup is only rewarded with his usual dry food or fish cubes for something challenging like an outdoor recall.

OP posts:
SunshineCake1 · 22/09/2021 10:57

He's four months old! Of course he gets carried away when he's outside and sees other dogs. It's like taking a two year old to a toy shop and telling them they can't look at anything.

Report the bullying trainer.

Relax on your dog. He's a baby and doing fine by the sounds of it. Get some confidence. He's your dog. You say what he eats etc.

Original poster
pelagra · 22/09/2021 11:08

Yes, mostly I think he is doing amazingly well. We keep saying that he came from such a good home, it's up to us not to spoil that start.

He is quite large, long legged and gangly, so I think he looks older than he is - no suggestion of cuddly puppy any more. Perhaps my expectations, and those of other dog walkers we we meet are based on his looks rather than his actual age. My last few dogs have been adult rescues, so I'm out of touch with starting from puppyhood. Hence the need for a class, but definitely not that one.

OP posts:
SunshineCake1 · 22/09/2021 11:55

I have never had a dog, didn't do classes, just read a bit but mostly went with instinct. I get told a lot how calm and well behaved my dog is. You can do this and you can certainly do better than this horrible trainer. If anyone gives a look or says anything just say he is only four months old and so of course he is still learning..

GreatHitchenKitchen · 22/09/2021 11:58

There's a really good facebook site called Dog Training Advice and Support that has got some great guides on this. Mostly it's about getting them to focus on you rather than other dogs. So they see a dog and think 'treat' rather than 'let's go jump on his head'.

PollyRoullson · 22/09/2021 12:31

You have stood up for your dog and taken immediate action. You have NOT let your dog down.

Maybe a 121 session would work for you? Although a bit more expensive you would need less sessions to get all the info you need.

Good luck in your search for a good trainer

IMDT, Pro Dogs, Victoria Stillwell Academy trained, APDT trainers would be a good place to start.

pigsDOfly · 22/09/2021 13:12

You haven't let your dog down, you weren't the one who did that to him and you left immediately it happened.

She sounds a bit deranged tbh, nasty and spiteful.

All you need to do is to get your dog to focus on you when you come across another dog.

Find a word/phrase you want to use to get him to look at you, get your treats ready and when the dog gets near, get his attention and all the time he's looking at you treat him a few times until the dog has passed.

I did this with my dog when she was young and lunged at motorbikes, took a while but it cured the problem.

Turquoisesol · 22/09/2021 13:27

I had many difficult experiences at various puppy classes and I came to think they are massively over rated. Most I have taught her has been done myself from various online sources. You can do so much with that. When learning to approach other dogs calmly when out and about just encourage a quick sniff and move on. Couple of seconds before excitement takes over.

I think so many dog trainers have far too a high opinion of themselves. It is so hard when you are in that moment and they are proclaiming to be the “expert” to go against what they are saying. Well
Done for how you handled it.

Ilikewinter · 22/09/2021 14:46

Wow they sound dreadfull and you absolutely did the right thing.
Winterpup is 5 month old collie and is also excited when meeting dogs on lead....although weve discovered if hes off lead hes happy to walk past calmly and ignore!.
Hes been going to classes and hes picked up 'clicker training' like a dream. When we see dogs now I click and he will look at me and I treat instantly until we've passed the dog. Could maybe try a clicker, i would imagine a gundog would also pick clicker training up quickly.

icedcoffees · 22/09/2021 15:23

Unfortunately dog training is totally unregulated - anyone can call themselves a dog trainer.

I'm glad your puppy is okay Flowers

EmeraldRaine · 22/09/2021 15:25

Id be ALL over social media telling people she's happy to use physical force on your dog. Evil bitch.

CottageOnTheHill · 22/09/2021 15:29

So the trainer took him off me to demonstrate how to "make him calm down", started jerking hard on the lead and eventually pulled so hard he went up in the air, over backwards and landed on his head and spine.

You are much calmer than I would have been, she’d have been put on her arse for doing that to my pup. She sounds a bit like Barbara Woodhouse 🙄

I agree with someone upthread to look for a Victoria Stillwell accredited trainer.

I have 3 labs and they all responded well to clicker training.

pigsDOfly · 22/09/2021 15:30

@EmeraldRaine

Id be ALL over social media telling people she's happy to use physical force on your dog. Evil bitch.
Yes, I'd be very inclined to do this.

If she has a face book page or anything similar. I'd be leaving a review stating what happened.

Floralnomad · 22/09/2021 15:40

We never took ours to puppy training , he was an older pup when we got him and then he had KC so couldn’t go out , I used the Positively website ( Victoria Stilwell) and decided 90% of it is common sense . If you want your dog to meet nice dogs ask around on local Facebook pages for a dog walking group or see if anyone has a nice dog you could walk with .

Gotaprettypup · 22/09/2021 15:50

I would have been livid. Clearly the Barbara Woodhouse school of training!

Prettypup is now a great lump of a dog and still can be an utter twat but today I have seen the dog trainer to work out next steps. I would find another force free trainer OP. Ask them bluntly if the are FF.

Wormsarecool · 22/09/2021 15:55

I don’t have a dog and so can’t really offer any advice but I didn’t know if you’ve heard of bbc maestro? I’m doing a different course but it really is very good. Just a thought. It’s here: www.bbcmaestro.com/courses/steve-mann/dog-training

Wombat96 · 22/09/2021 16:00

@GreatHitchenKitchen

There's a really good facebook site called Dog Training Advice and Support that has got some great guides on this. Mostly it's about getting them to focus on you rather than other dogs. So they see a dog and think 'treat' rather than 'let's go jump on his head'.
Yes, this FB group is excellent.

I'm on my 4th puppy & it's changed how I approached looking after him totally. Much better.

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