got sent home from obedience

SparkyTansy · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 1:23 am Post subject:

Sorry you had such a bad time with Ruby!
I like to have a trainer that knows the breed. Often, trainers will put every pup of every age in the same category and expect the same things out of them... a trainer that knows the breed and can work with you while they are going through certain phases is a plus.
I train my dogs on a checkchain... I then went up a class to a trainer who i have successfully trained two dogs under before, and she told me a new rule that she will not allow checkchains in her class... I think that you should be able to use whatever works for you and the dog... and if the trainer is very specific about certain types of collars/training tools, they should teach you how to correctly and effectively use them...

krisnkaipo · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:10 am Post subject:

I totally sympathize, my old dog got kicked out of a petsmart class! He literally threw himself on the floor and had a tantrum (kicking and screaming) like a 2 year old Embarassed

. It ended up working out, the trainer bumped us into an advanced class that was not as "boring" for him and he did much better. He couldn't handle the sitting around, he wanted to play! If he was on the move he was ok. He went on to get his CGC and barely missed passing for his therapy dog cert (very excited little maltese cutie tripped him up Evil or Very Mad

) Even then the trainers were so proud of him they offered him another shot, but we ended up moving and never did follow through.

I am not a fan of the halti. I swear by the prong collar, I used it on my old dog and now Wilson at first and it is amazing, he is really good now and he walks on the flat collar and runs with a harness. If I take him somewhere that I know will be crowded (we go to restaurants and such) and don't want to have to worry I still will use the prong sometimes.

It really is a wonderful training tool and is nowhere near as bad as it looks! If you have not tried it I would givew it a shot.

Glad Ruby is feeling well enough to cause trouble!

ange165 · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:46 pm Post subject:

I think I'm going to look into something other than the halti to see how we go. Perhaps a check chain or I'll look for a prong - I have never seen these in Aus so not too sure if they are available. She does seem distracted by it, but it truly keeps her in line with me and I don't get pulled to the ground.
Thanks for all the suggestions - we're sitting this week out and will go back again next week to keep going.

weimdogmom · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:26 pm Post subject:

Here is one place you might be able to order a prong collar:
http://www.k9force.net/index.html?row2col2=prongorder.html

When I was looking for one though, in some areas apparently they are illegal so you may not be finding one in a shop. Or perhaps even be able to use one purchased somewhere else. Looked like there have been some serious debates on the matter.

Normandy · Puppy Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 31 Location: Illinois

I am going to stick my neck out and hope It isn't too painful...BUT, Haltis are halters, halters are meant for horses, It is a bit diffulcut to walk a horse on a "choke chain" or "buckle collar". PERSONALLY I think they are a joke and a lazy man's antidote to training. Having had both Weims and Dobes, and having used choke chains, respectfully to the dog, I feel it is the only method that suitably trains dogs. Many people will only use a pinch. I do not agree with their use primarily because I believe the dog becomes dependent on them. Pinch collars are not allowed in the obedience ring and a smart not totally trianed dog will understand the difference early on.... I personally feel the Koehler method of training to have many virtues HOWEVER, should be used with more praise... and treats...Weims CAN BE hard headed and knowing which "buttons" to push are imperative to successful training...