for an English Mastiff puppy.
Does anyone have knowledge of specific trainers, or ideas for identifying a skilled trainer in my area?
I'm aware that our local humane society offers some group classes, and we had our small dogs enrolled in a couple of classes at the nearby PetSmart store (this was good for socialization, but one of the instructors was just okay, and the other seemed afflicted with an unknown disorder that created delusional ideation).
One "out of the box thinking" ideas I had was to seek information from a local obedience/schutzlund group.
I realize their dogs are a different breed, possessed with a different temperament...but boy- they're impressive.
I'd want some one on one time with a private trainer to get my spouse, oldest child, and myself on the same page. I'd still plan on group training for the social experience.
I'm a believer in using positive reinforcement and NILIF techniques.
I have some reservations about clicker training, knowing I'd be frantically and continuously searching for and buying new clicker devices...over and over and over again for the remainder of my life.
Just like the guitar tuners I try to keep at hand.
Thanks
Does anyone have knowledge of specific trainers, or ideas for identifying a skilled trainer in my area?
I'm aware that our local humane society offers some group classes, and we had our small dogs enrolled in a couple of classes at the nearby PetSmart store (this was good for socialization, but one of the instructors was just okay, and the other seemed afflicted with an unknown disorder that created delusional ideation).
One "out of the box thinking" ideas I had was to seek information from a local obedience/schutzlund group.
I realize their dogs are a different breed, possessed with a different temperament...but boy- they're impressive.
I'd want some one on one time with a private trainer to get my spouse, oldest child, and myself on the same page. I'd still plan on group training for the social experience.
I'm a believer in using positive reinforcement and NILIF techniques.
I have some reservations about clicker training, knowing I'd be frantically and continuously searching for and buying new clicker devices...over and over and over again for the remainder of my life.
Just like the guitar tuners I try to keep at hand.
Thanks