Had our first lesson w/ the new trainer...

**JenTN** · 06-18-2008, 09:38 PM

And boy am I impressed. All I can say is WOW.

He was fitted with a prong collar within the first few minutes, which I fully expected. Most of the lesson was spent with us talking about how to communicate with Bo, how and when to correct, how to communicate that we are the "leader", etc. He said that Bo has a good temperment and illprobably be a good candidate for therapy/service dog work with his outgoing and friendly personality- that was very encouraging to me since I want to do obedience or therapy work with him.

As some of you may have read, Bo is currently "testing" us, if you will, at every turn. Stay has been tough, he will stay for a while with us standing right there, but not when we walk away. By the end of the lesson, my husband put him in a down-stay, dropped the leash, turned around and walked away- and Bo stayed while we all talked. I was completely blown away- "is this my dog?" Learning to use the prong was a bit tough on me because I am so used to the postive reinforcement and he whimpered in protest, but I think it is a good tool for him. Tonight was the first time I could take him on a walk by myself- my ankle is sprained and with his pulling I couldn't trust him by ourselves. He did fantastic, after 2 quick corrections he was loose leash walking the rest of the way, where as before (as per old trainer insturctions) he would pull the first 3/4 of the walk and then we would start attempting our loose-leash walking.

He immediately went into how Bo should never be trusted alone with the kids (which he is not), something my old trainer never mentioned. Not really an issue since we weren't doing that, but it's nice to know he takes into account all aspects of our life. He also said we will bring the kids to lessons in the future and teach that they are a "leave it" to keep him from knocking them down. (He hardly ever jumps on anyone anymore, but he does crash into people).

i am so happy, this seems like a good fit

**Burns** · 06-18-2008, 10:12 PM

That's good you found someone you like and that Bo responds to

How many weeks does the class run?

**JenTN** · 06-18-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burns

That's good you found someone you like and that Bo responds to

How many weeks does the class run?

Thanks! However long we want, we are doing private lessons at the moment. I really want to earn his CGC and start thinking about therapy work, then maybe we'll do group lessons for the socialization.

I have been thinking for the past few weeks that we needed a prong or choke collar, but I was not going to attempt to use one w/o first being shown how by a professional.

clipclop · 06-18-2008, 10:29 PM

Good for you Jen! Wyatt is getting to that weight where the pulling on the leash can practically yank an arm off! ... i too am working with a personal trainer...

**JenTN** · 06-18-2008, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clipclop

Good for you Jen! Wyatt is getting to that weight where the pulling on the leash can practically yank an arm off! ... i too am working with a personal trainer...

That's basically what the trainer was concerned about...he's only six months and I'm willing to bet he's over sixty pounds now. And it's worse since I have a bum ankle! Thanks and good luck with your training!

reddobes · 06-18-2008, 10:48 PM

Glad you found a good trainer - it can make all the difference in the world.
Good luck w/ Bo's training!

2RescuedDobies · 06-19-2008, 01:44 AM

I'm so glad Jen, you found a trainer that understands Bo. Good to hear he is making progress. Keep up the hard work and he will stay for sure.

alwayshadpets · 06-19-2008, 06:18 AM

What a good productive solution and fun too. Your journey will be a happy one.

zeus and me · 06-19-2008, 07:04 AM

sounds great jen! I keep seeing you are in knoxville.I am going to knoxville in july

my mom lives there.

**K9Jarko** · 06-19-2008, 07:21 AM

Great to hear that you and Bo have found a good trainer that works for the two of you! Definitely worth shopping around to find the right one - especially while the pups are still fairly young. Bo will be ready for his CGC in no time........ with your dedication and a good trainer to help you along your way!