New Puppy - Should I try to train her myseld or use a professional Trainer?

Compudaro

As the title says!

Vet recommended a trainer if I choose to go down that route.

Any opinions/advice on what to do?

Thanks in advance

kildara

Compudaro wrote: »

As the title says!

Vet recommended a trainer if I choose to go down that route.

Any opinions/advice on what to do?

Thanks in advance

What sort of training do you want for her?
Is it obedience, agility, protection, are you wanting to show her etc, or is it just to get get her to sit / lie / roll over when you tell her to?

Is she a difficult breed to train?

You should be well able to train any dog but may need professional help for certain things.

hobochris

Train her yourself. You are her master, she needs to learn to take commands from you not a dog trainer.

dogs are a pack animal, you need to be seen to her as pack leader.

Kooli

My folks are getting a dog so I am very interested in this and have been looking up all the different training methods out there.

Apologies if this is dragging the thread off-topic, but it feels relevant particularly if the OP chooses to train him/herself, or even when choosing a trainer.

Does everyone subscribe to this idea of becoming the 'pack leader'? I know it's become really popular (probably due to Cesar Milan 'The Dog Whisperer') but reading around it on the net shows there is a HUGE backlash against this theory which relies on the notions of dominance and submission.

I won't say any more in case this isn't the right place to discuss it, but I'd be interested in any thoughts!

laceyl

As Kildara says it does depend really on what you want to train your dog for.
Also it depends on whether you know how to train a dog, if you dont then lessons would be advisable.

I dont agree with Hobochris' statement, any good trainer will train you to train your dog, not train the dog on behalf of you.

Also in reply to above, I believe the whole pack leader thing is completely rubbish, my dogs sit on me sit on my couch etc etc, not to be dominant but because theyre part of my family and they love company and being petted.

livvy

i'd say train your self. If encountering difficulties then bring in trainer. Why not give it a shot yourself before parting with your cash.

gillo_100

Once you put in a bit of time and effort its not that hard to train a dog.

When he does something you want him to do praise him. When he does something hes not supposed to do scold him.

The general thought is that the praising works better than the scolding. However in my opinion there are times when a good angry shout can do the world of good, and remember a dog doesn't understand bad boy if you say it in a nice voice.
If after a while you are still having trouble then maybe consider a trainer.

laceyl

I cant see how shouting at a dog can ever do "the world of good". Unless they are about to walk in front of a car and you need to get their full attention quickly. But while training a dog shouting is not effective, it might stop them doing what they are doing right there and then because you've scared them, but they wont learn from it at all.

lg123

hobochris wrote: »

Train her yourself. You are her master, she needs to learn to take commands from you not a dog trainer.

dogs are a pack animal, you need to be seen to her as pack leader.

+1

uberwolf

pics or gtfo.

gillo_100

laceyl wrote: »

But while training a dog shouting is not effective

I would have to say from my, admitably limited, experience when you want to stop a dog from doing something such as jumping on someone or snapping a strongly worded NO is quite effective.

I agree for most training such as training to sit, walk at heel or return to you, praise is much more effective, but at times in my opinion a shout, for want of a better word can be used. However overuse makes it less effective.

So for the most part praise but in my opinion a loud command at the right times is effective.

Back to original question though, there are plenty of resources on web advising techniques on how to do it youself, or take a trip to your local library they will likely have some book.

spurscormac

Puppy training classes are great for a new dog-owner.
As has been said, the trainer will be training you how to train your dog.

They shouldn't cost too much - ours were €100 about a year ago for 6 weeks. You get taught how to train various things each week and then practice them at home with your dog.

Its not just the training either - your puppy gets great socialisation with other puppies, which is great for their behavioural development.

Sigma Force

I think every puppy owner should go to puppy classes where possible. A good puppy/dog trainer guides the dog owner and explains stuff clearly but it's the puppy/dog owner that does the work. The job of a trainer is to show you how it's done and then you go home and practice.

YOURFACE!

I got great pleasure from training my dog myself (with the help of Dog Training Ireland) The bond we developed is amazing! In my opinion, once you have a great relationship with your dog training will be easy and effective.

Oh and I don't agree with this "master / submissive dog" stuff either.

laceyl

gillo_100 wrote: »

a shout, for want of a better word can be used. However overuse makes it less effective.

I have to say I think you prove my points.

1. a shout for want of a better word- obviously you say this because deep down you realise shouting is uncalled for and a quick fix, and want to make it sound better.

and

2. overuse can make it less effective- yes because your dog gets afraid of you or doesnt understand and wont listen.

Praise, a dog never gets sick of, they crave attention and love, so its so much more effective, and they actually learn.