PICKING A TRAINER
How do I separate fact from fiction? Everyone has an opinion on how I should train my dog.
An opinion is only as good as the results with an individual dog. That's why you need to educate and inform yourself about your own dog.
What breed is it? Believe it or not, that can make a big difference in training techniques. The methods used to teach a herding or retrieving breed probably won't be as effective for hounds or sled dog breeds. One reason is that herding and retrieving dogs were bred to work closely and take direction from humans. For example, a pretty reliable method of getting them to come when they don't want to is to turn around and walk away from them. Their inclination is to turn around and catch up with you. Of course if you scream at them or punish them when you do get them,you can pretty much rule out that technique.
A hound dog or sled dog was bred to either work independently of you or to move away from you e.g.hounds move away and work on their own and when they find the scent call the hunter to THEM. Especially for these breeds early puppy imprinting is essential, with lots of tactile and/or food/ball rewards, so that you become the BEST place to be.
You need to find a trainer who LIKES and understands your breed, but your best bet is to understand your dog and what motivates him yourself and to work with the trainer you pick.
