Just wondered if any one has sent thier dog away to be trained. Did it work and did the dog respond to YOU when it returned. I'm looking into it and the average price is about 500 pounds, would like to know if anyone has experience of these courses or are they a total waste of money???
Thanks x

The words Barge & Pole & don't touch with spring to mind

I could make a fortune doing this sort of thing, but TBH you need to have a bond between you & your dog in order to be able to train successfully & if you can't train your own dog because you don't have this understanding having someone else train your dog without you present is leaving your dog open to all sorts of abuse & when you get the dog back you still won't have the bond so you will be no better off & your dog may well be worse behaved or cowed & broken. I had to retrain such a dog for friends & she never really was the same dog as she was before she was sent away. It took me a year to get her to trust people & she never could be touched during training-the mind boggles at what was done to her

Just to add to what MM said: one of my bitches is pretty well trained and I have competed in obedience with her. I did all the training. Nobody but nobody can get her to do anything much but me as it is me she has the bond with, my husband and children all try and she just looks at them as if they were stupid.

why would anyone NOT want to train their own dog?

you build up a fabulous bond when training,why woul;d you want to give that opportunity away?

I've done basic training with her, sit, stay, come ect. but i'm a childminder and don't drive, so getting to training classes is almost impossible. I went to some quite near last summer with my Beagle, but the bus only runs every hour after the class finishes and isnt that reliableand with the dark nights i wouldn't be happy waiting in the country lane anyway.  So i thought one of these courses might be of use to me?? They are obviously there for a reason and someone must use them or surely they wouldn't exist?  Paisley has just been to a dog walker for 2 wks, while we were on holiday and she responded to her no problems.

well thats up to you then :)

theres no way id want someone else having my dog away from me & training it...who knows what they might do?

most people use them i guess because they are too busy to train there dog & its become unruly.& they are looking for a easy option these people shouldnt have a dog imo!
if this is not the case in your case,why not buy a book or a video that will help you train your dog yourself?
a hell of alot cheaper! & more effective, theres lots of knowledge on here to give you tips & pointers!

i know a girl who clicker trained her beagles to a rreally high standard.

"They are obviously there for a reason and someone must use them or surely they wouldn't exist? "

Of course people use them - but its doesnt mean that they achieve anything except handing over obscene amounts of dosh! Just because they exist doesnt mean they're any good. Look at puppy farms - they exist but I doubt anyone on here would recommend them (well, I hope not!). Dog training is so much more than just training the dog - its teaching the owner and building the bond between owner and dog etc etc.

I can understand that not everyone can get to classes. But theres a lot of things you can do at home, at the part, out on walks that would be much more benificial than sending your dog off to one of these residential schools.

You sound like you're doing OK on your own to me and your dog is amenable to training so I would just stick with what you're doing. :)  Although you do have to be consistent with training, I don't feel it needs to involve long sessions or even necessarily dog training classes so maybe you're overestimating the time you would need to carry on training her yourself?

Personally I have to agree with others that I would never want to send my dogs away for training.

They are obviously there for a reason and someone must use them or surely they wouldn't exist?

Of course people use them, but sadly most of the people that do are of the type that want a trained dog without having to do any"work"the instant pet people

There is one of these paces that has a terrible reputation, but which is always fully booked, their methods are out of the dark ages of the tug & jerk choker training & lots of compulsion methods are employed. The dogs come out cowed & like someone else has said robot like

It takes 5-10 minutes a day of basic training, a guy who comes to our club is a self employer taxi driver-who takes his dog with him & he fits in his training between calls maybe three times a day at most, the improvement in his dog compared to those who don't train is amazing & this is a rescue dog he has had for a couple of months !

I don't understand why you are considering paying £400 when you have already taught your dog the basics. Sit, stay and come should be enough to keep your dog safe in most situations. What are you wanting them to train her?

Training has many benefits such as mental exercise and improving dog-handler bond and so should be done regularly for the dogs life. A week or a months training isn't enough to keep your dog from being bored for the next 13 years.

Residential training places exist because some owners are too lazy or not interested in training their own dog, some think that only "experts" can successfully train dogs, some have let their dogs deveolp huge behavioural problems and want someone else to sort it out.

I've never seen or heard a positive experience about any of these places but heard lots of negative things about cruel training methods and dogs coming back the same or even worse than when they went.

In my training classes I can take owners dogs and show them in minutes how their dog will walk to heel/sit/stay/whatever but when I hand them back they behave as they normally do. It takes much longer to train owners how to handle their own pets! I'm sure that your dog will respond to residential trainers just as she did your dog walker but it won't make her respond to you.

As a trainer I could make a lot of money doing residential training and make dogs look impressive when their owners collect them and I'd only use kind methods but I would never offer that service because I think it is wrong.

I know I'm saying "don't do it" like all the other posters so here are a few alternatives: why don't you continue training at home, practice the basics and teach new things. There are lots of books available on teaching obedience, heelwork to music, agility, clicker training, tricks, scent work (which beagles are designed for) why not buy a few.

In the summer when the nights are lighter go back to training classes, or learn to drive! :-) If you have major problems then see if your dog trainer will do a home training session or find someone else (check them out first) who can.

A women at the park sent her Springer away for this type of training and the poor thing came back like robot.

Before she sent her away Cocoa was a bouncy, happy, playful typical Springer and she came back a totally different dog.

So sad and her owner really regrets doing it. It's much more fun training you dog yourself, sign up for some one to one classes if you want more intense training.

you just dont know what goes on there

there may be a "holiday" course you & your dog could go on together maybe?

there may be a "holiday" course you & your dog could go on together maybe?

ooh that sounds good, just me and the dogs. No kids, no OH for a week - or more ;) heaven *sigh*

address anyone?

Friends sent their GR for 'training'. At the finish she behaved beautifully for the trainer. They took her home and she behaved just as she had done before she went :D :D

There's a very good reason why training classes are for the owner NOT the dog :D :D :D

Daisy

Hi peacebabe,

Can I ask what type of training you are after your dog learning, is it the basic sit, stay, down well behaved pet dog or are you interested in having your dog trained in agility, or as a gundog, or for show work?

Everyone here is right that the best trained dogs are trained by their owners and the bond is so much stronger as you also need to know how to get your dog to do your commands, you need to work the same way as the teacher, not everyone is good at training, not everyone has the knack, a good trainer will train you too though that is the point. :-)  So that you both work well together.

As an example, a work colleague of my hubby's went away for two weeks and left his dog in the kennels, (he was a nightmare apparently pulled on the lead etc.) when collected, he automatically walked to heal and did not pull at all, colleague was extatic and told hubby how fantastic his dog was, when he next spoke to him, the dog was yes, you guessed back to normal, you see the owner was not trained on how to continue with the good work done, so it lapsed and disappeared.

However, I also know many who have sent off their gundogs some for upto 6 months to learn the trade by experts to whistle train etc, when they have not had the time or inclination to do so themselves, and those dogs do come back in excellent condition and trained perfectly, but the owners do have the knowledge when their dogs are returned to carry on with the work.

I personally bond far too closely with my dog/s to send them away, and actually half the fun for me is to train and watch them learn.

So in answer to your question, a newly trained dog will only be as good as you are. :-) You will waste £500 unless you learn too.

I honestly can't see the benefit of spending hundreds of pounds in order that your dog can behave properly for someone else! Because that's usually the outcome. Without building up the bond between you and your dog it's well nigh impossible to achieve any lasting or meaningful results.

However, and this is only my opinion, it can be easy to assume from reading message boards that every other dog in the world has a rigid training regime that either produces instant results or takes up every waking minute that the dog and owner have together. Oh, and that this training results in every dog being able to perform seriously impressive tricks rather than acquiring the basic good manners that most of us are looking for. In my case, I want a happy dog who is a pleasure to be around but can also be left on his own for sensible periods of time without being distressed or destructive. I also want to be confident that he can be introduced to other dogs and people without fear that he will be aggressive, irritating or just plain disobedient. Obviously I want him to sit, stay, leave, watch and return to me but I don't need him to perform like a one-dog circus.

In reality, training is an ongoing process without any instant results and you've got to expect backward as well as forward steps sometimes. Indeed, it's often only when you take an overall look at things that you realise just how much you and your dog have progressed and the rewarding bond that you have with each other.

However, I also know many who have sent off their gundogs some for upto 6 months to learn the trade by experts to whistle train etc, when they have not had the time or inclination to do so themselves, and those dogs do come back in excellent condition and trained perfectly, but the owners do have the knowledge when their dogs are returned to carry on with the work.

Er This is a Beagle I think do they do gundog training with Beagles ?

Hi MM I'm just speaking in general terms about some dog training, it is just an example of some of the training that is successfully done with a knowledgable owner to come back to.

Hence my opening question of what type of training is wanted. whether for a working gundog, agility, show or pet trained as all have different training requirments.  The breed was not mentioned so it was a general comment.

> The words Barge & Pole & don't touch with spring to mind

Echo that sentiment. You don't know what will be done to your dog when you are not there - I have seen a dog that went away a happy labrador to be gundog trained, and came back a quivering wreck. I've always found training is as much ME learning as the dogs, anyway, and half the fun is the reward of the bond with your dog when you train with them, and the satisfaction of the results from the work you've put in. Not the same as training classes, but there are some good books/ videos out there. Or if you're talking £500 - you may be able to pay a trainer to come out and train with you at home, which solves the transport problems etc, and IMHO would be a much better use of the money (do be careful who you pick, though). HTH :)

Just read the other posts and looks like all this ahs been said already, sorry!

she's not a Beagle, that was my other dog. Paisley is a GS x.  thanks for your reply's. I wasn't lookin for an easy/lazy option as i am fully aware that the training is an ongoing thing that they would show me how to do it after the initial training. TBH she's not that bad, she jump's up at strangers and won't lie down and a few other bits and bobs but generally she is well behaved. 
Thank's again xx

Those things are all so easy to sort out, speaking for myself, I would hate to see you spend all that money on these few simple training issues for more intriquet and specialist training it is worth spending the money, but you can pick up the tips to do those things at any weekly puppy/adult dog training classes, (and go out and buy yourself a new wardrobe with the change. :-D)

I wasn't lookin for an easy/lazy option as i am fully aware that the training is an ongoing thing that they would show me how to do it after the initial training.



1.Getting someone you do not know to train your dog behind closed doors is foolish @ best & sorry it is the lazy way You have no control over what they may do to your dog & once done possibly never undone
2.You have already trained the basics for a pet dog what else do you want ?
3. Why not employ a one to one trainer for £500 you will get much better results for your money

:rolleyes: A fool & their money are easily parted
4.

Thats why i was asking HAD anyone had experience of this sort of training! 

The dog walker trained her to a certain extent while i wasn't there, so are you saying that i should keep my dog with me 24/7 and not let any one walk her?? 

I would idealy like her not to jump up and head butt strangers, not nip at other dogs and know that when i called her under any circumstances she would return 100%  (not askin 4 much am i) LOL

Like i said i just don't have the time or commitment for training, too many kids in and out 7 days.

I won't be sending her off anywhere,after other people's comments it was just a thought!

Thanks again for your comments x

If you have £500 any chance you could pay me for the cats living in my house you seem to have abandoned I came for my dog on the way home from the airport if you remember :rolleyes:

If you have £500 any chance you could pay me for the cats living in my house you seem to have abandoned I came for my dog on the way home from the airport if you remember 
?????????????????????????????? Was that meant to loose everyone??????
Pm me if you dont wat to put it on here ????
Lea

She is hinting that my cats are still in her house even though i have been home for 3 days :rolleyes:   They seem to be having such a nice time there, they would like to spend xmas with thier brother/son  LOL

Like i said i just don't have the time or commitment for training

Says it all really :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: no time for ten minutes training a day !!!!

I was going to say part of the training can be done when she is walked and also anytime during the day as presume the dog isn't locked away and interacts in family life  ? :)

>Like i said i just don't have the time or commitment for training

I'm not given to harsh judgements but, if this is the case, can I ask why you have a dog at all?

Training can be great fun and even some done in front of the tv with food rewards, it doesn't have to be horrible :)
I adore training but I know not everyone is the same :P

If you put in say, 5 minutes every day, you'd start to see a difference. HOw about also, getting in a one to one trainer to start you off? Try www.apdt.co.uk for someone who may be near you and do this kind of training :)j

Lindsay
x

Moonmaiden what are you talking about?????

I need showing HOW to train my dog, therefore need to go to training classes, which i can not get too due to work commitments, looking after OTHER peoples kids

Of course i do basic training every night for whilst walking, wait at the road, sit, heel, calling her back, but as you all seem to go on about dogs bounding up to you with no control from the owner and the head butting is no good, i  need a bit of help.

I have a dog for protection, we had someone sleeping in our shed and he really scared me and i am home all day so she isn't on her own at all.

I only wanted opinions on the residential training not my life thanks   

have you got any training books or videos? to guide you?
you only need to do 10 mins aday (everyday)
(on a walk/in the garden/infront of the tele)

Of course i do basic training every night for whilst walking, wait at the road, sit, heel, calling her back, but as you all seem to go on about dogs bounding up to you with no control from the owner and the head butting is no good, i  need a bit of help.



does she do this headbutting thing,on & off lead?
Does she know a "wait" command or "leave it"?

i presume as a beagle shes going to be VERY foody,which you can use to your advantage,if you teach a instant down & wait,she cant headbutt anyone! :)

Hi, she's not a beagle, she's 3/4 shepherd and 1/4 rottie. She only jumps when off the lead and running around. she kinda know's leave, i make her wait for her food, but when in the park its anyone's guess if she will do as she's told, most people are scared because she is big.
I've just bought a training book recommended by someone on here, i hadn't even thought of a book to help me, lets see if i can find the time to read it eh. LOL  
Only messin.

Lets hope it helps you ;) :)

Lucy
xx

whoops sorry, a above post confused me re a beagle!

try to teach her a instant down

then when she runs up to someone you can down her.

being a GSDx rottie shes going to be very high drive but trainable, so try to do stuff with her brain at home,some finding things,different names of toys,different positions etc

good luck with your book.hopefully you should get some good ideas from it!

OH's cousins sent their bouncy, mad, Boxer away for training to a well known place (always comes up on google :rolleyes: )  the dog was demonstrated as perfectly trained, training the owner consisted of showing them the commands and they did them once and the dog responded :rolleyes:

On getting home with the dog (20 mins) the dog refused to respond to any commands and was as untrained as when he left :D :D biggest waste of money I've ever seen :rolleyes:  Had the whole family been sent away for training (minus dog) they'd have been more successful IMHO ;)

Thats what most dog trainers say isn't it. The owners need the training as well. Thats why i asked, as i've ni experience of them. My dog is not that bad and will not be sending her anywhere. She has been in the kitchen most of today and she wasn't with the dog walker, i bought her in when the mad house had calmed down, gave my kids thier tea, went upstairs, came down and the left over food was still there on the table untouched by Paisley, what a good girl.
Thanks again everyone, i took all your comments on board. LOL

Hi peacebabe, :-)

You are perfectly right, most of us on this board do complain about uncontrollable dogs bounding towards us, not recalling, jumping all over us and not even listening to a down or sit, most people don't have a clue how to train their dog, and from the dogs that I meet that is a good 50% of people, so that is a lot of dogs and a lot of people with the same problems you are having yourself, added to that if your dog is under 3 these are all really common traits so you have an average dog, doing what average dogs do.

Breeders and dog rescues should always push training classes for their pups/dogs if someone does not know how to train and teach, I know I do as these are the basics for all teaching for our dogs, and not enough breeders do impress the importance of puppy classes.

At least you are wanting to do something about it, which is great you obviously do have a problem in getting to classes. If you truly can not get to classes, then the book suggestion is a great one it will give you really good tips on how to control your dog, I think your main priority is getting the down! under control.

If you really are having trouble in self teaching, (as many people do) if you are worried about finding and contacting someone unknown, call your vet and ask for a recommendation of a good trainer who will work with you for 30 mins or so a day to get you going, I think you have gathered without being there yourself now it is useless.

Good luck! :-)  You will get there in the end.

Hi peacebabe - got a bit hairy there for a minute, didn't it?

First of all - respect for wanting to address what, as Carrington said, are fairly common and therefore fairly well-understood behaviours.

Secondly - I'm a bit of an awkward s*d and not a 'joiner' so have trained my two out stuff gathered from here and a selection of books (use the 'search' facility to get suggestions).  Apart from one entrenched behavioural problem which has to be managed and worked on long-term,they have all the necessary good manners to be on or off lead in public.  Both were 'teen' rescues and of entirely different characters.

I'm not saying this to boast just to let you know it can be done by someone one who is not an expert and a lot of it can be done while you're actually out exercising the dog.  The secret - as has been hinted at by all the other posters - is the quality of your relationship with the dog.

Good luck and enjoy! The whole thing should be fun for you both (although there will always be those cringeworthy moments when you wish you'd just kept tropical fish...)

One thing I've found with pups and older dogs is that really short training times work better than longer times ;)  I trained both my present dogs during the adverts on ITV (TV switched on so I'd be reminded)  and short bursts while out walking, this means only 3 or 4 minutes at a time or less :)  thing is the dog/pup doesn't have chance to get bored and has more chances to learn and then to think about what you're doing (lots of learning goes on while the brain 'catches up' in the rests :) )   always try to stop the training while the dog is still attentive and interested and preferably on a success :D :D

You can learn to train from books/videos, I did, after being told by a training instructor that the older dog I had wasn't trainable as he was 2 years old and completely untrained   He was the best trained dog I ever had and his down/stay was instant, even at full pelt :D :D

Wishing you all the best, loads of enjoyment and a very strong bond with your dog :) :)

well done on your training Dill! showing it can be done!!!!!

Thanks again everyone, will let you know how i get on.
Aly xx

Hi Peacebabe
Some of the replies to your perfectly intelligent q. seem a bit harsh. I have pm'd you - GOOD LUCK
regards
StinkerMink

Hi

Have to agree what has been said about sending dog away for training. never done it but have heard some horror stories about it.

When I was looking for a training class I came across a trainer local to me who does one to one. She comes to your house if you want or she does the training in the local park. You could look for someone simliar and hopefully find a time to suit you both.

|I have taken my pup to classes and she will do what I tell her the way we were taught but she is reluctant to do it for anyone else so I do believe you have to train your own dog. Half the battle is knowing how to go about solving a problem.

Wendy

hi,
i love training my dog its one of the most rewarding things that ive ever done.
i finish college early so that i can get home in time to get the bus then walk 2miles to my training class i do this twice a week, i trained my dog at home from when she was a puppy but nothing is better that going to classes with her, she and i both learn much more at classes.
i understand that you dont really have much time but neither do i,but it was my choice to get a dog and i must make time for her.
with your money that you were going to spend on sending her away i would get a trainer to come to you once a week maybe?
i dont know about you but i wouldnt be very happy at all sending my dog away for that long.
good luck anyway