Good pet trainers? Any that will take a dog to train away from the home? I'm at wits end with my dog and he's a great dane/american bulldog. Any recommendations would be great, thanks.
Ellen P. replied:
Maggie, what you are describing is completely natural --- and normal -- and good for you for knowing that this needs to be addressed. It sounds to me like you need to be trained at the same time your puppy does. So I really don't recommend sending him away to boarding school. What will that accomplish? He will learn to listen to the professional trainer beautifully. You could start with having a trainer come to your house on a regular basis to have them teach you and he to work together. And this does take work. But the right trainer will make it fun as well. Puppies take work. That's why G-d made them so cute. :-) Once he is doing well in the home, it will be time to go on field trips -- the purpose of which will be to change the "picture." And as he gets better and better in less busy places, you can take him to busier places. A friend of mine does specialize in pets -- and you should interview her to see if you are comfortable -- just as you should interview the others. Abby Toporek - 910-673-0074, or email her at SandhillsDogTraining@gmail.com. Whatever you decide -- best of luck. Happy Training.