ISO dog trainer in the ballston spa area. Any recommendations?
Em V. replied:
Chris Atkins some ideas for Chevy
Amanda S. replied:
Joe Feeney
Amanda B. replied:
the complete canine. Chelsea Koslow is amazing. She's just at exit 15 but may travel
Joe F. replied:
Chris, in-home training is highly recommended for several reasons. 1.866.200.9393 and comes to Ballston Spa. Good luck! http://www.yourpetstrainer.com/
Recommendations for a Toronto Dog Trainer? I have a 8 month old pup that has become aggressive towards people and dogs so I think it's time that I get the help from...
LucidDreamer18 replied:
http://www.reddit.com/r/Dogtraining/wiki/findingatrainer
>I've considered veterinary behaviorist but the one in Toronto has very bad reviews which claims he's useless and extremely expensive
Since you're dealing with behavioral issues, you do need a behaviorist instead of a trainer. I would be cautious about reading too much into reviews because, one, they're often very biased. People rarely leave reviews when they truly enjoy a place, but are much more likely to leave a negative review because people who are angry want to be heard.
I would also argue that a behaviorist is a professional who seems to do "nothing" for a lot of money. What typically happens is you'll bring in your dog for a session, where the behaviorist will ask you questions, evaluate your dog, and will develop a training plan, tell you how to adjust your lifestyle, and send you home to work on it. They do not train your dog for you, and you do have to put in the work to see results.
Some people do not want to put in the effort, and/or change their lifestyle, and can understandably be irritated when it seems like they spent a lot of money for nothing.
It is absolutely possible that the behaviorist is garbage, but I would look outside of review sites and figure out where they went to school, what their credentials are, and, if they have one, read their blog/website to see what types of training methods they use.
Avoid anyone who wants to use pain or fear to punish the behavior out of your dog. You absolutely cannot fix these behaviors with force.