Dog Trainers recs

[niccig]

Help! We need to do someting about our dogs. We love them to bits, but I can't handle them anymore. Common problems of not walking on leash, so we don't walk them as often as we should. Jumping up, barking, rusing to the door and one dog is always licking DS no matter what I do. The dogs have never been agressive to DS. I get so frustrated and angry, so they're just getting negative attention from me. What I am most worried about is that DS will mistreat the dogs as he constantly hears me getting angry with them. I need to do something. I was thinking of a dog trainer that comes to your home. I did it once, but I need someone who will work with me over a number of sessions rather than just one expensive lesson.

Any suggestions?

I emailed barkbusters. I don't know if they're good or not.

Nicci

ETA I'm in Los Angeles

[brittone2]

I have a dog with major issues (He's on Prozac for fear aggression/anxiety issues). I found it is very well worth it really investigate trainers. I've seen all kinds and a lot of the traditional methods really were not beneficial for my dog whatsoever. I eventually took him to a top notch vet school to their behavioral clinic and he saw a whole team there. It was one of the best investments we ever made. We also found an awesome trainer who really understood fear aggression and she was fabulous and very gentle (no chokers even permitted on her property). You probably don't need a behavioral clinic, but since you live in a major city, I would try calling several unversity vet schools and asking for recommendations or posting on craigslist and asking for referrals that way.

There are some "experts" out there who are far from IME. I'm a big fan of clicker training in general, which is very gentle and actually fun for the dog (Karen Pryor's book Don't Shoot The Dog is excellent). There are a lot of trainers who are big on "pop and jerk" and don't know much else....they also may not know how to adapt their approach to your dog's needs.

Do your dogs pull really hard on leash? One of our dogs (who passed away last year) was a husky, and she could PULL. The gentle leader is a great, humane style of leash that can really make a difference. There is also the "snoot loop" which is similar. These are so helpful!

I hope you can find some excellent help for your dog. I wish you the best. There are several mamas here who do rescue work, etc. and I'm sure they'll have great advice.

[Tondi G]

Heres an LA area dog trainer, Shelby Marlo. She is a great trainer and she will come to your home and or you can go to group lessons as well! My friend used her and was very pleased!

http://www.shelbymarlo.com/index1.html

Good Luck

~Tondi

[niccig]

Thanks Tondi. I've emailed to ask questions.

Nicci