Dog Training

[EvelynD2]

We have a German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees boy who is 115 pounds. He is very protective but we have had a few issues because of this. We have decided, after talking extensively with a trainer, to send him for two weeks of training. I know that this is the best thing for him but I am already so sad because I will miss him so much. We will probably go to see family in West Virginia one of the weeks he is gone. I am hoping that will help distract us from missing him so much and also give us a visit with my awesome relatives. We always take our pups with us as we take our camper. Our little dog will also miss her doggy brother. Have any of you sent your dogs off for training? Did you see a big difference when you brought them home? How are they doing now. I would love any encouragement. I feel pretty sad but know it is necessary.

 

[stephc777]

We have never had to do this, but a family member did with a larger dog they owned. It ended up being a good experience, and his behavior/obedience was much improved. My family member had to be "trained" as well to make sure that the skills their dog had learned were reinforced properly once the dog was back home. Hopefully you will find that it works well for your much loved dog too!

 

[ktanker]

I don't want to say something that changes your mind but this kind of training is a no for me typically. I personally believe you train the people/owners/pet parents as much as you do the dog. We did in person training one on one with our dogs and we did some classes but our current cocker had some separation anxiety and anxious behaviors that our trainer was concerned about. She suggested an in home trainer. We actually didn't do that either but if we had gone with more training, we would have considered that. I would have preferred to work one on one with a trainer experienced in issues our dog specifically has, both in home and out of it. The hard part is that each dog's issues are so varying that it can be hard to get another opinion. Only you know your dog and know his behaviors and how he would do. Go with your gut! I have heard good success stories for those types of training facilities. I have also heard bad stories so just make sure they are legit and you tour the facility to learn how your dog is cared for when out of your hands. Ask about cameras to check in and how often they report back to you. I would say that about any facility you leave your dog at, veterinary, boarding, daycare, grooming and training. I hope this helps you get to the right decision.

 

[angiekey]

I think this can be a huge help with some dogs. Many times, the dogs are brought into the trainer's home so they can work with them around the clock.

But it's equally important that you and your husband, as his human caretakers, are also trained upon his return.

There are many things we can let our small dogs get away with that become big, big issues when the dog is much larger. And we don't even think about it because we're experienced with having small dogs in our home, and that's how we've always treated them. So what if our actions and excitement get them ramped up and they jump on people? They're only 10 or 15 lbs. The worst thing that will happen is someone's legs get scratched or their slacks get a snag or two from an excited dog's nails... but when a dog is nearly 10x that weight? It's a big problem.

But you should be prepared to have to change your mindset and actions toward your dog. I can empathize with your feelings of missing him, and that he's a valued member of your family. But sometimes, our empathy and love can create and/or prolong behavior problems in these big dogs. And when a trainer tells you that, it can feel like a personal attack or condemnation. But if you love your dog and want him to be a peaceful part of your family and a responsible canine citizen when he's out in the world, you'll need to work through it even if you feel that way.

It sounds like you've made a good choice for your dog, even if it's sad for you as a family. It's only two weeks, though, and not the eight to twelve weeks that I've had friends experience with hunting dogs who are sent away to be trained for specific work. So that's good! I can only encourage you to get your husband fully on board with the changes you two will have to make when your furry one comes back home.