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So I spoke to one of the resident trainers in the HRC I joined and he told me he knew my breeder (for better or worse) and to leave the dog there. As far as I can tell the dog is being treated decent he just becomes a knob when me and my wife show up. I've been reassured that we can work through any short comings he may have once I get him back with the HRC and he'll be healthy and happy in no time and I'm picking him up Sept. 2nd.

Milo's just been laying around patiently watching me get the camo out. (he knows)

DukMan wrote:Went to see my pup that has been at the trainers for 2 months and have to say I'm disappointed with his progress. Two week ago when I was there he was working on being steady and single water marks. This time when I showed up, he's doing the same thing and hasn't made any improvements. Not only that but he had a "hotspot" unbenounced to the trainer on his neck. While trying to show me how he'd work, the trainer said if he doesn't listen, you need to show him who's boss and when Mason wouldn't heel he grabbed him by the neck picked him off all fours swung him around and to his side for a heel.

...I noticed that my dog just cowers by the trainer and is hesitant to go when released for him.

or

DukMan wrote:As far as I can tell the dog is being treated decent he just becomes a knob when me and my wife show up.

Which is it? Can't be both.

Oh about that...I don't know but there are times when you'd swear my dog was terrified of me and other times (most of the time) when you know that it's love. Maybe you caught them at a bad moment. If other people say the trainer is good and they have dogs that perform then I'd let the experts be experts.

Whole lot of "experts" are hacks.

A trainer that I trust and will be working with from our HRC told me that professional trainers won't have a spot on their truck for your dog if it sh its too slow because they don't have time to waste and that even though ultimately I won't be handling my dog like that he's working to get the results I paid for. He agreed that he wouldn't train like that but has seen many field champions handled in the same manner.

It's your dog.

Trust me I've thought long an hard over this decision and I will be going to see him on the 25th and if there is any funny business he'll be in the truck with me and on our way home...

You've got a "pro" who wasn't aware of a hot spot on your dog's neck, feels a need to manhandle him and has him cowering and reluctant to go for fear of screwing up, instead of being well cared for, happy, attentive and anxious to work, and you're still on the lookout for something wrong?

Gather you're new to this stuff, but the dog is a whole lot better source of information than your "pro" or new "pro" advisor.

Pup's coming home on Friday


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Hopefully a very good thing.

Rick wrote:Hopefully a very good thing.

It was a very good thing. It's amazing what 2 weeks will do. The pup is looking sharp he's steady to shot and powers through the water after the bumpers. He's doing singles like a champ and would easily handle UKC Started. His hold is great and delivers to hand. I'm going to be starting work with doubles and meeting with our HRC trainer to get more insight on where to go from here.

He had a little adjustment phase coming back home and getting reacquainted with my other pup and how to act indoors but all in all he's really no worse for wear. I can't say that "I" would send another dog away for training knowing what I know now but I also wouldn't discourage anyone from doing so with a reputable place.