Off Leash K9, expensive training, and two dogs?

[weixiao]

As I think some people know, back in April-ish I adopted two dogs who were owner surrenders at the SPCA as a “bonded pair”. They definitely grew up together, but there isn’t any big separation anxiety between the two.

They are both VERY sweet and quite smart. The little one is too smart for his own good. Both now sit and will give a paw, come when they are called in a small enclosed area, and overall are really good dogs. However, they are TERRIBLE on the leash. I have tried hard using resources online and books to improve it and it just isn’t helping. I’ve tried pretty much every harness and leader on the market with very minimal improvement. They also have zero recall in a larger or open area. I really want to be able to take them for walks on the farm off leash and in a perfect world, have them hanging out with me loose when I’m riding (110 acre farm well off from the road). But basically, I’d settle for being able to walk on a leash nicely. One of them is over 100lbs and pulled me really badly chasing after a fawn the other day and ended up hurting my back.

I think they are settled enough that it is time to do some more training classes. Previous experience with regular classes in my area with my parent’s dogs has been very unimpressive. I have been reading about “Off Leash K9” which is a VA/MD/DC company that seems very promising. However, it is VERY expensive. I am trying to decide how to make it work. I am thinking about just signing one dog up to start and trying to work with the other dog on my own based on what I learn and just adding the second dog if I have problems? It is going to be a 1 hour drive to the place for me, and they want multiple dogs to go on different days and I can’t really justify 4 more hours of driving per week right now. Is this an awful idea? How do I make it work with two? Any recommendations? Also, does anyone have any experience with this company? Is it worth it? Any other options or recommendations in central VA?

[Hunter88]

As far as the expensive and such -I would imagine they have some kind of guarantee, in case it does NOT stick with your dog. As far as the driving time, are they open to doing one class directly after the others, so you can have only one (long) trip a week to hit the needs of both dogs? Or maybe go through it with one and work your other dog through the same process on your own?

No experience with them, as I am based in GA but I have heard of similar programs down here that have been extremely successful for folks in the community.

[scruffy_the_cat]

Have you looked at the online training videos or courses on the Leerburg site? I like Michael Ellis very much. Also Susan Garrett’s online courses are good.
That might get you what you need without spending $$$$$$$.

[Where_sMyWhite]

Or also online Fenzi Dog Sports Academy.

Very ‘shaping’ oriented with a very large curriculum

[Bicoastal]

What state are you in? I’d like to give more accurate info regarding commute.

I haven’t heard of this company. I’m in the Nova area. I’d look at A Click Above, WOOFs, the county rec, or maybe I can help you. I think the old school places are Old Town School for Dogs and Mt Vernon DTC.

You will need to train and practice with each dog separately.

[scruffy_the_cat]

I also think in a case like this having a trainer come to your house for a couple of one hour privates to observe how you interact with your dogs may be invaluable. Leash manners and recalls aren’t rocket science and so if you are having a lot of struggles, a good trainer can observe you and give you suggestions based on your home situation. Sometimes we sabotage ourselves and don’t even realize we are doing it. I know I have gotten a ton of value from lessons like these- way more, in fact, than any pet obedience class at a training center.

[red_mares]

How do the dogs do on a leash in a restricted area? If you have room in a barn, I would on just basic obedience with a choker collar (maybe a spike collar) before I entertained taking them outside; like months. Most of the obedience books I remember being pretty consistent. Start on a 6’ leash for a recall.

I had a dog that would do everything off leash, but it took years to get her there.

[independentlyawesome]

I think the OP is smart for hiring a trainer, since putting a spiked collar in uneducated hands is cruel. That’s like giving a beginner horseback rider a twisted wire bit for a wiggly pony. It can be a good tool, but it needs education along with it for it to be a safe & humane tool.

OP: I found the best training at dog clubs where there are a lot of dog sport competitors. The trainers are there because they love to teach dog sports, and they tend to be significantly more skilled than trainers you’ll meet at Petsmart or similar. I’d also ask around at your vet clinic - you’re the 103847th client to have difficulty training your dog. They generally know the good people.

[In1]

If you’re looking for MD/VA area I cannot more highly recommend Banu with All American Dog Training: http://www.potomacdogtrainer.com/private-training

[nevertoolate]

@In_, do you have any pricing info for Banu? Thanks!

[Simbalism]

Where in central Va? I am in the Richmond area(west end) and could recommend a couple of places. PM if interested.

[red_mares]

[QUOTE=independentlyawesome;7697966]
I think the OP is smart for hiring a trainer, since putting a spiked collar in uneducated hands is cruel. That’s like giving a beginner horseback rider a twisted wire bit for a wiggly pony. It can be a good tool, but it needs education along with it for it to be a safe & humane tool.
.[/QUOTE]

I learned how to use a choker collar when I was 9? in 4-H. It’s not rocket science. A spike collar is works on the same principle. Pull/release or snap/release is not a tough concept to grasp & is in every training book I ever read.

In a confined area, like a barn aisle or arena, I don’t see any reason why the OP shouldn’t be able to master using a choker/spike collar. Ten year olds can. Giver her some credit for not being a moron.

[Marshfield]

[QUOTE=red mares;7698680]
I learned how to use a choker collar when I was 9? in 4-H. It’s not rocket science. A spike collar is works on the same principle. Pull/release or snap/release is not a tough concept to grasp & is in every training book I ever read.

In a confined area, like a barn aisle or arena, I don’t see any reason why the OP shouldn’t be able to master using a choker/spike collar. Ten year olds can. Giver her some credit for not being a moron.[/QUOTE]

There’s a fair bit of finesse involved with the timing of a correction. I also have great trouble with seeing a prong collar as an appropriate training tool. My 8 month old heels off leash and on leash with just a few sessions with a clicker. No force used.