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Mixed Breeds => Mixed Breed Discussion => : AimeeSedlock November 15, 2005, 12:21:43 AM
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I just took my 6 month old Aussie mix Kobi to an obedience class.the first thing they wanted to do was have him be held down, Kobi has always had a problem being restrained. so anyway, I was having a problem getting him down. The trainer came over got VERY rough with him and Kobi bit him. So the trainer hung him, he had a choke chain on so it was even worse, the poor pup shit himself and his lips turned blue, he almost passed out. I was SICK!!!
He did behave after, but I think there has to be a better way to train. the bad news is I live in a rural area and this guy is the ONLY trainer around.
Please any thoughts on this, I really wanted some training for him, he's a really good dog in every other way and loves people.
Thanks, Aimee
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OMG Aimee, that is horrible! Where are you located? My aussie, Mojo, was a very dominant puppy and hated being turned over. Clicker training did wonders with him for basics and learning new things. Here's a good place to start looking for positive trainers.
http://www.apdt.com/trainers-and-owners/trainer-search/trainer-search.php
Aussies are smart dogs and they will do what works. But being mishandled is not a good way for a "stranger" to start a relationship with them. Good luck and I hope that your poor pup wasn't hurt to bad.
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Uhh.. Are you serious? If anyone ever tries to do that to your dog again, you should kick the ever-loving sh&* out of them. Or let me, I'd be happy to for you.. Aussies are sensitive anyways. Why? Don't ever put up with that kinda crap for you pup. Unless you totally want a damaged dog that won't trust you.
You can get a good training book or dvds to train your pup, and not have to deal with that jerk, if he's the only one close to you.
Man... I went through some of that kind of stuff when I took my sheltie to obedience. They wanted to jerk him around like he was a rag-doll, spray vinegar in his mouth if he ever barked.. Hello he is a herding dog, they bark! Told them hands off.
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Thanks so much for the replys, I'm gonna try to find a DVD on training, I can't take him back to that A-hole. I've been concerned about Kobi all night. just bums me out, I was really excited about obedience class.and wish it would have went well.
Oh one of you asked where I live, I live in Western Pa. about 100 miles north of Pittsburgh, very rural area.
Thanks again so much.
Aimee
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Here is an awesome website to start with.. http://www.shirleychong.com/index.html I've used a lot of her stuff with my crew. Good luck!
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I just took my 6 month old Aussie mix Kobi to an obedience class.the first thing they wanted to do was have him be held down, Kobi has always had a problem being restrained. so anyway, I was having a problem getting him down. The trainer came over got VERY rough with him and Kobi bit him. So the trainer hung him, he had a choke chain on so it was even worse, the poor pup shit himself and his lips turned blue, he almost passed out. I was SICK!!!
He did behave after, but I think there has to be a better way to train. the bad news is I live in a rural area and this guy is the ONLY trainer around.
Please any thoughts on this, I really wanted some training for him, he's a really good dog in every other way and loves people.
Thanks, Aimee
DO NOT GO BACK THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...OMG!...I can't believe there are still "trainers" that use the old "choke & drag' method!!!!!!!...What that trainer did is ABUSE!!!!!!!!...I have a friend that had the same kind of thing happen...The "trainer" (abuser) broke blood vessels in her dog's eyes forcing the dog into a sit...My friend left & never went back...The "trainer" paid the vet bills...Please don't go back...I'll look up a good link for you & post it as soon as I can.
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Something to work on if your dog has trouble being still, or restrained, is to make him watch tv with you for a while. It worked for me anyways.. This was for my sheltie, never was really a touch feely dog until way later on in life. But I would hold him down for short periods at a time on the couch with me while we watched a bit of television. He got better so that he could be handled/held still when needed as time went by with our television sessions. He didn't love it and squirmed around a bit, but eventually figured out he'd get treats if he behaved and was still. But I sure didn't choke him or anything :-\ It helped later on when I had to trim his nails, or if he got a splinter,etc...
Not tons of experience here, just my 2 cents on something that worked for me :)
Welcome aboard btw!
Brandon
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I just took my 6 month old Aussie mix Kobi to an obedience class.the first thing they wanted to do was have him be held down, Kobi has always had a problem being restrained. so anyway, I was having a problem getting him down. The trainer came over got VERY rough with him and Kobi bit him. So the trainer hung him, he had a choke chain on so it was even worse, the poor pup shit himself and his lips turned blue, he almost passed out. I was SICK!!!
He did behave after, but I think there has to be a better way to train. the bad news is I live in a rural area and this guy is the ONLY trainer around.
Please any thoughts on this, I really wanted some training for him, he's a really good dog in every other way and loves people.
Thanks, Aimee
DO NOT GO BACK THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...OMG!...I can't believe there are still "trainers" that use the old "choke & drag' method!!!!!!!...What that trainer did is ABUSE!!!!!!!!...I have a friend that had the same kind of thing happen...The "trainer" (abuser) broke blood vessels in her dog's eyes forcing the dog into a sit...My friend left & never went back...The "trainer" paid the vet bills...Please don't go back...I'll look up a good link for you & post it as soon as I can.
Here...this is who our trainer emulates.
http://www.flyingdogpress.com/artlibreg.htm
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OMG, I am so sorry that you and your puppy had to go through that! I agree with Gyps, don't ever go back there! That is abuse absolutely. If that is the only trainer availible in your area, I'd do alot of reading and train him myself rather than subject him to that jerk. I am so angry for you!!!
Stella
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That's so horrible! I can't even imagine what your poor baby went through. That trainer should be charged with abuse. Just give your baby lots of lovin'.
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The Monks of New Skete have a wonderful training DVD/video!! It's calm and gentle and makes perfect sense. It's on Amazon.com.
And if you want to give us the trainers address, I'll show up with two drooling Newfs and see what he wants to do with them! We'll all just sit on him!!! >:(
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That is such horrible experience for your baby. I am so sorry you had to go through that. I think that everyone made very good suggestions above. I don't think I could add much more. That so called "trainer" needs serious help.
It makes me so angry to hear about such abuse.
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I just don't understand what the purpose would be to restrain him like that. I would have bit him too.
Carolyn
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that's unreal! what type of training class? was it just puppy obedience or some type of behavioural class? geez, i cant imagine that. when we took hugo as a pup to obedience class he learned things like sit, stay, down, wait etc. the trainer really was teaching us (the owners) how to teach our dogs. she rarely had to handle the pups except to show us how to use the leashes when having them heel and such. did he do this in front of you guys? and in front of other owners? can you imagine what he would do behind closed doors. you said he is the only trainer in your area. i dont know where you live, i would certainly be looking in the phone books for other trainers. perhaps he is the only one who advertises. if you searched around at vets' offices and grooming shops you might be surprised to find he isnt the only trainer. is worth a shot. training classes with a good qualified trainer are invaluable and so worth it, but i agree that this joker is no good. i hope he didnt scar the pup to being touched by strangers. i really would be very adament over the next few weeks and make sure that your pup has alot of positive experiences with people. maybe you could take several trips to petsmart and everyone you meet give treats and love on your pup. hopefully that stupid trainer's technique hasnt ruined him to meeting new people.
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OK, I've talked to some people about your experience and the consensus is that he's not a bad trainer, he's a psychopath.
But serious props to you. You are a way, way more controlled person than I am. My pup wouldn't have had to bite him--I'd have grabbed the choke, knocked him on his a**, put the leash around his neck and choked HIM till he turned blue and sh** in his pants.  >:( >:( >:( That you didn't end up in jail for assault just speaks volumes about you, because I so completely would have been needing bail money.
There's NO excuse for treating a dog like that, ever, never, ever. And on top of it he has the unmitigated gall to call himself a professional and charge MONEY to abuse people's dogs? WTF?? >:( >:(Â
You should call Animal Control and find out what you have to do to file a formal complaint against him.  You should also call the local newspaper and tell them the story; I'll guarantee that he's been abusing dogs in the name of 'training' for years. The people of your community should be warned that they're putting their dogs at risk.
Oh, oh, oh. I'm just furious for you and especially for Kobi. I'm going to be mad all day now. I might be mad all week. :'(
I'm thinking bad karma voodoo curses at the psychopath trainer, so if he runs off the road and breaks both legs...
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That guy sounds like a jerkoff, report him to the SPCA.
Rose
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I have been just sick about this all day, my pup was limping on his back leg this morning, and now he's limping on his front leg. Called my vet and she said to watch him for a day or so, if he isn't better to bring him in.
My question is, can I file charges against this so called trainer for animal abuse?? I live in Pennsylvania. If anyone knows if this is something I can do, please let me know. I want something done to this jerk..
Thank you
Aimee
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I think that is absolutely terrible. How awful for you and your baby. I spoke with this trainer awhile back and he was telling me the different theorys in dog training. And he described a method very similar to what ou experienced. It is old school but it has a name and there are still a few trainers who use that method. This trainer didn't use it but he was telling me about it. Scary!!!!!!
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I have been just sick about this all day, my pup was limping on his back leg this morning, and now he's limping on his front leg. Called my vet and she said to watch him for a day or so, if he isn't better to bring him in.
My question is, can I file charges against this so called trainer for animal abuse?? I live in Pennsylvania. If anyone knows if this is something I can do, please let me know. I want something done to this jerk..
Thank you
Aimee
I am horrified reading your thread and my heart goes out to you. I would absolutely file charges. 1.) Write down exactly your experience, when, where it took place, how many other dog owners were there how you heard of this guy etc. 2.) Keep good records of you vet bills. You can get your vet to write up his comments. 3.) Make a video of your pup. 4.) look into getting some legal help. I know that there are some lawyers that will do some work for free. This "trainer" is a hazard. Definitely call the SPCA. Please keep us posted about your baby.
Adele
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I just took my 6 month old Aussie mix Kobi to an obedience class.the first thing they wanted to do was have him be held down, Kobi has always had a problem being restrained. so anyway, I was having a problem getting him down. The trainer came over got VERY rough with him and Kobi bit him. So the trainer hung him, he had a choke chain on so it was even worse, the poor pup shit himself and his lips turned blue, he almost passed out. I was SICK!!!
He did behave after, but I think there has to be a better way to train. the bad news is I live in a rural area and this guy is the ONLY trainer around.
Please any thoughts on this, I really wanted some training for him, he's a really good dog in every other way and loves people.
Thanks, Aimee
i have NEVER HEARD of this kind of training
it's cruel
someone should hold him down and choke him
a good obed. book with reward and positive reinforcement would be much better, how dare he hurt an animal, no way to train!!!! :o
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Where is Nicki and her bat when we need her!
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I have been just sick about this all day, my pup was limping on his back leg this morning, and now he's limping on his front leg. Called my vet and she said to watch him for a day or so, if he isn't better to bring him in.
My question is, can I file charges against this so called trainer for animal abuse?? I live in Pennsylvania. If anyone knows if this is something I can do, please let me know. I want something done to this jerk..
Thank you
Aimee
When you contact the SPCA it would be helpful to have a list of the other owners that were present during the class. It would give them a start to their investigation and witnesses to your story. Even though some of them may not agree with turning him in to the SPCA, I can't imagine that they were not appalled by his tactics, and at least verify that the incident occurred. Appeal in the local papers for anyone that has had a similar experience, while ONLY stating your experience and not any accusations (bad trainer for example) to protect yourself from any liability/slander issues. Good Luck, I hope in the very least you drive him out of business.
Stella
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I'm so sorry this happen to your pup. A thing like this is why I take a Don't touch my dog approach whenever in classes since there are many trainers out there whos methods are much like you saw last night. Some old school training there....
You must be a far calmer person then I since I have seen dogs hung but never seen one whos lips turned blue....passed out yes. I don't think I could have controled my urge to hit this man for that amount of time.
What did this trainer say afterwards to you about it? Also why would your pup be limping? Did he also slam it to the ground?
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Please make sure this trainer is not on this list (since there are now trainers on here that do not use positive methods ~just figured out the APDT was a great cheap way to get their name out)
http://www.apdt.com/trainers-and-owners/trainer-search/trainer-search-run.php
if he is you can contact the APDT for help also.
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First of all I want to thank everyone for they're thoughts on all of this, I am taking my pup to the vet this afternoon his limping has gotten worse, he's holding his front leg up and crying. I don't know what the hanging could have done to cause this, hopefully my vet will know.
I am wondering if it could be lymes brought out by the stress, I pray it isn't I just lost a dog to lymes.
Also I called the local ASPCA today and they are going to investagate this trainer.
Thank you all again,
Aimee
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I'm SO glad that you've reported the trainer! There's just NOOO excuse for abusing a dog! >:( >:(
My fingers are crossed for you over his health. Hopefully it's just a pulled muscle or something equally minor!! Please let us know!!!
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Aimee, Im very curious you said you just lost a dog to lyme's, I have lyme's so does Chazzy, Apache & I assume Kiya will get it eventually. Was this a case of not treating it soon enough?
Carolyn
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That is sooooooooooooo oooooooo wrong!
I am so sorry for Kobi and you had to watch.
There is no need to do that to a dog.
If the dog has dominance problems, there are much more positive ways to handle it (I have posted these on this board elsewhere)
You can find someone in your area who know canine behavior..
I am sold on 'behaviorists'- not trainers.....
The APDT site should help you find a good person.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGG GRRRRRRRRRRRRR RRRRRRRRR!
I'd bite him too!
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The Monks of New Skete have a wonderful training DVD/video!! It's calm and gentle and makes perfect sense.  It's on Amazon.com.
Whoa! Wait a minute....the monks use the Alpha roll----no-no-no!!!
They advocate hitting your dog on the chin...
They have beautiful dogs and love them, I am sure.
They are not the best canine psychologists. ...too weird for me.
They are notthe cutting edge way to develop a relationship with a dog using canine psychology---not worth the $75.00- really.
I recommend the Whole Dog Journal and Pat Miller.
I have to put in a plug for training dogs using John Rogerson's emotional reward methods---but you can't really find his books- his seminars are great, though.
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Like I said, find a dog behaviorist who knows current practices....e ven Cesar Milan's stuff is better than the Monks....trust me! I bought the DVD's and couldn't believe they do the alpha roll.
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The pup may be limping due to vertibrae/nerve damage.
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That is unacceptable, I would have given him a pile-driver myself. What a jerk. Sorry you had to go through that, I probably would have been balling...
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About the lymes that my other dog had, he had it for several years, and when he was 13, he just went down hill really fast, his mind went, it was all so sad, I can't even tell you. I did treat him with antibotics throughout his life, but in the end it was awful.
The good new is, my vet said Kobi doesn't have it, his neck had muscles that were really tight, from the hanging, she said he had a stiff neck. And the limping, when Kobi was younger he had growing pains and limped, she said the stress of what he went through started that up again. He is now on Rimadyl for the pain, and the vet said he would probably be alright, but should have NEVER been treated like that..
Aimee
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did you vet have any suggestions for you to find another trainer? of advise you on how to make sure this guy doesnt do it again?? i am curious how your vet reacted to this...
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My vet was very upset and ticked about the way my pup was treated, but there really isn't any other trainers in the area. My vet and everyone in the office love my pup, he loves people his only problem is being restrained.
I ordered a training tape on the internet, hope it helps.
I can never thank you all enough for careing about my baby, helps me a lot.
God Bless
Aimee
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You will train him just fine on your own with guidance from the training tape. It sounds like he'll be on the road to recovery and, with your love and caring, he'll be a wonderful dog in a grand life.
Let the trainer go to h :oll!!!