Gracie and I attended our first kindergarden class today. I was so impressed by the instructor that I just had to share. Yes, I have been doing everything wrong, doting over my baby rather than establishing myself as the pack leader. I just can't not allow her not to sleep with me or not to snuggle on the sofa with me, whether she has earned those priveldges or not. With that said, this instructor is something special. He began in equine/horse training, and was trained by a horse whisperer, Frank Bell. I swear he trained with Ceasar Millan! He took this roudy puppy and had it submissive in seconds! I tried the technique with Gracie and it worked wonderfully, not that she is all that rowdy to begin with. He taught me how when she froze on the leash, that she was establishing her role as the pack leader and she was controlling me. He taught me how to be that leader, and off she walked. I know I have been carrying her too much! I guess the point of this post is, research your puppy trainer! Find out with whom they trained and what their background is and make sure their philosophy matches yours. You might very well get what you pay for! My instructor is a retired cop that reminds me so much of Roseanne Barr's TV Husband. A large, gentle giant. Happy training to all!
For those of you in the greater Seattle area, visit
http://www.puppymanners.com for more info about this wonderful training program!