Trainer Recommendation? Los Angeles

[Guest sillyrabbit]

I'm trying to find a good behaviorist/trainer. It's been almost 4 months and for the most part she's absolutely fine. But as she really begins to relax, she's starting to push boundaries and see what she can get away with. She also has issues with resource guarding with treats (bully sticks and such).

 

So far we've just been sort of flying blind and following advice on the internet, but I think it might time to talk to a professional.

 

Any recommendations? In LA, but would prefer someone in the San Gabriel Valley area.

[seeh2o]

I don't know what group you got her from, was it one in LA? You might try calling them and asking if they have someone on board who can help you. Carl was not from a regular or local greyhound group, when I posted here looking for help someone suggested I call a local group or two. When Carl's separation anxiety flared I got offers for help from both FastFriends (Orange County) and GreySave (Pasadena). I ended up working with GreySave (and then becoming a volunteer for them) as they were much closer to my home. Cathy put me in touch with Bonnie literally spent hours on the phone with me (over a period of months) asking questions, making suggestions and coaching me. She was a godsend and continues to be when we have occasional issues.

Edited June 18, 2011 by seeh2o

[Guest sillyrabbit]

I don't know what group you got her from, was it one in LA? You might try calling them and asking if they have someone on board who can help you. Carl was not from a regular or local greyhound group, when I posted here looking for help someone suggested I call a local group or two. When Carl's separation anxiety flared I got offers for help from both FastFriends (Orange County) and GreySave (Pasadena). I ended up working with GreySave (and then becoming a volunteer for them) as they were much closer to my home. Cathy put me in touch with Bonnie literally spent hours on the phone with me (over a period of months) asking questions, making suggestions and coaching me. She was a godsend and continues to be when we have occasional issues.

 

We got her through GreySave. We saw Bonnie at the picnic and she gave us suggestions for teaching her how to sit (didn't work, going to try some suggestions I found on another topic), and to use the voice of god if she resource guards (which does help... sort of.) My boyfriend emailed Cathy probably a week ago but never got back to us.

 

She's definitely trying to be the alpha and I'm honestly a little bit scared of her. I have the next two months off from school with nothing to do so it was suggested that I focus on training the dog. I just have no idea what I should train her to do.

[seeh2o]

Well, I know that Cathy has been on vacation for at least the last week. I hope you'll hear from her when she gets back. What I've done in the past is either call or email Bonnie with my concerns and she typically calls or emails me back to set up a time to talk.

[Guest sillyrabbit]

That explains the lack of response. I'll give her a call a little bit later today and see if something can be worked out.

 

Honestly, I'm a little hesitant about using them too much. I don't want to be a giant heel pestering them with questions all the time, which is why I was asking about a trainer in the first place. I do like the idea of someone coming over and helping in person rather than over the phone advice. Plus with the trainer I won't feel bad about taking up their time.

Edited June 18, 2011 by sillyrabbit

[seeh2o]

If you go to the Greysave website and click on links, there is a listing for a trainer, www.solutionspet.com (I think that's the name of it). It says they do in home training using positive reinforcement.

[Guest sillyrabbit]

I'll give that a shot. Thanks!