Trainer's Toolbox
Let’s talk about trainers.
Every trainer has a tool box (skill set). Some have a big tool box with a lot of tools to be able to work on/with a wide variety of types, temperaments and issues. Some have a small tool box with only a few tools.
Sometimes, trainers have a small but very specialized set of tools.
Some have only a rusty hammer and are really good at convincing people they have a whole shiny set of tools.
Imagine a mechanic who may be the BEST there is for classic cars, but you take him your late model sports car. He’s not gonna have the tools to fix it. Now, a *good* mechanic would refer you to someone else, but imagine he tells you that your sports car is totaled and not worth fixing, since it can’t be fixed with the tools he has. Imagine he tells you to sell it, scrap it, or return it to the dealer you bought it from, and buy a car from him instead. Would you throw out your beloved car because your mechanic couldn't (or wouldn't) work with it? Or would you just find another mechanic?
Some trainers will be honest with you, and tell you that they don’t have the tools to work with your dog, and refer you to someone else who can. These trainers are rare gems! However MOST trainers get caught up with their ego, and will tell you there’s something wrong with your dog, because he doesn’t match up with their tools. And if its pointed out that the dog CAN be worked with and improved, they're quick to imply that the dog isn't worth the extra effort.
This is what happens to many dog owners who don’t have a malinois, don't have a dog that fits their trainer's program, or don't have a dog that fits the “typical sport dog” cookie cutter. The trainer lacks the skills to bring out the best in that dog, and so many will blame the dog for not conforming, rather than helping them find someone more qualified.
If you have a dog you’re discouraged about, before you give up, find someone that can bring out their best. Find a mechanic with the right tools to work on your particular model!
Bottom line: just because a dog doesn’t work well in a specific program/training system, doesn’t mean the dog is a wash. No matter how qualified/experienced/famous a trainer is, or even how much you like them as a person, their methods are not the ONLY methods. Sometimes a dog just needs someone who is able and willing to think outside the box! Even if you love your trainer- if they’re getting nowhere with your dog, or they don’t like your dog, you need to prioritize your dog and be willing to go elsewhere and try some new people! And if your trainer gets mad at you for that, insults other trainers, or offers you a "me or them" ultimatum, then you should reevaluate what kind of person you're allowing to train your dog. No one should ever be afraid of angering their egotistical, insecure “my way or the highway” trainer. You should always prioritize your dog over your trainer!
Every trainer has a tool box (skill set). Some have a big tool box with a lot of tools to be able to work on/with a wide variety of types, temperaments and issues. Some have a small tool box with only a few tools.
Sometimes, trainers have a small but very specialized set of tools.
Some have only a rusty hammer and are really good at convincing people they have a whole shiny set of tools.
Imagine a mechanic who may be the BEST there is for classic cars, but you take him your late model sports car. He’s not gonna have the tools to fix it. Now, a *good* mechanic would refer you to someone else, but imagine he tells you that your sports car is totaled and not worth fixing, since it can’t be fixed with the tools he has. Imagine he tells you to sell it, scrap it, or return it to the dealer you bought it from, and buy a car from him instead. Would you throw out your beloved car because your mechanic couldn't (or wouldn't) work with it? Or would you just find another mechanic?
Some trainers will be honest with you, and tell you that they don’t have the tools to work with your dog, and refer you to someone else who can. These trainers are rare gems! However MOST trainers get caught up with their ego, and will tell you there’s something wrong with your dog, because he doesn’t match up with their tools. And if its pointed out that the dog CAN be worked with and improved, they're quick to imply that the dog isn't worth the extra effort.
This is what happens to many dog owners who don’t have a malinois, don't have a dog that fits their trainer's program, or don't have a dog that fits the “typical sport dog” cookie cutter. The trainer lacks the skills to bring out the best in that dog, and so many will blame the dog for not conforming, rather than helping them find someone more qualified.
If you have a dog you’re discouraged about, before you give up, find someone that can bring out their best. Find a mechanic with the right tools to work on your particular model!
Bottom line: just because a dog doesn’t work well in a specific program/training system, doesn’t mean the dog is a wash. No matter how qualified/experienced/famous a trainer is, or even how much you like them as a person, their methods are not the ONLY methods. Sometimes a dog just needs someone who is able and willing to think outside the box! Even if you love your trainer- if they’re getting nowhere with your dog, or they don’t like your dog, you need to prioritize your dog and be willing to go elsewhere and try some new people! And if your trainer gets mad at you for that, insults other trainers, or offers you a "me or them" ultimatum, then you should reevaluate what kind of person you're allowing to train your dog. No one should ever be afraid of angering their egotistical, insecure “my way or the highway” trainer. You should always prioritize your dog over your trainer!