Trainer/behaviorist question

Never feel bad for trying different trainers! It is not a reflection on the trainer, you or your dog. Behavior mod, to me, is a constant moving target and you have to go with the flow. Not every trainer will have the answers that you need when you need them. And a good trainer is one who is willing to problem solve with you even if it means pulling in someone else's ideas and methods. Remember that all dogs are different and there is no cookie cutter solution for every problem.

I have used at least 3 different trainers with Abbie (well 4 now, including the vet behaviorist). The first trainer just said don't worry, you'll just have to manage her. The 2nd trainer agreed we had a problem but we didn't make any progress.  my 3rd trainer never really saw the true problem with Abbie either in the beginning. I always described it in our discussions/emails, etc. but Abbie never showed it whenever we got together one on one. However, the trainer trusted that I wasn't making things up and I really appreciated that. We met one on one every now and then and chatted via email. She would check up on us every 3 weeks or so to see how we were doing.  Her and I (and a few others) had talked about her offering a control unleashed class but because its such a specialized program, it wasn't a high priority (given all the demand for your regular obedience stuff). Finally during one of our email chats, she decided to jump in and hold the class. I am so thankful!!  I joined the class and that's when the trainer (and everyone else) really saw what I was talking about with Abbie. This trainer has been WONDERFUL helping me along and just being supportive. She got me in touch with the vet behaviorist and follows up with me every couple of weeks to see how things are going. She even hosts as-needed CU get together's for class graduates - for free! We meet at random places in and around our community and practice CU stuff. We all offer her money, but she won't take it.

So, I guess my point is, try different trainers and don't just accept that there's not a problem when you know that there is. Sometimes it takes the right person to really see things like you do and it especially takes the right trainer to work with you through the long haul. Remember this is not something that will be cured in a 6-week class. It will take years and it's important that you build a relationship with someone who really understands that.

Thank you so much for your response.  That really does make a lot of sense.  This is who I was thinking of (actually the only other behavioist I came across in my quick search, besides my current trainer): http://www.judithlevypetcare.com/Animal-Behavior-Consulting.html

What do you think of her?  I am thinking she is all positive reinforcement and seems like she would use different methods maybe as well.

I completely agree with Julie. I would look for a behaviorist with experience with Finn's type of behavior .I also  think a good behaviorist will create a scenario in which he/she can see the behavior, within reason.  You don't want to set up a disaster but it's incredibly important for the behaviorist to see what's happening with the dog and the owner, when the dog reacts.  I think it would be helpful, for anyone you consult, that they be informed about the training you've done for this behavior. 

As a trainer, I would also agree. Different trainers have different skill sets, and I would be more than open to working with other trainers (or not even working with, but helping my client work with each myself and the other) if I thought it would most benefit the dog. I do think it's best to be honest, though, about what you are doing with your trainer. If your trainer does not understand, that would be his/her loss. I would not hesitate to refer my client out if I thought there was somebody more skilled than I, and who followed the same principles as I did. The biggest thing any trainer can do is realize their own limitations and strengths/weaknesses. While a trainer does have to keep in mind maintaining a client for financial reasons, a trainer also has ethical dilemmas to keep in mind if they know they have a client they cannot help as well as another trainer.

As somebody who has lives with a dog with similar issues, in order to be successful you really need to have somebody who understands the issue, and has dealt with it.

 A couple of things worry me about her:

1. She's already selling something on her website (see the flower remedies?) Big red flag there.

2. Her website is more focused on selling her wonderful therapy than it is the dog or any scientific background and training that she has had. A good trainer does not need all of that. They will talk about what training they have had, if they are members of any sort of training association, etc.

I would keep looking. She's a sales woman and is selling gimics, not sound behavior modification.

 I have to admit that I saw a red flag there, too.  You can always go to this site: http://www.dacvb.org/  They are rebuilding it, but the email link seems to be working, so you can still contact them. 
Also, Animal Behavior Society, but they are doing something with their site, too, and don't seem to have their listings up.

The other good place to ask for a referral is your nearest teaching vet school. 

 I've used different trainers and places for different things at different times, sometimes just as simple as a schedule thing. I work weird hours, so sometimes I go somewhere because the schedule works there for me as opposed to another place. I took Luke somewhere else for agility, because I didn't like the competition guy at my regular place. The new place knew I had been to my regular place, and I am facebook friends with my regular trainer, so if she wanted to know, I posted sometimes on facebook when I was going to the other place. There are some other things at other places I want to go to, if the schedules work out.

If your person isn't working, go look somewhere else. It's a business, if you don't get what you want in one place, go somewhere where you can. You're unfortunately on the wrong side of the state for me to suggest one of the places I would use. My friend took a control unleashed class recently with Leslie McDevitt. The place is a bit of a trip from me, and even farther from her, but very worthwhile. I found it sort of interesting that the things suggested for her dog by Leslie McDevitt are extremely similar to procedures I have run with a child who had issues with the same thing as her dog (mom leaving).

I don't think any of these people are out your way

http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSAppliedBehavior/caab-directory

maybe someone here

http://iaabc.org/consultants