My "trainer" Train Wreck

Wow, I would suggest she take anger management class before teaching obedience class. What a terrible experience! I really think some people get into the business of "training" dogs not because they love dogs, but because they love control. Sheesh. Good on you for making a stand, and good on Cher for giving her a little what-for!

BEVOLASVEGAS

I am still in shock that someone would actually rely of fear & intimdation to train dogs, & to teach humans. 

I hope your training facility is a member of a club or other professional organization that can be made aware of the behavior of this person.

Holy crap, Amanda!

I really don't know what to say, other than, I'm impressed with your restraint in not clocking this lady.

kpwlee

Glad your place gave her the boot but she'll turn up some where

Sigh...that's the saddest part...you know she will, and I hate that for anyone who has contact with her.  Especially her own dogs.  Poor things.

georgie4682

I hope Cher wasn't traumatized by that woman!

Nah, Cher's mamabear had things under control.  She knew that and won't be traumatized.  In fact, Cher was offerring some mama support by giving the (loosely termed) "trainer" a piece of her own boot. 

Unbelievable experience Amanda!  My jaw was dropping as I read through this.  I kept waiting for the part where you actually showed her the iDog 2x4.  You know that 2x4 needs some real life experience and that person was just the type to receive the end with the nail in it. 

Sorry, I'm having a tough time thinking of other people and dogs in this world having to experience her methods.

Wow!  I, too, dont' have a response to what this "trainer" did. HOly sh@t!

I have a training horror story from St. Mary's, GA trainer, who teaches the Koeler method which is jerk and pull, intimidate through pain, and if the dog is not responding then you hang it up on a choke chain in the air.

I walked out. These types of things leave me speechless, although I always wish afterwards I had the guts to stand up to this insane "trainer."

Glad yours was canned on the spot.

BEVOLASVEGAS

The class was filled with Cher & I, along with 5 other dog/human pairs.  (Everyone there was an experienced "regular";)

It gives me chills thinking that some other facility might not test her out and just hire her and this is what she'll do. 

You handled it better than I would of. 

 There are no words to fully articulate my reaction to your story. I've met some not so great trainers in my time, but nothing at that level. I forget who said it, but tyrant, not trainer, is a more apt decription of her. I give you a lot of credit for letting her be able to walk out of their, all body parts still attached and undamaged.

Amanda, I'm wondering if you could report this "trainer" to the BBB or to Angie's List or something.  Do something to get the word out how horrific this woman is....

Unfortunately this is not surprising to me. I wish it was. I have attended every group class in my province at one point in my life, and only one of them was even half-decent. It's why I always hated to tell people there is nowhere in my province I can recommend for a new dog owner to take their dog for training (up until now of course!).

It is specifically one of the things that motivated me to get out there and open my own business as a trainer, because our area is direly in need of some more dog (and people!)-friendly training classes.

The only thing that surprised me from this whole mess is that the women still breaths.

Ugh, what a nightmare of a trainer.  I feel so sorry for her dogs. 

wow.

That is truly all I CAN say.

Also, I agree. I am suprised you didnt start throwing punches. I know I would've. Kudos for self control. Now, where can I find some LOL?

 You have incredible self control. I've had a couple of ugly trainer incidents, too, but none were bold enough to try and snatch a lead from my hand to "teach" my dog who was boss. WOW! That woman has some... stupid.

 What a training class nightmare! Just crazy!

  Luckily I rarely ever see such harsh methods being used these days, at least not in public classes. I did quit taking my dog to flyball class when the third week I was there, the instructor beat her dog in front of everyone (and the regulars didn't seem shocked...). After I left, another flyball newbie quit the class when the instructor kicked their dog.