Insanity

Oh, Mr. Einstein.  We need you down here. 

I’m going to attempt to write this post without shaming anyone personally.  I might fail.  If I offend, I’m truly sorry that your feelings are hurt but I’m about to speak the truth.  Sometimes the truth hurts.

I’m a personal dog trainer.  Sure, I have group classes but they are for approved students and graduates in good standing.  Some students never get approved for class; some graduates have their attendance privileges suspended.  My training is not one-size fits all so I’m not interested in just taking your money and throwing some cookie-cutter bullshit at you before slapping a hat on your dog’s head and taking a cute picture.  No, I expect you to actually do the work and for your dog’s behavior to actually change.

I’m a dog trainer, not a witch.  I have no magic wand to wave to make what you’ve been doing suddenly work.  Just because you approach this dog with the same methods and training with which you approached a previous dog does not mean it will work again.  If you realize you need some help, I’m happy to do it.  I will get to know your dog, start with the basics, work through issues as they arise and advise new approaches.  If you’re unwilling to take my advice then please don’t be surprised when your dog continues the behavior you’re trying to change.  If you are not willing to change your approach then your dog is not going to change its behavior.

Change is good; it has to begin somewhere.  Let it be you.  Be the change you want to see in your dog.