Quote Originally Posted by howlyip
Dixieland Dancer, I am curious, as a trainer, how often do you run into people who don't have the time all the time to train there dogs perfectly?? What do you suggest to them??
Personally, I find there are those who will make the time, no matter what time they have to invest, because they have their dogs best interest at heart. We are only talking about a minimal amount of time a day. Then there are those who will find every excuse possible on why they can't train their dogs or why their dogs are not learning. Every dog is trainable if the handler makes the committment. I work with anyone who is willing to invest the time to learn. I also work with the handlers who don't make the effort as long as they at least make the attempt to show up for class even though it sometimes gets frustrating because I can see the dogs potential. The effort I'm referring to is working with their dogs in out of class situations or in other words, homework.

I never expect a handler to have a "perfect" dog. Even those who have been training for years and know what they are doing seldom have a perfect dog. However, it is not unrealistic to expect a dog who understands the pack heirarchy and will listen to the pack leaders basic commands (even if they are not performed perfectly) instead of the dog being out of control. I always place safety for the dog and the handler at a top priority. In some instances, I have even taken the dogs and trained them personally. This is usually only in extreme cases where the handler just isn't able to grasp the pack leader concept even though they are trying and it is a matter of the dogs life and safety.

Some people should not be dog owners. In those circumstances, I go out of my way to work for the dogs well being, even if it means rehoming it. I do rescue and have helped place many dogs in new homes. Even online, I have given suggestions to many people but this is a harder forum to work with since I can't give one on one demonstrations to get some points across. However, I still try as time permits.

In this threads instance, I have given my opinions that I believe the dogs are bored and unstimulated. It is a safety issue but I have done all I can by providing information (along with others). The rest is up to the owner. Now, it comes down to how much she wants the dogs safety. If she has further questions, I am willing to answer if possible. I hope this answered your question.