Help - need ideas for dealing with manager

**lv4dogs** · 07-26-2006, 10:08 AM

Have you talked to him about this before? If not I strongly suggest doing so, weather it be in person or a memo. If you have and it got you no where (obviously) then I woud take it to corporate. Tell them what you told us, although I'd probably leave out a few things to make it sound more professional, like the caps (yelling) and the like.

**catnapper** · 07-26-2006, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by lv4dogs

Have you talked to him about this before? If not I strongly suggest doing so, weather it be in person or a memo. If you have and it got you no where (obviously) then I woud take it to corporate. Tell them what you told us, although I'd probably leave out a few things to make it sound more professional, like the caps (yelling) and the like.

I DID talk to him and he kept asking me to get another manager to order things. Then apparently they had a conference call with their boss Monday and he was told the only things they give out are the books for homework. Until he found out that he did NOT have ot provide everything he WAS willing to order things for me, he just never got around to it.

PS: I would greatly apreciate if anyone who mentioned my company edit the name out -- I could get into big time trouble for writing about them . Its in our employee handbook. So if the company can remain annonymous I'd love it!

**sasvermont** · 07-26-2006, 10:32 AM

Maybe a little different of a take.

1. I don't think I would want my dog (don't have one

) eating treats from another person's pocket. If the dog has a sensitive digestive system etc. it could mean trouble. So, I don't think it is unreasonable to ask the owner for his/her treats.

2. Why don't you email the outline to each person and let them print it out. You won't have to tangle with the awful copier.

3. If they can afford $110 for a dog training course, then the other items are not an issue either. Let them buy their own clicker. Just tell them up front. Or raise the price of the course, to include the clicker and good copies along with treats. If they will pay $110, will they $115? Probably.

**catnapper** · 07-26-2006, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by sasvermont

Maybe a little different of a take.

1. I don't think I would want my dog (don't have one

) eating treats from another person's pocket. If the dog has a sensitive digestive system etc. it could mean trouble. So, I don't think it is unreasonable to ask the owner for his/her treats.

2. Why don't you email the outline to each person and let them print it out. You won't have to tangle with the awful copier.

3. If they can afford $110 for a dog training course, then the other items are not an issue either. Let them buy their own clicker. Just tell them up front. Or raise the price of the course, to include the clicker and good copies along with treats. If they will pay $110, will they $115? Probably.

I always ask before I give dogs the reats. I know from ersonal experience (Miss Nicki) what the wrng treat can do.

Most people refuse to give me their home email for fear they'll get spam. Even after I promise they won't be spammed.

Trust, me most people around her CAN'T afford the class but take it anyway looking for hope with dealing with their dogs. They balk at me up front telling them to buy their own treats. They expect freebies.... a lot of the other local training places give out TONS of freebies like coupons for free grooming, etc. I live in a cheap cheap cheap area. Good old Penssylvania Dutch that won't part with a penny to save their lives. Trust me, they are a world unto their own and its taken me 5 years to fully undertsand the people here. I can't believe they are so different than what I was use to 60 miles away

Thanks for all the ideas so far though!

**lv4dogs** · 07-26-2006, 11:18 AM

Oh the joys of dealing with the public. lol It can often be frustrating thats for sure. The customer is always "right". lol lol
You can out on a limb all you want, you are never going to make everyone happy all the time.

I have attended and assisted with MANY different obedience and agility classes and I have NEVER got anything free nor did any of the classes I assisted with hand out anything for free.
One class I took (actually 2 classes but the same location & instructor) was through the local humane society. In that class we did have free treats BUT they were free because we the students doanted them. Our instructor was not afraid to ask for donations either. (it was a little different though as it was through a privatly owned shelter). Maybe politely ask if anyone could donate a bag for the class to use when you do demonstrations.

I honestly thought that you the student always had to supply your own treats, leashes, collars, clickers, and whatever else is needed (besides actual agility equipment in agility class).

If you can't get anywhere with them I would just deal with what you have. It won't be long before people start dropping out or stop signing up for new classes. Maybe your boss will then see that they need to do more.

The idea of upping the price $5 or so is a great idea. Take that to your manager and see if they can include a clicker if the price is higher. After all a clicker only cost $1, thats $4 profit for them.

**moosmom** · 07-26-2006, 11:27 AM

My best friend Susie is so cheap that (and I'm quoting HER

) "she can squeeze a nickel till the buffalo cries (or poops, whichever you prefer). It's a joke between us and SHE know she's cheap, but I love her to death!!