Live In Training For Dogs

[Guest Ams]

Just a few questions re live in training courses for nawty dogs. Is it normal for courses to be run and not allow the owner any contact with their dog at all during a 20 day training programme? If so what is the benefit of that? If a dog is displaying behaviours that are specific to the presence of the owner, how would this training assist in overcoming them?

Background: I rehomed a Neo to a couple who have prior experience with the breed. The dog has become obsessed with the lady of the house. I have referred her to Jane Harper and I know they have had a few consults but they are now talking about putting this dog into a training facility for 20 days where she is not permitted to see him at all and then she gets 4 training sessions to learn how to handle the dog afterwards.

I am concerned as this dog was surrendered to a pound and spent time there, then transferred to me (no issues like those being seen now whilst with me), rehomed to these people (who are good folk), they are moving this weekend so dog will have that to deal with and then be placed into a no contact training course. I just feel it is too much for this dog to cope with and I find it hard to understand how you can work out how to deal with issues when they are clearly linked between the dog and female occupant of the house. He has not attached himself to the male of the house at all.

Any advice welcome as this dog is booked in for this course by the end of this week and they have asked me whether it will work. They love this boy to bits but really need to get some of these behaviours under control.

For what its worth I have asked them to get in touch with Jane and ask for her perspective and I had made arrangements to go over this week (they weren't available last week at the times I had available) and give them pointers on what I had found useful to get his attention and compliance whilst with me but they have since booked this course at the insistence of the husband.

[Aidan3]

It sounds very unusual for a reputable organisation.

[Guest Ams]

It is a very large organisation in Brisbane but not one I've heard positive things about. A lass from work sent her Lab there some years ago and when the dog displayed the same behaviours after the training they said it was because she was too soft.

I am after some arguments as to why they should not send the dog to this establishment and maybe some recommendations for someone who may be able to do some regular live in training with this lady. Remember this dog is nearly 60kgs so I need someone who can teach her how to respond to his possessive behaviours sooner rather than later.

Jane has given then some great tips so I'm not sure why they are choosing this other organisation.

[Guest Ams]

I've managed to convince them not to send him to the live in course. They are going to continue to work with Jane and I'll spend some time with them this weekend to see if i can offer any strategies.

[Tassie]

[Cosmolo]

In my experience its normal for no contact to be the case during board and train programs. It distresses the dog to have the owner come and go multiple times. However, given the issues involved in handing over dogs to their owners, the effect of prior learning etc- i don't have the faith in board and train that i used to and now will only do it for existing clients who are going away anyway and would like some training to maintain the dogs skills and provide extra stimulation.