Choosing a Trainer

[Carver Brittanys]

What questions do you ask a potential trainer? I have a pup that needs to go to puppy bird camp and I really want to find a good one. I am in MN so if anyone has any recommendations, I will take that too.

[Karen_P]

Have you spoken to Bob Burchette(sp?) in IA? He's probably one of the absolute best in your area. Trains and handles LOTS of dogs and wins a lot. I've never met him but I've heard good things about him and the dogs he trains and handles.

Ask for pictures of the kennels & training grounds. Ask about his training schedule, how often and for how long each session is. If you're looking at summer camp, find out what's included, what isn't, how many birds, if there's an extra charge for going over and what the goal is. Ask who his vet is, ask for references, what records are required, how they handle sick dogs and emergencies.

Ask about his training philosophies. Is he a start low and work his way up as needed guy or a start high stay high kind of guy (e-collars). And ask him about teaching you what your dog has learned. Ask about safety, does he run the dogs with tracking collars, does he train off of horseback or ATV (I prefer ATV...you can get where you need to be faster and safer).

[JimC]

Ryker's trainer lives in the eastern Twin Cities Metro area and trains just north of Stacy. He's great. My Vet recommended him because he works well with "soft" dogs, like Britts. Ryker had some issues from previous owners and he tailored the training to meet Ryker's needs and personality. Ryker and I did weekly sessions with him so that I knew what he was capable of and how to best work with him in the field. We go back for a few weekends every summer for a tune up. PM me if you'd like his name and number.

[tailfeathers]

One of the top handlers that I have dealt with is Clyde and Marilyn Vetter, SharpShooter Kennels, New Richmond ,WI. Just look at www.sharpshooterkennels.com and see what this guy has done in the NAVHDA arena. He is a top judge as well. Good luck.

[NancyH]

How about one in California? I've heard of a couple but looking for suggestions from my friends.

[Karen_P]

I've heard Paul Doiron is very good.

[Lisa]

Nancy,
You might check with Liz Rohnstock (a CA-ABR volunteer) and see who she worked with. Cooper earned his JH title pretty quickly and I know Liz was pleased with the trainer.

[Dave]

If you would send a dog to Mt. , I recomend Big Sky Britts . I'd even go help . http://www.bigskybrits.com/ Dave

[Karen_P]

There's also Ed Tillson in California. He has a very good reputation also.