by CJ » Mon Mar 21, 2005 2:14 pm
Well, here comes the dissenting opinion. He really doesn’t need to bond to you before he goes to training. While I haven’t done it myself, I do know (personally) several dogs that have been sent off for several months shortly after having been purchased and returned with no problems (but… they were sent to very reputable trainers) and bonded just find with their owners after having returned home.
That having been said, I personally wouldn’t send mine off just because of the $$$ (which while to steep for me, is actually right at and maybe a little less than the going rate in our neck of the woods Dave), and because I have the space/area, time, and knowledge to do it myself.
That being said too, even if I didn’t have the knowledge, if I had the space/area and time to do it myself. I would. There’s just to many good books, video series, seminars, and articles in GunDog & PDJ, and area breed clubs to pay someone else to do it full time (unless I was making an investment in a high$$$ FT dog… then I still might consider sending him off). But, the idea of training WITH a pro is a great middle ground. It’s a great way to get access to good training grounds and glean knowledge from a pro. You’ll know the program that pup is on because you’ll be a part of it and not have to adjust to his training when he comes home.
So anywho, the not bonding with you before going is more of an emotional issue for us (owners) than I think it is for the dog (unless it is a socially messed up rescue… but this doesn’t sound like the case here). In any event, sounds like you made the right choice.
