Trouble picking a trainer

[GreenheadJim]

I have a new lab that I want to have trained. Have narrowed it down between Online Labs in Como and Charlie Moody in Louisville. Have heard good things about both of them, although I have heard a couple of bad things about Online Labs. What do ya'll think?

[Dutch Dog]

There are several things to consider when choosing a trainer. Is the trainer readily available? Distance from house. You don't want to drive 300 miles every time you want to see how your dog is progressing. Reputation!!! Can you trainer provide you with an extensive list of satisfied clients???? I'm not talking about 4 or 5 people who will follow him to the ends of the earth, but 15 to 20 people who will give him an A+ rating as a trainer. Visit the kennels and see how the dogs react to him. If the dogs cower when he's around then you definately don't want to choose him. Do the dogs get excited when he comes around?? Do their ears perk up, tails start wagging excitedly? Have the trainer get out several of his dogs (of YOUR choosing not his) in varying levels of training to see how they react to him on a one on one basis. Are his kennels clean? Modern? out of the elements as much as possible? Are his training facilities adequate? Does he use modern equipment to ensure the latest in training advancements to get the best out of your dog? Does he welcome the casual drop in visits? By that I mean does he want you to set up an appointment to come by and see how your dog is doing? If he wants you to set up an appointment to stop by then there could be something amiss...let me elaborate...If you can't just stop by unannounced then who knows just what is going on, but if you have an element of suprise, then when you do show up if he's doing something he shouldn't be doing then there is no time to "cover" it up or hide it. More than likely you will be welcome to drop in any time, but if not I would certainly question WHY NOT??? What is your agenda by getting your dog trained??? Do you want a dog that competes in AKC hunt tests? UKC hunt tests? Runs the field trial circuit? Just a plain ol "hunting" dog? What are the trainers specialties? Do they match what you are looking for. Most trainers specialize in either UKC or AKC hunt tests with some crossovers, but for the most part they run either one or the other. How long are you willing to leave your dog with the trainer? Some will tell you that they can do it all in 3 to 4 months, but I can tell you that is simply not the case. If you want a finished dog you had better plan on about a year or better. If you want a steady dog that is pretty good on hand signals, and can work out just fine in most hunting situations you had better plan on 6 to 8 months. There are lots of other specific questions that could stem from whatever road you choose to take with your dog, and those questions will have to be addressed once you choose your direction. I will be happy to help you with specific questions once you have made your decision as to what you want from your dog. Just send me a pm and we'll go from there.

[Don Miller]

Both Steve and Charlie are good trainers. If I am not mistaken, Steve runs in UKC hunt test and Charlie runs in AKC hunt tests.

[Deadeye]

Call Big Lou, he can tell you about Charlie, they are good friends. Nothing but good is what I hear about Charlie.

[RedLeg84]

Charlie is the best there is in my opinion!