Re: [PyrNet-L] Question:

[klbyrd@tampabay.rr.com]

Margo is 6 months old and has been through puppy obedience and will be
starting further training a a couple of weeks.  We are going to try to
get her ready for Canine Good Citizen later this year.  I would highly
suggest obedience training.  The key is finding the right trainer.  Find
someone who uses positive reinforcement techniques and basically that
respects your concerns about how your dog is trained.  NEVER let a
trainer do something you feel uncomfortable with or us a training aid
you don't approve of.  The key is to communicate with the trainer
effectively and make sure you choose someone who will listen to you and
keep up their end of the communication.   Personally, I believe there
are more bad trainers than good, and I have even run into a number of
trainers that don't even seem to like dogs!  Talk to your vet and get
references.  Interview the trainer and observe them working with a dog
of their own and a stranger's dog before deciding anything.  Good luck,
and I'm sure you will find a trainer that you and your dog will both be
happy with.  Make sure the trainer is familiar with the brred.  Talk to
someone with the GPCA or a local pyr club in your area if someone exists
and get a referral that way, if possible.

Kris Byrd