Dr. Krista has it right with this one — all it takes to be a “professional” dog trainer is call yourself one. While there are certification programs out there no laws really address this. Your best bet is to meet the trainer (without your dog!) and watch how he/she conducts training of other people’s dogs. Do the dogs look happy? Do you feel okay with the methods used? Would you treat a 2 year old child the way the dog trainer treats the dogs he/she is working?
For example, when I interact with 2 year old children I try to use positive reinforcement — but I also will smack a butt if the child hurts or endangers himself or others. I don’t believe a “time out” solves every problem.
You are in the land of Cesar Milan — and Cesar does use E collars for some aggressive dogs, but the ones he uses vibrate, they don’t give a shock (at least that is my understanding of the collars he uses). Some E collars vibrate, some shock, some make a noise, some spray citrus fragrance (which dogs don’t like!). All are negative reinforcement to one degree or another.
Dogs learn faster and are happier with positive reinforcement. The fact that you even asked this question leads me to believe that you are uncomfortable at some level with the idea of an E collar. It is best to keep looking for a trainer that earns your confidence from the very beginning. Leash and collar training with “some” positive training doesn’t sound like a good route to build trust between you and your pooch. Someone that uses mostly all positive training, all of the time will probably give you better results.
My vet is on Christmas vet. She was the one that told me to give him the children’s benadryl. My groomer told me to use the spray. It has gotten better but it still looks bad. I’m just worried about the not eating part. I don’t know if it’s the medicine or something else.
Christmas break sorry