Find a Good Trainer and Behaviorist Before You Bring Your New Dog Home
I was reading Patricia McConnell’s blog about “The importance of an emergency stop”, and it made me realize that-well, that Leon needs an emergency stop command-but also how important it is that you find yourself a good behaviorist BEFORE you find your new dog.
WHY?
Well, for one thing, it may take a while to find the right one, and you want to be able to take your time and be sure your choice is right for you. You wouldn’t want to just take the first trainer or behaviorist that seems alright, just because you are desperate for some problem to be solved.
You should also just accept that you are going to need one or the other, whichever dog you end up choosing. If you get a puppy….training should be your number one priority. If you end up with an older dog, then a behaviorist will probably be needed to help ease the transition and help the dog adjust to it’s new life….and leave it’s old life behind.
So, before you even find the newest member of your family….start building a network of professionals that will help your new member become a trusted and well-behaved companion.
