Anyone know of an experienced Sheltie trainer in the Napa/Oakville/Yountville CA area?

Fainlysmom

Fainlysmom

Forums Enthusiast
Hi, everyone. Our wonderful Fainly is going to be three years old next month and, while he does follow several commands we've taught him, he can't be relied on to not go crazy when he sees a car or to come 100% of the time when he's called. We understand that we are the deficient ones in this scenario, not Fainly. Does anyone know of a good Sheltie trainer in our area? We live closest to Oakville, CA, but are also near Napa and Yountville. We did ask one trainer to come over but she uses a collar (which she says does not hurt at all but just gives the dog a tap near the shooulder) to get his attention or focus. We'd like to work with someone who has experience with Shelties, if possible, for this project. Thanks in advance for your help, if you know of anyone.
 
This is always tricky with Shelties. I personally would not attempt to train with any kind of shock collar. Positive type training is what you seek. Forums member Cindy lives in the Bay Area, she may have some references. I would reach out to my vet to see if they can recommend anyone. Another resource might be to see if there are any Sheltie clubs in the greater Bay Area, I would think there might be, we have a Southern California one. A club might have some names of trainers they would recommend.

There are still a fair number of trainers of the old school "you must be the alpha dog" type of training that just does NOT work with Shelties, so I'd be wary of that.
Good luck. One thing someone told me when I got Meadow as a puppy, was to reward her EVERY time if she came when called, for the first year of her life. We still do that, not every single time, but often. It's never too late to start. Make sure it's an extra special yummy treat, and just carry it around with you in a pocket or small treat pouch. You can start with him in the house and then expand the area.
 
I agree with Sharon 7, Over the years all my shelties have been food motivated. For example Teddy knows that there are treat levels. And certain responses get you higher value treats. A sit gets a basic treat,a good sit/stay gets a better treat and a good recall or leave it gets a high value treat..
I have first had to figure out what each dog thought which treat was. They are individuals and a high value treat for one was not automatically a high value treat for another
 
I wish I had a name for you....I will need one this coming year for Pico!
He is a little show off around other people.
But when it's just me he's a little brat at times.
 
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