Good Teachers
- Thread starter Sharon
- Start date
corbinam
Moderator
It's taken me a while, but I've finally figured out what I like in a trainer/mentor!
There's no one size fits all, and I've certainly run across things that don't fit the bill for me.
I want someone who knows my goals and individualizes their comments/training for me and my dog.
I also want someone who pushes me out of my comfort zone, but isn't of the "tough love" variety (I respond poorly to that!)
I want someone who celebrates my successes with me but constantly pushes me to be better.
And of course--to do all this it has to be someone who knows the sport and knows dogs.
There's no one size fits all, and I've certainly run across things that don't fit the bill for me.
I want someone who knows my goals and individualizes their comments/training for me and my dog.
I also want someone who pushes me out of my comfort zone, but isn't of the "tough love" variety (I respond poorly to that!)
I want someone who celebrates my successes with me but constantly pushes me to be better.
And of course--to do all this it has to be someone who knows the sport and knows dogs.
HopeShelties
Forums Enthusiast
Someone who understands both training and handling, is up to date on current training methods, can help a variety of students and dogs, and can explain/demonstrate what they are trying to teach in a way that the student can understand.
Someone who realizes that dogs are unique, and what works for one won't work for all. Someone who isn't as focused on teacher directed learning, and is willing to listen to the student and work with them. Someone who celebrates the small successes and who wants their students to excel.
I still haven't found this trainer...but I keep hoping, and at least I've got an awesome training partner!
I still haven't found this trainer...but I keep hoping, and at least I've got an awesome training partner!
Chris
Premium Member
Someone who loves dogs and people more than money.
Toffee's Mom
Forums Sage
Someone who realizes that dogs are unique, and what works for one won't work for all. Someone who isn't as focused on teacher directed learning, and is willing to listen to the student and work with them. Someone who celebrates the small successes and who wants their students to excel.
I still haven't found this trainer...but I keep hoping, and at least I've got an awesome training partner!
Hope you can find her/him someday soon, Tara, it's the best ever.
It is what I have, I had no idea how blessed I am with my coach!
She trusts my dog more than I do... is available almost 24/7 for the smallest of questions, and somehow gets through to me even if I am a slowpoke and stubborn mule sometimes
SheltieChe
Forums Sage
I think our needs for teachers change as we live, grow and learn...
If am looking forward and can't wait for next class I am in right place with right teacher.
There are some other things besides great qualities of the teacher that can influence our decisions to stick with the class/ training with this teacher. Among most important for me will be driving distance, avail, price, quality and quantity of students and their dogs in the class.
If am looking forward and can't wait for next class I am in right place with right teacher.
There are some other things besides great qualities of the teacher that can influence our decisions to stick with the class/ training with this teacher. Among most important for me will be driving distance, avail, price, quality and quantity of students and their dogs in the class.
I have to agree with this.......
In general I'd be looking at someone who's a good teacher, understands handling and training, someone who's got really talent for reading people and dogs, so he/she could give you fitting advice. Someone who's been around agility at least few years. Someone who's supportive, but also pushes you to your limits.
I also feel that as we live and learn our demands for the trainer change. When I started with agility I was happy to have a trainer who was so supportive and optimistic and patient...... I still go to that trainer, but I don't consider her to be the best option anymore. I started training with another trainer a year ago. She is very talented, always prepares challenging courses and is very nice and perceptive. Recently I started training with one of the best trainers in the country, person who has been in agility since it first appeared over here. As for the place where I'm at now in my training, he seems to be the best option. He can be very critical, but he gives you the best advices possible to the situation, explains what you're doing wrong. Some people don't like his trainings from what I've heard, but I guess that it's only because he might seem too critical and tough. I can honestly say that I cannot imagine starting my agility career under his wings, because I was totally useless as handler and my dog was kind of too wild. As for now, though, I couldn't wish for better trainer, because I want to get better and reach our potential. So what I'm trying to say is that it depends on where you're in teh training and what you looking for at the moment. Trainer doesn't have to be bad, but we all need different approach at different stages of our journey. I still train with all 3 of them, but at this point I feel like I'm getting the most from the last named trainer, because I don't want anyone to sugacoat it for me, but I want to focus on these details and improve my handling etc.
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HopeShelties
Forums Enthusiast
No, I don't think there are perfect teachers. I can find things I like and dislike about every teacher. Even ones considered to be some of the best. I do think there are some teachers who are better for certain people than others though, and it depends how you learn, and what you want to get out of it.
Around here, there are two main teachers/trainers to go to, and both halves believe their trainer is the better of the two. In reality both have their strengths and weaknesses, and do the best they can by their students. They are two very different trainers though, with two distinct training styles, and I think for the most part each student is where they need to be, and that the particular trainer they are with is the right trainer for them because of who they are, and what they are trying to accomplish.
Around here, there are two main teachers/trainers to go to, and both halves believe their trainer is the better of the two. In reality both have their strengths and weaknesses, and do the best they can by their students. They are two very different trainers though, with two distinct training styles, and I think for the most part each student is where they need to be, and that the particular trainer they are with is the right trainer for them because of who they are, and what they are trying to accomplish.