Things to look for in a pro trainer

georgejg · Post by **georgejg** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 12:38 pm

I am going to be dropping my dog off to a professional trainer sometime this week. I have compiled a list of trainers within a 150 mile radius from Houston, TX. I was wondering what I should base my decision on? Referrals? References? Number of dogs they maintain at a time? Just looking for suggestions on what you all look for when making the decision to seek professional help in regards to bird dog training. Thanks in advance.

Lab Man · Post by **Lab Man** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 1:46 pm

Watch the trainer train some dogs. Dont just watch one dog, watch several. Ask for people of dogs that he has trained in the past 12 months. Call them and find out if they were happy with the service. Go look at the kennels. Make sure that you are welcomed to tag along during training sessions. If you are paying for the dog to be trained, you just as well get an education out of the deal. Good luck

Gun Dog Sponsor: Member discounts. E-mail me at mark@coonriverkennels.com for details.

Crl · Post by **Crl** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 2:05 pm

I agree with Lab Man. Make sure your training philosophy and the trainers is in step with one another. Definitely get referrals. Watch his style and how he handles a stubborn dog. Are the kennels clean and well maintained. What type of food do they feed. Find out exactly how much attention you dog will get every day. How many training sessions etc.

crl

Devils Creek · Post by **Devils Creek** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 3:23 pm

Are you looking for hunting dog training or field trial training? Make sure the trainer is on the same wave length as you are.

gonehuntin' · Post by **gonehuntin'** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 6:43 pm

How many dogs does he keep in training? Does he have assistant trainers or does he do all of the training? Are his kennels kept clean and sanitary? What does he feed them? What type of training program does he follow? Is that program the one you want to learn? Are his dogs happy around him or sullen? How good are his training grounds? Does he keep a lot of birds? Will he train you when the dog is done? Does he allow saturday visits so you can check on the dog's progress? Will he let you randomly call clients? Is he a field trial trainer or a gun dog trainer? Does he have a winning record? Where did he learn to train dogs? The list can go on, but these are some important points. No professional minds supplying information like this.

TrueBlu Shorthairs · Post by **TrueBlu Shorthairs** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 8:00 am

Who are you considering???

I use a trainer out of Jonesboro, TX, Ronnie Sale, Free Flight Kennels. I believe he is the epitome of what a trainer needs to be. First and foremost he takes care of the dogs in his care, fed well, great living conditions, kennels hoses many times a day, etc. The dogs really like him. He is honest and will tell you what he thinks of your dog, what the future of the dog is, and doesn't overcharge/hidden bird bills, etc. Ronnie is a hunter so he understands the needs of foot hunters, but he has also won as much as any pro over the last 15 years. He trains us idiot amateurs to train, handle our dogs, teaches us to read dogs. He is open and ready with advice, likes having us hang around(to an extent) and wants us to learn as much as our dogs, if we can. Obviously I am sold on Ronnie. But, I've seen the hype of those who advertise, talk a bunch, SELL their services, and Ronnie a quality person with outstanding dogs. He has helped me to finish two Field Champions, that are foot hunted every year, and on my way to my 3rd FC.

I'd be happy to talk to you in person about him. But, I'd suggest giving him a call at 254-463-9000, go to Jonesboro. I'd bet you will leave your dog with him once you've met him.

Hotpepper · Post by **Hotpepper** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 11:11 am

Ron Sale is an outstanding suggestion and I would highly recommend him. Dog are prepared and do a good job.

As True Blu and I have used a number he is a very good one that is close to you.

Pepper

georgejg · Post by **georgejg** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 8:45 pm

Yeah Ronnie Sale is actually in my top four along with Woody Touchstone, Bill Anderson, Keith Hickam. Let me know if you have heard of any of these guys. Thanks for the feedback. It is a big decision and I want to get my moneys worth.