Proper protocol for using another trainer?

[Labradorks]

I personally bring in a trainer to our area from Spokane once a year for a workshop. Our kennel club has brought her and others in over the years as well, and to be honest, some of the "new wave" trainers just don't give me what I need, whereas this gal attends a lot of the big name training workshops, has multiple breeds, incl Goldens, and does some field work... her style works well for me. I've never seen her dogs lag in the ring, and they are always upbeat/happy. Since working w/ her, I've been able to do a lot better job w/ motivation and focus. Let me know if you are interested as I'll have both private lessons and a "puppy FUNdamentals" (puppies of all ages) workshop in early Aug at my place in Yakima. I forget now where you said you lived (Seattle?), but I do have one of my pup owners coming in from the west side as well. I think variety is very good for the diet, as well as dog training. If one thing isn't working, try another.... Anne

I did get some lessons scheduled with the trainer I mentioned, who was highly recommended by Janice Gunn. She had six openings through the rest of the year and I took them all! I had emailed Janice a question about one of her techniques and she's been nice enough to correspond with me regarding the issue I'm having. I am such a dork -- I almost feel like I've been emailing with a celebrity. Can you PM me the name of the trainer you're talking about? I'm not sure if I could make the workshop, however. Not this year, anyway. Bummer!

[fidgetyknees]

You are damned if you tell her and you are damned if you don't .... sorry, but a few of my friends got snotty comments from one of my dog trainers about not being exclusive - lucky for me my trainer got over it before I started going all over the place for training and seminars. Some people even though they are super nice are way too sensitive. So I think if your trainer is anything like mine was she will be annoyed whatever you do. You don't need to tell her, you are entitled to train with one or multiple trainers.

[Scoutpout]

thanks for bringing this up. i'm in the same boat with mr. scout laggy-pants. our trainer has been a godsend, and has me come back to group classes no charge (a HUGE help for me, no way could i afford the training we do), but she's not running any competitive classes, and we need more help than what she can do with us in a group (of more beginner dogs, all with paying customers) setting. i am so thankful that she welcomes us to come back. she even came to the house, i asked to book a private lesson for scout's issues with the neighbours and not listening. she wouldnt take payment, even though she brought equipment for us to use. and now i'm getting his food through her, at a much better price than the retail store.

2 of the ladies i trial with and do some training work together have taken specialized classes at another place and were glad they did. but at the same they made it a point NOT to bring it up with the 1st trainer, said she'd get upset/hurt a bit that they werent feeling like they got what they needed from her. so it can be a bit awkward, even though it should be no big deal. she seemed totally fine when yet one of the other people were talking about a different place and trainer working with them on Field stuff, i guess because shes into Obed and Rally and Conformation.