This is the internet!

[jertom]

After lurking here for a while it's become apparent that some have a vested interest in what they're recommending.
It especially bothers me when i see folks just getting a new puppy and are here looking for information. Certainly there is much of that to be had here, just double-check with other sources also.
For example: puppy training, I'm sure it's fine, but is it for everybody? Wouldn't it be better to say your puppy needs to socialize? Do all dogs require formal training to becomes a good and obedient pet? Where and how do you live? I live on 11 acres with a dirt road, I don't have sidewalks and dog parks. I have my requirements for Rocky, but it's not learning how to heel.
Well to each their own, just wanted to share my thoughts, and best of luck to those just getting a pup.

[SunDance]

Not sure why this struck a nerve with you. You "have requirements"...I imagine that you "train" to have these met. Some folks can train without a formal class but it seems as if the average person...especially one with his/her first dog...cannot. Even with books or, more the case nowadays, internet advice. The classes serve to socialize as well as train (train the owner as well as train the dog...the owner needs to be trained in order for the behavior to be reinforced).

The only people I know personally who have bothered to train their dogs at all (most haven't) have attended classes. (and we're dead-on suburban, not rural)

Danny is the first dog I took to a class....mostly to socialize but also to "pay back" the trainer who'd spent an hour on the phone discussing the behavioral problems of my previous dog and didn't charge me. Danny and I had fun but he was already trained in the activities the trainer covered.

The first dogs I got as an adult were trained in one-on-one "train the trainer" sessions...thirty years ago. That's where I got the basics for training future dogs and every dog prior to Danny was trained exclusively that way.

[Snowshoe]

Vested interest? Who is selling their puppy training services? To be "vested" means to benefit somehow from the suggestion, if the advice is followed. Other than meeting well behaved dogs I don't see the benefit.

I think after a while most of us tend to suggest what works for most people and most people seem to be urban, not rural. Sometimes the OP doesn't give much information. I agree with puppy classes but we didn't actually do any ourselves, just didn't work out. Mostly, from what I've seen, they are just socialisation. Lots of things are easier to learn in person, in class than have to do all on your own.

[sparky]

There is a TON of great information on this forum. We take the advise we want and agree with and pass on anything we don't quite agree with or choose to use. I think the more information you have the better. Some may seem a bit forceful but this is the internet and you cannot always tell what their intentions might be. There was another lab forum we visited before joining this forum, those people seemed really cruel so we came here.
To each their own.
Happy Easter.

[doubledip1]

I post what has worked for me. I also don't know who is getting paid, because a vested interest would be paid. I would like to be paid for my free Internet advice!

[Jeff]

You know if you're fine out on the farm by yourself then no there is not much need for training and socialization. I personally like going all kinds of places with my dog. My dog has done more than a lot of humans ever get to do. he is out in public a lot with young children and elderly. So it is important that he learns and be sociable from a young age. It's also important to teach your dogs things like walking on leash politely when they are puppies than adults mainly because it is a lot easier. much like people once a dog gets older and set in their ways it's harder to change those ways. For example, when my dog was a young puppy he met firemen, police men, garbage men and mail men. He has no fear of them nor is he concerned with them. He lots of dogs have issues with people in uniform. so if I were to ever have a fire and the firemen showed up sirens and thing going my dog would run to them not away from them. Again, depends what your after what you want and how much time you want to put in.

the only vested interest someone on this forum has is making sure there are a lot of happy healthy labs in the world.

[kimbersmom]

When we got Kimber, we had 15 acres and lived in a very rural area. No sidewalks, no official dog parks. Still, we got lots and lots from our training classes and tons of advice and support from this board.

No matter where you live, labs need time, exercise and training. What that looks like can change, but the basics are the same.

[barry581]

[QUOTE=jertom;71092
It especially bothers me when i see folks just getting a new puppy and are here looking for information. Certainly there is much of that to be had here, just double-check with other sources also.
[/QUOTE]


I honestly don't understand why you would be bothered by someone with a new puppy looking for info. Would you rather they just fumbled though the process and have an out of control 80 pound dog? Personally I'd say heeling and recall are two of the most important things a dog should be able to do. You never know when you could find yourself in a situation where you need to control where your dog is, and what they are doing.

Not sure what has upset you so much, and you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but having an obedient, well trained dog should be every dog owner's goal, regardless whether they choose to go to formal classes on train on their own.

[OHfemail]

Sometimes it's nice to just 'hang out' with lab loving folks - and here I will stay.

[Woodrow_Woodchuck]

After lurking here for a while it's become apparent that some have a vested interest in what they're recommending.
It especially bothers me when i see folks just getting a new puppy and are here looking for information. Certainly there is much of that to be had here, just double-check with other sources also.
For example: puppy training, I'm sure it's fine, but is it for everybody? Wouldn't it be better to say your puppy needs to socialize? Do all dogs require formal training to becomes a good and obedient pet? Where and how do you live? I live on 11 acres with a dirt road, I don't have sidewalks and dog parks. I have my requirements for Rocky, but it's not learning how to heel.
Well to each their own, just wanted to share my thoughts, and best of luck to those just getting a pup.

My lab is also an off leash canine in a rural setting. And yes, I too have different 'requirements' than most folks do. Her collar and leash stay in the car as the only time I would use them is if we went out anywhere in public. The collar goes on so she looks like a regular dog and the leash I carry to put on if someone walks by. It is part of what I consider being a responsible owner.

Did I teach her to walk on a leash, yes. Did I teach her to heel? No, but she did learn NOT to drag me around when on the leash! I bet in 2015 she has had the leash on maybe 3 times. Every time was at the lake when I spy someone walking towards us. I call her, put the leash on, she sits until they pass and I take it off. They are happy because my wet, muddy, disgusting black creature is restrained and I'm happy because I taught her to accept having a leash and collar on. She is happy because... Well... Because after they pass I will take it off and she can again run around like a spastic nut. I don't know what your description of 'formal training' is, but Sunshine had formal training from me. She learned to come, sit, stay, fetch, left, right, closer, keep going....... All things I REQUIRE from my canine companion. Did she formally learn to crouch, roll over, shake or any of that, no. And folks here are not recommending all that, as far as I have ever read anyway. They are just recommending classes to not only socialize but help both parties LEARN the basic expected commands.

I don't think many folks who would raise an off leash pup in a rural setting would be going to a forum to ask for help. The people who are willing to go the distance of actually asking for help are the really in need puppy owners. For me, just the fact that they did take the time to go online, search for forums, AND ask for help says a lot. It tells me they are sincere about trying to raise a well adjusted and behaved canine companion. And what is the harm if they do teach the pup to heel? It is good for both sides, the pup learns to listen and the owner learns how to teach.

As far as formal classes, for any first time puppy owner I feel they are a great thing. The owner will learn more than the puppy. More than can be gotten by reading a book or reading internet advice also.