Why Are So Many Schools Training Medical Assistants?

Tom Rose School & Other Professional Training Schools?

• Is anyone familiar with the Tom Rose School? I'm interested in attending a professional dog training school (with interest in Schutzhund work). I've heard fantastic things about the Tom Rose School - but I've also heard things about other schools. Has any one attended the TRS, or does anyone know someone who has been there? Are there any other schools you can recommend that offer a professional training program?

• Answer:

  I recommend getting a dog and joining a local dog training club in the sport of your choice. Find an experienced trainer that 1) you like their results and 2) you are comfortable with their methods and then learn all that you can from them. T he problem with the "professional dog training schools" is that you really can't learn dog training in a matter of weeks or even months, but must refine techniques on many dogs in many situations over many years. Many methods of dog training (like the Kohler method) are very effective in the hands of the master and those who have spent years observing and perfecting them, but border on ineffective, dangerous, or abusive when used by an amatuer (see: everything that the dog whisperer has ever done, except some of it I would classify as straight up abuse). Get a dog. Train it. Learn from it. Repeat ad nauseum under the tutelage of "dog people" who have been there longer than you have. When they feel you are ready, teach a class or two of your own. Try to work with a variety of trainers who use different methods that you are comfortable with - put clickers next to targets, prong collars, shaping, treats, toys, body posturing, and bite inhibition techniques in your "training toolbox" and learn when and how to use each of them successfully. Good luck!