What makes someone a good trainer/instructor?

[Rivsky]

Our obedience club keep approaching me about whether I want to start instructing some of the lower levels at the club on a volunteer basis (which means no formal training is provided other than having a more experienced instructor assist me for my first few classes).

I personally don't think I'm ready to take on something like that yet given I've only trained the one dog so far and was curious as to what others think make someone a good trainer/instructor so I can give this a little more thought.

[Carrie]

I think a pretty thorough understanding of behavior and learning theory is paramount to training dogs as well as experience with different personalities of dogs. There are so many different personalities that the experience with one dog is probably not enough IF you come across something unusual. People too. I think a trainer has to be able to get through to owners in a way that they'll understand what you're trying to show them with their dogs. I think one has to be organized and have a lesson plan....what comes first, how to break things down into smaller steps...a system, in other words. For example: some types of things are better taught by back chaining and some not. Sometimes the use of one technique works best with one kind of skill or behavior and sometimes another one is more appropriate.....and taking into account the personality of the dog. Some knoweldge of effective methods in all kinds of situations is optimal.

However, if you're assisting the trainer and she is right there....if you come across any stumbling blocks, she could jump in and help....it could be a good experience for you. If she is there to guide you, it could work fine. If you don't feel like you're ready and there isn't enough supervision, then perhaps it would be jumping the gun a bit.

[Rivsky]

Thanks Carrie - you pretty much echoed my own thoughts there, now I know I'm making the right decision

[Carrie]

Well, what is meant by the lower levels? Is that like the beginning things like sit, down, walking on a loose leash, stuff like that? If you feel comfortable getting that across and the trainer thinks you have what she needs to help out, give it a try. I don't know this trainer, but if she's good, she must know what she's doing by asking you. Maybe you're more confident and comfortable than you give yourself credit for. It would be a good experience. Isn't she going to be in the same room with you?

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

Originally Posted by Carrie

Well, what is meant by the lower levels? Is that like the beginning things like sit, down, walking on a loose leash, stuff like that? If you feel comfortable getting that across and the trainer thinks you have what she needs to help out, give it a try. I don't know this trainer, but if she's good, she must know what she's doing by asking you. Maybe you're more confident and comfortable than you give yourself credit for. It would be a good experience. Isn't she going to be in the same room with you?

I agree! Everyone starts somewhere, and this would give you experience with more dogs under supervision, which is a double bonus. But go with your gut!

[Rivsky]

Lower levels would be classes 2 or 3 which is loose lead walking, on lead recalls, watching, working and release cues, starting work on about turns and sit stays. I'd only have someone with me the first couple of times not for an extended period of time.

The club is run on a volunteer basis and I have this nagging feeling that they're struggling to find volunteers to fill the training positions. I've been told that they think I should give instructing a go because I'm a good handler. I personally don't think that's a good enough reason - yes I may be good with my dog but give me one with a different personality and different motivations and I may very well be hopeless.

I just don't think I have enough experience dealing with different types of dogs - not to mention different training methods. I've trained River using positive methods from the start and this club is really a mix of a lot of different methods of training - including correction collars which I have zero experience with and wouldn't feel comfortable teaching people how to use them properly.

Thanks for helping me think this through. I feel a lot more definite in my reasons for turning them down at the moment but may be something I'll consider later on, particularly if the club's focus begins to shift more towards positive training which is something I'm a lot more comfortable with.

[k9hullio_sam]

Maybe you could shadow one of the instructors for a couple of class sessions, and start just be being her 'assistant' of sorts?? Then move on to classes by yourself? It sounds like a great opportunity to learn!

[GSD]

The most important part is how you deal with the people. Be consistent and teach them to be consistent. Dog training is easy, there's a million ways to do it, and knowing more than a couple helps, but being able to match what a handler/owner is capable of to the situation at hand takes a special knack.

That said you can go a long ways with consistently "bad" training, as long as its consistent in the same way if you know what I mean.