First Meeting and practice

The first meeting with the trainer went well. Hunter has a major problem with other people and dogs. He likes to bark and growl at anyone that comes around Melanie or I. So, when the trainer came it was no surprise Hunter's aggressive behavior. The trainer was calm and put on his type of leash and collar. The trainer went on to use key words and leash techniques to calm Hunter.
The trainer than went over all the "rules" for training with us. Some of them are extremely difficult for me because I love to "baby" my dog. Yeah, that's not going to be going on anymore. I was informed I will need to have structure and learn how and when to praise (pet) Hunter.
The trainer then taught us the technique of how to have our dog lay down. This was a crazy concept to me because Hunter never wants to listen. When the trainer first introduced the concept, Hunter did not want anything to do with it. He was extremely STUBBORN with the trainer. It was a mental fight, Hunter would half lay down and sat that way for about 15 min. After the first time Hunter lay down, it was known who was going to win every battle...the trainer. Chris and I then tried the lay down concept with Hunter.
Hunter responded pretty well for the first time! It was crazy how a dog that was barking and attacking the trainer was now laying down on command! Yes, it gets better.
After practicing the laying down command for a while, we went on to the sit command. Hunter seemed to respond...this was a CRAZY sight to us. He never wanted to listen, and now sitting!
The trainer than said we were going outside to take him to learn to heel. Chris and I both thought the guy was crazy because Hunter barks at EVERYTHING. The cars, people, cats, other dogs...ect. The trainer said we are taking him out to learn to heel. So, we did. After some barking and correction, Hunter actually learned the heel command.
At this point we thought are trainer was magic, but we need to remember it is all about practice and application. Nevertheless, we both agree it was a smart choice to have a trainer come and help teach us what we need to know to be good dog owners.
Overall, the first lesson went VERY well!! I will keep you posted on his progress!