After getting dragged around the neighborhood by our new 9-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback for a few weeks, I opted for some dog training. All-American had nothing but positive reviews, so I called to inquire. My first impression gave me some pause - it seemed expensive, no availability for a month, and required full payment up-front.
However, that's also what influenced my decision to go forward with it; that is, a trainer so in demand that you must wait a month seems much better than one that has nothing else to do and is available immediately. And I wanted a GOOD trainer, not a cheap one. Charging up front for the full program instead of per-visit seemed to be either a way to scam me out of money for inferior service or a way to avoid wasting the trainers valuable time - being that there was a wait until the trainer was available, I assumed the latter and it turned out to be the case.
Bob, the dog trainer, called to confirm our appointment a few days before our scheduled time and then showed up EXACTLY when he said he would. The fee included one of the best rated remote collars on the market, which eliminated any mistakes in purchasing a wrong or inferior unit. He had me walk with my dog to access our situation, then got to work.
Within an hour, my dog was behaving perfectly on the leash. After the second week's visit, I could leave my dog and walk away without my dog being gone when I got back. Now, after just four training visits over the last month, our pooch is the most behaved member of our family. He walks where I WANT TO WALK with NO PULLING AND TUGGING, sits, stays, and comes when he's called. I can even take him to restaurants and dine on the patio with no problems - he stays put and doesn't harass us and others for scraps.
That's progress! And it wouldn't have happened without Bob, so thanks Bob! The training was worth every dollar and more.