The husband and I have been a little "hit and miss" with the whole dog training world. Like so many new things, it's kind of hard to figure out how to break into that world. We could pay lots of money to hire a trainer and get our dog (golden retriever, almost 2 years old) her titles that way (and we started that route) but honestly I'd rather figure out how to do it myself.
And here we are suddenly in what seems like a more-than-halfway-done hunt test season. I've kind of relied on the husband to take the lead in this area, but this is also his super-busy season for working (and since I'm a teacher, it's my season for all things domestic). So I've been thinking about this and emailing people, and am now thinking I really want to take this upon myself to figure out. Our breeder (far away, or she'd probably really mentor me) suggested a bunch of resources, joining a club, etc. It's sort of hard figuring out where to start (not that our dog, Amber, is starting from scratch...she has had some training, and is halfway to her first UKC title). So many breeders say AKC is the way to go because those titles matter, and other people say UKC is great. Our dog is now registered with both. We do plan to breed her, by the way (I'd like to next February), which makes all of this matter even more.
So... I can't help but think gee, it would sure be great if I could find a mentor-type person. And it seems like it would be ideal if I knew a trainer who was a woman. Maybe it is just my ignorance, but it almost feels like a "man's world" in the hunting retriever scene (?). Or maybe that is the impression that I'm left with after talking with the trainer we had (very much a male chauvinist vibe). I wonder if women approach training any differently than men? Maybe not. Anyway, I'd rather pay someone to train me to train my dog, rather than part with her for a couple of months while someone else does it. I know many include the owner in the training, but this isn't really realistic living where we live as it is hard to travel frequently.
Anyway, if any of this sparks any thoughts, advise, or knowledge of a trainer who wants to mentor me in some way...I'd love to hear it!