Past there are cavalry regiment, 1st DOG TRAINING KINGS late to handle when taken for walks. Their 3 yr old also trained by me is becoming less responsive to them as the puppy gets older….something they were cautioned would happen unless they participated the training process by doing lessons and practicing what the dogs are learning… frustration is getting the owners to keep scheduled lessons they are learning as their puppy learns has been impossible and motivating them to practice the training exercises has fallen flat. I use play training motivational positive reward based methods with emphases on behavioral management strategies relative to age appropriate needs. I both dogs 5 days a week even though they are only on schedule for 3 days I do this the effort to give the pup more consistency as well as supporting her owners who are highly successful with intense business schedules who have very full social calendars and fill the gaps with domestic and international self enrichment travel. The dogs are left to be cared for by their house keeper who takes them home with her at night. Both dogs are FUN to work with and both do well their perspective programs. But sadly, they are good with me and goofy happy dogs with everyone Without owner participation plus the inconsistency of whatever whoever is taking care of them does I have essentially become the dog walker…. I pick the dogs up every day and work 3 different types locations park, downtown, Home Depot around elementary schools…. The owners just returned from a 3 week trip to Africa. Home one day they now are inquiring about what the dogs have learned while they were on their trip… I am meeting with them to tell them that training program is not a fit for them. I do not know how to train a dog to reliability performance or to create a bonded relationship for owners who are not able or willing to participate the training process. Inconsistent training, inconsistent results. Their owners schedule lessons but always with the exception of 3 times, cancel. The owners says she be home late mornings I can take the puppy out without the other dog but this has simply not happened. If I take one dog out now without the other…well…this is only leading to problem behavior left unchecked for the dog that's left behind. Yes…I DO use enrichment toys objects for the one left on its own…but these are effective for about 15 minutes or not used until our return. The owners were informed that not taking them out one at a time could lead to other challenges. I ask the dog owners that be reading this, be looking for ideas for which training approach is best for you, this is a professional dog trainer who would LOVE your dog and be committed to positive solutions and results for YOU. Because if you win we all win. But you have to participate. Like the lottery talking about winning is all talk. You have to buy the ticket and then you have to check the numbers on your ticket. I am heart broken as I these dogs ALL of dogs fact and their people too. I have been working professionally with people and their dogs since 1993. Group classes, private and residential. All dogs, all ages, from companion to agility and private service. This is not a hobby and I've never advertised for clients. At the end of the day, as a self employed trainer, reputation is all I have. Sadly it is time for me to walk away from these very special girls. Perhaps I've aged out and it's time to retire. Your comments are appreciated and I wish you all success! Remember real dog trainers 't need pinch collars! I just sent puppy away for doggie boot camp. I she learns basic manners, but remember me when I pick her up. The facility was clean and appears very organized and puppy I saw last training looked happy. I did not any abuse finger and toes crossed until 1 17. Hi Pippa, Thank you much for this article and for all of the helpful advice on your site. I am the proud owner of a 4 month old male black Labrador Retriever named We