Piazza's Professional Dog Training School/K-9 Services Unlimited - What to look for when choosing an obedience trainer.

In all my years of training dogs, I have never heard such nonsense where someone who has only a couple of years training now claims to have a school to teach people how to train dogs. This is in my opinion is ridiculous.

I guess it's the same old story for people who are only interested in making money and do not have the sincere interest in teaching the client.

Since 1981, I have been working with dogs. In 1992, when I was Certified by Sgt. Dan Bowman as a Professional Dog Trainer/Police Dog Instructor, I still waited over ten years before I advertised that I offered a class on how to train dogs. I knew it took years to learn what I had to know about animal behavior and also how to instruct people the proper way. I did not rely upon video tapes, books, popular TV shows to gain my expertise. I relied upon hands on training working with all different breeds and temperaments of dogs. Most of all, I learned to treat people with dignity and respect. To this day, I instill this into the minds of anyone who enrolls in any of my classes.

So bottom line is this. If you are looking for a trainer who has more experience than any other trainer in the Mohawk Valley and who has the most complete dog training school in Central NY, then please give me a call. I will not use fancy words such as animal behaviorists, or dog psychologist. I do not rely upon books or TV shows to give me ideas on how to train dogs. I do not lie to my clients about my experience and I will never compromise my morals and integrity for money. I do not need to have infomercials or rely upon bragging about something I know is not true. When you enroll in my classes, you know you are getting the most experienced trainer in the Mohawk Valley and Central NY. I have trained countless dogs and instructed countless people since 1981. I am still learning as the years pass.

So remember, when searching for the right trainer, ask the right questions. Do not take their word for it. Investigate before you invest your hard earned money. Don't let fancy talk or use of infomercial's sway you into hiring someone that needs to exaggerate their experience. Come to the best and most complete dog training school in Central NY and the Mohawk Valley. I guarantee your satisfaction.

To all pet owners who are seeking out a professional dog training school

Please understand that I write these statements for your benefit. I will always speak the truth, and I don't care what the other so called trainers think. I am tired of these rip off artists only being concerned with their bank accounts. For example

We now have other trainers who are claiming to be able to train your dog by video. In other words, purchase time and you can learn how to train your dog online. This is one of the most ridiculous things I have heard. You see, every dog has it's own personality and temperament. How in the world can you use the same methods for different dogs? Also, things happen during training that you must adapt your training methods accordingly. You must be ahead of the dog at all times.

Please don't waste your hard earned money on gimmicks such as this. This is only another way of making money for the trainer. It is not responsible at all in my professional opinion.

Another concern I have in regard to other trainers is this.

There has recently been an explosion of so called other trainers getting into the dog training profession. Because of the economy, people think they can just pick up a leash and start training dogs. This is absurd.

Just three years ago, a couple of people enrolled in my dog training school. One of them had graduated the Obedience Instructors Program but the other was told to leave because of how hard she would correct the dogs. In fact, on one occasion she slapped an 11 week old pup in the face. Be that as it may, they are now bragging on how they are expanding and training others to run businesses for them. They call them franchises.

People, this is not McDonalds or Burger King where you flip a hamburg and the job is done. No. This is an animal with a heart. How dare anyone do this for the sake of money. These trainers have only been training dogs for a short 3 years and now they are experts and have the nerve to say they have enough experience to teach others to work with dogs? This is nonsense.

My goal in teaching students is to make sure they have the necessary skills to work with all breeds and temperaments. It is not to have any student that comes through my school to put money first and foremost. For anyone who comes through my school, to be successful is an honor for me. However, for someone to start franchises as if it were a fast food restaurant is insulting to the pet owning community.

I would like to announce to ALL the pet owners out there.

I WILL NEVER COMPROMISE MY INTEGRITY FOR THE ALIMIGHTY DOLLAR EVER!. I HAVE BUILT MY REPUTATION ON LOYALTY TO MY CLIENTS AND WILL NEVER CHANGE MY WAY OF DOING BUSINESS FOR THE SAKE OF MONEY. BE ASSURD YOU WILL GET THE BEST INSTRUCTION ANYWHERE IN UPSTATE NY AT MY TRAINING SCHOOL.

ANYONE WHO WORKS WITH ME WILL TELL YOU THAT, I INSTRUCT MY STUDENTS TO ALWAYS TREAT PEOPLE WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT. THAT HAS BEEN MY POLICY FOR 27 YEARS AND IT WILL NEVER CHANGE.

I AM JUST SORRY THAT SOME FORMER STUDENTS FEEL THE NEED TO PUT MONEY ABOVE WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT. THE HANDLER AND DOG ITSELF..

SO I GUESS THESE OTHER PEOPLE CAN BUILD THEIR SO CALLED FRANCHISES FOR THE SAKE OF GLORY AND MONEY. I WILL HOWEVER STICK TO THE ONE THING THAT HAS MADE ME THE ALPHA DOG AND TOP TRAINER IN CENTRAL NY. THAT IS INTEGRITY, HONOR, LOYALTY.

THANK YOU

SALVATORE PIAZZA

When searching for a dog trainer, one must always ask many questions about the trainers' qualifications. Do not just take their word for it. Make them show you documentation and proof of what they say is true.

With that being said, let's talk about enrolling your dog in group classes.

Many people are offering group classes for puppies and dogs. They range from 4H clubs to pet stores. What is wrong with this type of training? Everything. Although these people mean well, they do not have the expertise to truly know how to train dogs properly. You must think to yourself, "How can my dog possibly pay attention when there are so many distractions"? What happens when you're working with your dog and another dog is barking and whining? What happens if you're heeling your dog and another dog attacks it from behind? These are problems that occur when training at these so-called training classes.

What about the handler? How can the handler be taught when there are so many other things going on at the training facility? Take for instance pet stores. You start training with your dog and you see people buying dog food, toys, going to the grooming shop, etc. Totally impossible to pay attention to your dog when you have so many things going on. What about dog clubs such as 4H and community centers? How can you possibly train with 10-15 other dogs barking and running around? The answer is you can't. Although as I stated, these people have good intentions, but these are not trainers I would recommend for you to bring your dog to.

What is best for you and your pet is a one-on-one training program where there are no distractions whatsoever. The puppy or dog must learn what is expected of it before distractions can be introduced. Socialization should come after the dog understands what the word NO means. Once the dog is doing well with the obedience commands, then you can take it to group classes for distractions and socialization. I don't know of any professional trainer who would take his or her dog to a group setting at first to teach the dog obedience. It is just not fair to the dog.

So remember, even if you think you are saving money by enrolling in such classes, you will be wasting your time. Please don't fall for advertisements that brag on how cheap their classes are. This will not guarantee that you are getting the proper training you need. It is like the old saying, you get what you pay for.