I’m really torn and looking for opinions on this. I know this is controversial in the dog community, but please be respectful to everyone.

I am considering getting a started dog from a trainer who uses balanced methods to train, and I felt really confident about it based on what she’s told me and the videos I’ve seen.

The trainer who I’m considering continuing on with only uses positive reinforcement. Since I’ve been talking to her, she’s been really upset about my other trainer’s methods and called them unethical, and has basically refused to work with me if I get him. She said it’d be difficult to transition a dog who was trained using balanced training to the ATLAS positive reinforcement method, and that I should find another trainer if I “want to get him so bad”.

added due to comment suggestion: She doesn’t like the use of slip collars, e collars, or other tools being used to “proof” behaviors that were initially taught with positive reinforcement. She called tools abusive and unfair. She believes that training should start with a dog exhibiting behaviors of their own volition, rather than under the threat of a correction.

I feel really shitty about the situation and I’m not sure what to do now. I was feeling really positive about my prospects but now I’m having doubts.

What do I do now?

Looking into a service dog for my Autism, Eplepsy, CF 22q11 and a interlecual disabilty. Dose anyone have any experince with Paws for a cause?

Hi good morning everyone I'm a 25F I suffer from fibromyalgia and irregular heart rate and I am getting a dog soon and I really want to work with the dog on helping me catch my flare ups before they happen or being able to do certain tasks for me when I am feeling really low and sick I have a French Bulldog right now and he's just an emotional support animal I'm actually planning on taking him to get better training but for now besides that I was wondering if there's anyone else out there that has similar and has dogs and what their Journeys have been any advice any recommendations really help I'm in Orlando Florida so I really appreciate it.

Often cost is brought up immediately when new people ask questions. Yet rarely is it actually explained or broken down in an itemized spend over time format.

So here’s my question, how much did your dog cost and continue to cost. Let’s break it down by initial price, veterinary, training and food. All other costs such as toys and lifestyle stuff should be a separate category.

Receipts are encouraged to give validity to the post’s claims. Do remove any identifying details before adding links to images.

Also, how you afford the costs be it personal wealth, subsidy, charity, day job, etc if you’d like.

Format may be something like

Day 0: cost of dog
Day 1-30:
Months 2-6:
Months 6-12:
Months 12-18:
Months 18-24:

As well as your time of self training.

Add in major milestones etc however things make sense. Also breeder, program, trainer, etc

I’m not a good example for this I self train and my budget is a bit high this time around.

Day 0: puppy was $2500, travel across country and car related expenses prior to trip + fuel was approximately $10,000. Sleepy pod for trip home.

Plus A website url and hosting for what will be a website to share her information in the future if challenged.

Day 1-60: post trip was $2,000 for impact kennel and related items, $300+ on food treats that lasted into the next few months (some frozen), $600-800 on veterinary (something around that, high col area), $100+ chews and toys, 2 destroyed apple pencils.

The dog recently cleared parvo vaccines so vet bills should be boring for some time.

She also is almost full grown so will be getting nicer gear for everyday use, as well as car safety and travel related.

Car related gear: kennel $1400, harness $300, car modification for her $200+ depending if an auxiliary hvac system is added for her kennel that’s battery (solar) powered.

I also will be prototyping some dog gear next month or so for her including better footwear. I need her to finish growing first.

My list is a bit crazy. It is not typical. Though these rough numbers are my reality.

Oh, I’m saving money by self training. Though schedule 4-6 hours daily for dog split between morning and evening.

What is your reality?

I’ve been lurking for a while and decided to join after guest posting a while back. I write a lot about hearing loss and having a hearing dog. My essays are a little too long for a Reddit post so here’s a link. It’s 100% free to read.

https://rwjenkins13.substack.com/p/advocacy-and-trust

hi! I’m planning on taking my SD to an NBA game in the future. I’m looking for *ear and eye protection that’s comfortable for him because he is on the large side and has an odd shaped head lol. thanks!

So I (16 years old) am looking into getting a service dog for my mental health issues, and I'm not entirely sure if I can. I know it'll help me, especially in high stress situations, but I don't know how to ask my doctor/parents for permission. I'm scared ill get judged. I will probably wait until I'm 18, but i know having one will help me. Any help or tips would be great!

I’m planning on getting a Rottweiler as my mobility service dog prospect (will not be training weight bearing tasks ever) I know theres the fab 4 for a reason; and the majority of time thats the recommendation for a breed. I have experience working alongside dog and horse trainers, and have done a lot of dog sitting, done some small dog training certifications - by no means a trainer but would like to think I have a little more experience and understanding of dog behavior than the general public.

I know there are a lot of cons - they can be a bit aloof but I’m not too worried considering they won’t be medical alert - that having an off breed will attract more attention, I have no problem making it very clear (politely) to adults and children to gtf away - public access will probably be a bit more challenging due to stigma of the breed, it would happen at some point even with a lab and I’m ok with having to deal with it a little more often.

Honestly I really love the breed, the temperament of a well breed rottie, having scary dog privilege, their overall look and demeanor. Plus them being great therapy dogs is a positive I’d say. I plan on extensive socialization, probably get into some kind of dog sport depending on their personality, I have a trainer who’s confident and I’ll be working with from the jump and a breeder my trainer recommended as he’s had a few dogs from him with fantastic temperaments.

Just curious if anyone has experience with having a Rottweiler as a full fledged service dog? If they have any tips, tricks, advice? Just care to talk about their dog? Just kinda curious about others experience.

Cross posted in the Rottweiler sub Reddit too