[John Robinson]

I believe the good ones are.
Maybe it is time for a field trip and meet them in person....IMO

Yes, much better to do it in person.

 

[Hunt'EmUp]

The Pros I know usually devote a morning and or an evening a week, to billing, calling and answering emails. Otherwise Their on the run caring for dogs, driving dogs here or there, and training dogs. Most I know You'd be out of luck trying to talking to them during the day, unless you got out to train with them for the day. Best times to perhaps get a quick update; are morning during driving time (before training starts) or in the evening driving time; before they get home to air and feed. Other than that your probably going to have to wait a few days, or a week; until they get around to the day that they take care of all their calls and e-mails.

Drives me to distraction when a pro is on his phone all day, particularly when I and others have come out to train with said Pro. Really there's too much going on to get through mulitple setups to be on the phone to give everyone updates. If you really want an update, I've always found it best to go out and run-watch your dog.

 

[Cooper]

I love Sharon Potter's reply. I figure if there was a problem with the dog's progress the trainer would contact the owner, otherwise everything is going okay. I would want my trainer busy training my dog rather than chatting on the phone. If a client calls once or twice a month, that should be enough and even then keep the conversation short as the trainer works very hard and needs time to himself. An owner usually can go training with their trainer but few capitalize on it.

 

[blind ambition]

Most likely the trainers are full. Was your email short and sweet, I would like to talk to you about training my dog? or did you go into detail what your expectations were with a trainer and what you expect to be done?

You appear to be the only one who has picked up on the fact that the OP is not yet a client, which may explain why the pros in question aren't quick in replying.

To the OP, you seem to have done your homework and found several trainers who are not just successful but who also meet your criteria for the dog you want trained. Busy, successful people don't always have the time to scrutinize their calls to determine the serious prospects from the tire kickers, it isn't lack of manners or business ethic. These individuals passed your competency test, now you might need to pass theirs; if you are close enough to drop in do so, if they are not convenient then persist in your attempts to reach them without complaint. Let's face it you shouldn't want to spend your money on a trainer who has too much time on their hands, view this delay as proof you have found the right trainers for your dog.

When you do become a client, hopefully you will have taken Darren's advice and discussed ahead of time the mode and frequency of communication which meet your needs.

 

[John Kelder]

you pay for a trainers time and ability to train successfully . Once a month for a phone call is all the time I want to take up of my trainers time . My trainer just last week took my bitch to a repro clinic every day for progesterone testing and on Saturday for the AI . And there were a few more calls involved , and a helluva lot of her time. Special circumstance , obviously . I think my trainer and I are a good match , and my girl is doing well . If I needed more frequent updates , I don't understand the game and the long term goals .

 

[cripes]

Why wouldn't it be standard procedure for a trainer to spell out the communication policies in his contract? It could eliminate a lot of hard feelings .

 

[papacharlie]

Well I will throw my 2 cents in this #1 a PRO is busy he has a string of Dogs that he puts though their paces and He/She is focused on Training when they are done for the day they have to help feed water and get the Dogs back in the kennel I have had Pro's Train all my Dogs and they would call me every month let me know the progress of same and if I don't hear from them usually they contact me and then tell me they are sorry about what happened but something came up YES I miss my Girl she has been gone since March 1st but this month on the 25th I pick her up and she is ready for the Hunt Tests Senior Div give Trainers some slack my Trainer gives me a progress report by e-mail or PM though FB and he #1 in my book

 

[ErinsEdge]

Why wouldn't it be standard procedure for a trainer to spell out the communication policies in his contract? It could eliminate a lot of hard feelings .

I've never signed a contract-I've had pro trainers since the mid 80's. This is many more than a couple. Usually I was happy to get a spot.

 

[DarrinGreene]

I've never signed a contract-I've had pro trainers since the mid 80's. This is many more than a couple. Usually I was happy to get a spot.

I think the guys you're using have more than proven themselves from a service standpoint Nancy - you know the territory better than most people