Posted on 06/27/2009 2:43:34 PM PDT by nickcarraway
On June 23, 2009, People Magazine reported that the drummer for the band, My Chemical Romance, is suing a dog trainer after the death and subsequent cremation of the drummer's dog.
The drummer, Bob Bryar, paid $7500 to send his dog, Dixie, to the trainer's kennel for intensive training. After the trainer reassured Mr. Bryar that his dog was doing well and "partying all day", it was later reported that the dog had died and the trainer had Dixie's body cremated. The trainer had changed his story of how the dog died multiple times, causing emotional distress to Mr. Bryar. Although this story is disturbing, it is not reflective of most dog training experiences. This type of intensive training is well suited for aggressive or otherwise extremely difficult to manage dogs because the trainer is able to really focus on the dog and to teach the dog to redirect its misguided instinctual behaviors. When I worked at the Humane Society in Santa Clara, I worked with an Animal Control Officer named Roman Dizon. Roman runs a training center called Calero K9 and offers, among other services, training to teach dogs to redirect aggressive tendencies. I had the opportunity to meet such a dog who faced certain death without this intensive training. Calero K9 also offers group classes and a 35 day training camp to teach obedience.
There are many types of training classes available, some in which the dog stays with the trainer and some in which the trainer trains you, the owner. When choosing a training facility for your dog, do your research. Find out if the facility is properly insured, where your dog will be spending their time when not training, will they receive adequate exercise and what types of training methods are used. Ask to take a tour of the kennel and look for hazards such as broken fencing, cleaning chemicals that are improperly stored and if the facility has someone on site 24 hours a day. Find out their policies in case of emergencies. Ask for references and if you can see a demonstration of the training methods used. If your concerns are not addressed, then, for the safety of your pet and for your own peace of mind, go elsewhere.
Shocking as Dixie’s death is, rest assured that this is not common. These types of stories are rare and when something does happen, the offending businesses are swiftly shut down. If you practice due diligence I expect you will be happy with whatever training program you choose for your dog.
intensive training? for a dog?
The dog died multiple times? Sounds like a cat. Terrible
story though.
I could understand if it was a seal.
Hey, for 7500, I want that dog barking in 5 or 6 languages at least. ;-)
seals seem like amiable animals in the right surrounding.. I’ll take a poodle tho, Thak you.
"You know I love ya Bob, I wouldn't let your dog die. It wasn't my fault! Honest! We ran outta dog food. The dog dug under a fence and got run over. I didn't have enough money for the vet. My assistant called in sick. Someone stole your mutt. There was an earthquake, a terrible flood, locusts!! It wasn't my fault!!! I swear to God!!!!"
Was the dog partying with Michael?
Rock On!
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