Dog Trainer Clashes With Father-In-Law Over Training Methods

Some families manage to agree on holiday menus, and then there are the ones where the real battlefield is a dog crate.

This story starts with OP, a dog trainer who has worked with police and military dogs, bringing her GSD into a home where her husband keeps Labs. The complication? Every time OP’s in-laws visit, her father-in-law cannot resist stepping in with “helpful” training advice for the Black Lab, even though OP has her own methods and her own routine.

It all boils down to one tiny command, one loud opinion, and a father-in-law who acts like he’s running the show.

OP is a dog trainer with experience in various breeds, including police and military dogs.

OP has a GSD trained for personal protection, her husband has Labs, and her father-in-law currently has a Black Lab.

Each time OP's in-laws visit, her father-in-law insists on giving training advice for her dog.

The moment OP’s father-in-law starts correcting how she trains her GSD and then pivots to his Black Lab, the vibe shifts fast.

The effectiveness of dog training is a critical factor in ensuring a harmonious home environment.

He tries to teach his dog commands, but he lacks patience.

OP's FIL always insists that using a two-word command to make the dog enter her crate is confusing and that shouting one word is faster.

OP has faced criticism regarding protection dogs being aggressive, but they are trained to control their force.

Behavioral psychology emphasizes that dogs, like humans, thrive on routine and structure.

OP's FIL has traditional views on disciplining a dog, which clash with OP's more rational and polite approach.

Dog training is OP's profession.

Reddit

OP should tell him that she has her own way of working with the dog.

Reddit

He insists that a two-word crate command is “confusing,” then argues that shouting one word is faster, right in front of everyone.

It’s a lot like a friendship boundary fight, where one OP ignored extreme pet care advice.

Family dynamics can be complex, especially when differing opinions on pet care come into play. Research in family psychology suggests that unresolved conflicts can lead to resentment and tension among family members.

In this scenario, both the dog trainer and the father-in-law may benefit from discussing their views openly to find common ground, promoting a healthier family dynamic.

This seems like sexism.

Reddit

He's being difficult and acting as if he's in charge of training the dogs.

Reddit

OP should let him know he is not welcome until he can respect her and her methods.

Reddit

OP has to watch him steamroll her polite approach with traditional discipline ideas, even though she’s trained protection dogs to control force.

To address these conflicts, the couple might consider mediating a discussion between the dog trainer and the father-in-law.

He's underestimating his dogs.

Reddit

OP needs to tell him to stop mansplaining and respect her expertise in dog training.

Reddit

When someone comes to her house, she should make it clear that it's her house and her rules, especially regarding her dog.

Reddit

By the time she has to make it clear this is her house and her rules, the family dinner energy is completely gone.

Effective communication is essential in resolving conflicts, particularly within family settings.

OP is a professional dog trainer; she knows how to train her German Shepherd for protection.

The clash between the dog trainer and his father-in-law highlights the intricate balance between family dynamics and differing training philosophies. As the article illustrates, the divide between traditional and modern training methods can lead to tension not only in dog training but also within the family unit. This conflict underscores the importance of open communication and collaboration when multiple family members are involved in pet care.

By recognizing and confronting these underlying disagreements, families can work towards a unified approach to training that benefits both their pets and their relationships. The article serves as a reminder that aligning training strategies can foster a more harmonious home, ultimately enhancing the well-being of everyone involved.

Now he’s wondering if he really is the problem, because OP’s not inviting “training lectures” back in.

For more pet-training blowups, see how a rescue dog owner got backlash for rejecting a friend’s advice.