Not happy with trainer

We have been to many training series (different instructors)
and have not had the experience you did. The instructors
would suggest supplies, but often would provide a toy or
whatever for people to share in class.

My sense is that you should make this situation known to
the director of the shelter who referred you to this trainer.

I totally agree with you the class members should have been
told prior to class what the expectations for supplies,etc were.

I visited and spoke personally to the instructors before signing up
for the classes. I wanted to see their facility and get a sense of
if it would be a good match for us.

I'm sorry you had this situation, no one likes to feel pressured
into buying. The classes should be a time for you and your
pet to learn the lessons and bond.

I can certainly understand your gripe. As a class instructor myself, her business practices are not at all professional. Yes trainers do sell equipment needed for class if owners don't have or can not find them. I gave my students a week along with a list of local places to get the equipment. I agree more notice should have been given. Price gouging is certainly not good business practices. The 10 ft and 30 ft leashes she talks about are cotton web lines and not leather or nylon. Not your typical training leashes. Here is a web site so you can see what they really cost. $11.00 total plus shipping cost.

http://www.jbpet.com/Shopping/product.asp?catalog_name=JBWholesale&product_id=241-0114&category_name=TrainingLeads

I would have a serious talk with this trainer about her business practices and explain you don't want to be in this class and demand a refund. If this is a class through your local Parks and Recreation Dept. report this to them. They are the ones that give her permission to use the park.

If you paid by check can you stop payment on the check, if buy credit card call and dispute the charges. You could always sue her in small claims court. I bet you would get a refund from her then.

If she has a business licence in your area, report her to the people who issue her licence. Call them anyway to see if you need a business licence to teach dog training in your town and ask if she has one. They can shut her down is she doesn't have one. Call the Better Business Bureau and file a complaint.. I would also call or write a letter to every rescue group that recommends her to explain your complaint. Letter to the editor of your local paper.

Stand up for professional business practices and take action.