Since 1983, I've gotten two dogs from a shelter. Walk in, find a dog, take it for a walk, pay the fee and go home. Worked just fine two times. The other 7 dogs found us somehow.
So, tell me if what happened lately is normal now, and if times are changing that much...
We found a dog online. We went to the shelter on Sunday. The dog was a little shy. Outside, the two trainers walked him on a leash. They made us stay on the other side of the driveway, slightly ahead. No contact, no speaking to the dog...nothing. Everything that dog did, he got a treat, though they never scolded him, even when he jumped on a "trainer".
OK, fine.
I went back Monday by myself. They brought me into a room and had me sit behind a cage/fence. Three trainers played with the dog in the open area, but I sat in "time "out" behind the cage/fence. Finally, they gave me a bag of treats and told me to toss them over the fence. No telling the dog to sit or whatever. They would not let the dog sniff my hand. Nothing. For over an hour.
That dog wanted to come to me in the worse way. Very smart Shepherd. I've had 9 dogs since 1983 - that dog and I would have been best friends in ten minutes.
No scolding, no correcting, just treats. Dogs are pack animals - they need an Alpha. Without one, the dog is in charge.
Is this how things are done now?
I asked how long this might go on - probably 5 - 15 visits.
I'm not going back.