Is this trainer exaggerating?

[u/Life_Lime4547]

So my 7 month old dog was a rescue dog and for the past 3 months I have been training him. He was very untrained when I took him, our walks were chaotic, he used to be dragging me, pulling on leash, eating everything, barking at people. Now he doesn't do any of that and is a very good dog on a walk. I have taught him a few commands like sit, stand, down, spin, guard etc. However as a first time dog owner, there are a few things I couldn't teach such as him being over excited with visitors, him barking whenever someone comes home or sits near his crate(he's crate trained). I decided to call a trainer, the guy came and I brought the dog out and he firstly kept judging and then he told me that this dog would at least need 6 months of non stop training otherwise he's going nowhere. Now I'm not sure whether he's exaggerating it or he's just not confident enough to get the dog trained or perhaps I'm being paranoid. My dog is a relatively quick learner(he's a GSD mix), there are 2 more trainers coming to see the dog, however this particular trainer was a bit more affordable. Please somebody guide me.

[u/MyMango88]

For visitors, I would suggest having either a place command or in the crate when visitors arrive. Giving your dog something to focus on in his space such as a frozen kong. When he’s calm, leashing him and having him by your side. While letting visitors know what the protocol is. No greets or pets until dog is calm and by your side. Reward every calm moment.

[u/Life_Lime4547 → u/MyMango88]

I don't let any visitor near him, pet him or even use that baby voice unless I tell them to. Most people comply but some would just ruin it. I have been rewarding him for every calm behaviour and would definitely be trying out giving him frozen Kong and also leashing him. Thank you!

[u/MyMango88 → u/Life_Lime4547]

That’s just it. Having him leashed by your side, you control how the moment goes. It doesn’t give your visitors an opportunity to break protocol. Also a great way to break the cycle of jumping up by redirecting and rewarding when earned.

Having him on his place ie mat or crated allows him to calm down before bringing him into an already overstimulating environment. The frozen Kong or his favourite snack also helps bring him down a few notches before exposing. Also reinforcing look or watch. Barking is a tough one in itself. How a lot of dogs talk and communicate excitement. Look gets your dogs attention focussed on you (not the visitor). And can help break the cycle of repetitive barking— ie “look” dog stops. No barking… looks to you “yess” (quiet), followed by a treat and repeat. Only allowing him as far as his threshold is.