I'm looking for a training school and some one recommended ABC. They told me you do most of the book work online then spend between 7 and 21 weeks with a trainer working with dogs. It sounds good because of my work but I'm still not sure. Has anyone gone through the program or has heard good or bad things from the school?

I know that when you talk about schools, two will come up as being the best:

The Tom Rose School and Triple Crown Acadamy.

As for Animal Behavioral College, I know that there was a thread once where it was discussed, but I can't for the life of me find it!

It seems to me, and this is just personal opinion--I have not taken their class--that it's a lot of research and learning in the beginning and then you have a mentor.

So, that means that the course is only as good as the information provided and the mentor that you're teamed up with. For what they're charging (up to $3500), you could do all of the research--on your own--and mentor with a trainer--on your own.

Of course, if you do it on your own, you're not going to end up with a certificate, but certificates don't mean much in the dog training business (unless they're from the TR School or Triple Crown, but even then, your average client wouldn't have heard of these schools anyway).

Also, from what I've read, this school provides trainers for Petco...and I don't think much of Petco's trainers. The mentor that they hook you up with is more than likely a Petco trainer.

Not trying to sound negative, I just think you'd be better off going a different route.

I will say that there was someone who posted before who did the ABC course and liked it, but as I said, I can't find the thread anywhere.

ABC is *not* held in good regard by serious trainers in Florida.
A *BIG* waste of money.

 Quote: Will Rambeau

ABC is *not* held in good regard by serious trainers in Florida.
A *BIG* waste of money.

Will can always say it better than me, and in fewer words too!

Thank you Amber for recommending the schools. I checked them out online and appear to be very professional. However, to invest 10 grand in training school is not an option for me (I wish...lol.) Are there any other less expensive resourses that you know of? I should've mentioned that I'm looking for a school for personal not professional motives. I want to learn how to teach my dogs. I know every one has their own opinion on how to train. Since I'm new, I'm trying to keep an open mind on all training methods. I've tryed those group sessions with my dogs but it's not enough. They don't really teach you the how and why of dog behavior and how to train your dog for other then the sit, stay, heel etc... Any advise would be helpful. Thank you. Ian

I am but a novice myself, but I would highly recommend Ed's tapes. I have three and plan on getting more as I apply each video I receive to my own training. The tapes are a great investment and in reality much less expensive than the schools, especially considering that you would have to uproot your life, move somewhere, pay for the school, a place to live, etc.

The tapes offered by Leerburg can give you a solid foundation. I am not sure where in Florida you are located (I am in North Florida, but it appears there are some really good trainers in Florida from which you could learn or take private lessons.

Bernard Flinks was in Florida and gave a couple of seminars earlier this summer. I missed it but hopefully he will come again. There seems to be good opportunities to learn to train withour making the huge investment needed to attend the schools.

I am sure the above mentioned schools are great, but if they do not fit your needs, there are other methods to learn. Buy tapes, go to seminars and visit experienced trainers and apply what you learn to your personal training program.

I have been working with some trainers for a while here in Miami. I also have purchased 2 of Ed's videos. The videos are GREAT! Look for groups/clubs in your area and other trainers. These classes are good but might not be to your liking. I guess just as Jim said above!!

Sgt Matt
(learning more everyday)

 Quote: Ian Alvarez

I should've mentioned that I'm looking for a school for personal not professional motives. I want to learn how to teach my dogs. I know every one has their own opinion on how to train. Since I'm new, I'm trying to keep an open mind on all training methods.

If you're interested in learning how to train your own dog, and not become a professional trainer, then the ABC's tuition of $3500 is pretty high, too! What was that quote from Good Will Hunting? Something about what you learned for that amount of money you could have gotten in $2 of late fees at your local library?

I would suggest that you read all that you can (this site, and Ed's articles are great ways to begin). Read lots of books, look at different methods and you can decide what to accept or reject. This way, you're not being spoon fed only one method of training (which *might* be ineffective/cruel/stupid/basic, whatever...since there really are so many different theories in dog training, and many of them awful).

I would especially learn how dogs communicate with each other because when you learn to read what your dog is saying to you, it becomes easier for you to 'talk' to him.

In conjunction with this, you could find a good private trainer, one who spends a lot of energy on teaching you how to teach your dog, instead of just trying to get the dog to work for them.

If you'd like to further your education, you can attend seminars, join various dog clubs, etc.

And the biggest and best thing you can do, IMO, is train your dog! Just do it! See what works for both of you. Because the thing is, not all dogs will respond the same way to the same methods. If your interest is soley to train your personal dog, then your dog will, in many ways, be an excellent teacher (as long as you are patient and approach training with a positive and fun attitude). No one knows everything, and the best teachers of anything, IMO, are ones who are still open to learning more.

And the really cool thing is that if you hit a road block in your training, you can always post it here and get some really wonderful help.

I just realized that I'm assuming that you're interested in training your dog in obedience. If you're intersted in something specific like S&R, assistance dogs, PPD training, etc., then maybe another member here can give you some tips. I will say, though, that you wouldn't get any good training in those fields from ABC.

Thanks Amber, I have taken your advice and purchased a book; Purely Positive Training by Sheila Booth. I also got a video; Schutzhund Basic Obedience one with Gottfried Dildei. I'll let you know how it goes. Once again, Thanks. Ian

 Quote: Ian Alvarez

Thanks Amber, I have taken your advice and purchased a book; Purely Positive Training by Sheila Booth.

I like that book a lot.



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