I have been training Bindi now for a while, and am planning to take her to training classes soon. I am going to sit in on a class sometime next week. I have a questions for you. What do you think a good trainer should begin with when teaching a beginner class? My dogs are doing fine with the training I have given them, but I want to proof my dog bindi's training and that is why I am putting her in training class. I don't want to waste my time or Bindi's on a trainer who starts off in the wrong place. Bindi is 2 now, I have had her for almost a year. she goes to her mat when told, responds well to come, leave it is pretty good, I wouldn't say good because seeing other dogs (she wants to play) she has a harder time detaching herself from looking at them. She sits, waits, downs, does some basic tricks, she heels, gets on something then I say on, off when I say off,and is learning- for fun- to go through a hoop- when I say through, all this she does in a beginner level.
I have heard some hair raising stuff on the forum about trainers, I just want to make the right choice for her. She is very tender and gentle, pretty stable temperment.

I'd appreciate any help you could give me.

Sharon,

There are many on this forum that are way more experienced than me. A couple of questions that I'm sure you would get from others. What specifically are you trying to accomplish? What type of class are you going to? Is is a group class or individual? What are you training on/for?

It sounds like you are beyond the basic obedience class and just want to proof a bit. My experience is that the Level I and II classes would be well below what you are looking for. Remember a group class will typically work at the lowest level class member.

I just went to an individual session with a trainer and after 1 hour did what I consider to have "worked miracles". Still a long way from where I want to be, but the results are what I consider unbelievable. Kinda like a Dog Whisperer show (LOL).

The reason I went to a trainer is different from what you are looking for so my advice may not be totally on mark.

Good luck. I'm sure you will get some good advice.

Dave

Thanks so much David for your response. What I want for Bindi is a well rounded dog, a good citizen of course, but one I can trust in many situations. She is very eager to please and begs me for training. I just want to really instil what she has learned, in other settings, especially with other dogs and people around, but without having a lack of control around other dogs. I don't go to dog parks or places where people let their dogs run free. Bindi came from a foster home where all the dogs were allowed to play together. which is good, she is very friendly, but when she sees another dog she thinks it is time to play.
One day, if Bindi shows an apptitude for it, I would train her for agility, so she can get some of her energy out, and have a job to do. (backyard agility). She absolutely loves to run! I don't know what Bindi can do yet, but so far everything I have asked of her, she has tried hard to do well. the trainer I am thinking about using, was telling me that I can purchase a voucher, and they will go over what Bindi can do and see where she fits. I can work on an area until she gets it. (she is pretty smart so that shouldn't take too long). This will happen in a group setting.( I am going to see it personally before I commit.) ALso, I want to be a good trainer, so I need to learn how to be a good trainer too. I have learned miles from Ed and this site.

Sounds like your going in the right direction. Your also ahead of a lot of the neighborhood, civic center, petsmart typ trainers.
If you can, find a competition club or an agility club in your area and go watch. See if it suits what you want. Same with the trainer with the vouchers. Can you just sit in and see what he's all about?

Bob: Yes, I can come in any time and observe. I plan to do that next week sometime.
Yes, I want to go to an agility meet. Even if we just did agility in our own backyard, something she would love to do, would be great. Especially Cody, who will be going to training next year, he is only 10months and even a fly distracts him!ha!
We will be working on him in the meant time. He is a jack russel mix. Cody is beyond active. Anyway, thanks for the advise.
I just don't want to do something I have to undo. That isn't waht I want for Bindi or Cody, they both had to be deprogramed from the stuff they brought along with them when I adopted them.

One thing to remember about agility. It's a great sport and some of the folks excel at great control over their dogs. Others are clueless. Keep an eye out for too many tree huggers that want their dogs to be social with everyone/every dog on the planet.
Did I say that with my out loud voice?
If your interested in agility only for your own back yard there are a lot of books out there and lots of info on the web.

Sharon,

I would see if there is an agility class or club near you. At least you can learn the basics and do this on your own. I don't participate in the sport, but it looks like alot of fun.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.

Dave