After becoming baptised by fire (ie a dog fight) and diving into what dog training 'really' means - I have read about the short comings for the average Joe who takes their 'unschooled' dog to the average obedience class where there are 8-10 other dog/owner pairs.
But are their learning alternatives for the sake of us owners who need or want the support and interaction of not only a mentor (teacher, trainer, coach) but others who are walking or have walked the path towards higher education & enlightenment?
While getting a great book or even better a great DVD is GREAT, I am a creature that does better when I can learn with others. Keeps me motivated, inspired.
Are there obedience classes/instructors that would be worth participating in? If so what kind of screening should be done?
Kaye;
I think generally classes are not good for the dogs or their people, but with that being said, I teach classes and my students and their dogs excel at their training. I am very aware of each dogs gifts and challenges and I keep each person working on something. I have a large room and I can spread out each team. Make sure the teacher follows your type of training. I reccommend the Michael Ellis videos, read this site and then make a list of what is important to you and diagnose your dogs doganality, then find and instructor that can help you.
Take some private classes with the instructor and then if appropriate, go into a class to practice "engagement" the ability of the dog to pay attention to you under distractions!!!!!! Always put the needs of your dog first and you will be fine.
Happy Training,
Roni
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
Posts: 2781
Loc: Upper Left hand corner, USA
Offline
Clinics you can sit in on are usually fantastic. Often times you can find out about upcoming clinics through clubs setting them up. You don't have to bring a dog, just bring a chair, show up and listen and watch other people work their dogs. The more people you expose yourself to with good experience and success stories the better your dog philosophy and adaptation techniques will be.
Make friends with your local police (if they have a K9 unit)! This has been the most rewarding thing I've ever done. Most programs are all through public donation. That means the dogs themselves, their food, vet care, equipment is all bought with donations. It was easy for me to get involved because I work at a pet store, but it might be as easy as donating a bag of food to help them out. I've done a couple of donation drives for the K9 unit and they are happy to return the favor in training advice.
Anyways, they are a wealth of info and have even introduced me to "the powers that be" of K9 training in my area. Most of these guys do private training for the public on the side. And they are super nice! Don't know if its anything like that in your location, but its might be worth a shot!
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Alternative to obedience classes (for learning)?
#260987 - 01/04/2010 09:24 PM 
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