Quote:

Originally posted by Sterling Bassett:
Thank you for replying to this I felt all along when I first talked to theis trainer I did not want to do this for the very same reasons both of you stated. I am glad I felt the same. Now maybe someone can tell me why an advertized dog training school would not want to train with you and the dog just curious

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You didnt say what kind of training, but it may be that they think if you see how relativley easy it is to train the dog (not the handler) that you would feel bad about paying them so much. Some trainers like to keep their "secrets" to themselves. I, myself, would be rather leary of any trainer that doesnt want you present during training.
John

Thanks everyone There are reasons to have training done in special things. I need to know and will know how The dog is trained and be a big part of it. I just wnated to see what everyone thinks

I have to add my two cents about "in-kennel" training. If done properly it is an excellent tool for those who don't have a clue. I take dogs in and train them for 4-6 weeks then the owners get 6 weeks of private lessons - the lessons are required, they come as part of the package. This way I can train the dog (by far the easier half of the team) THEN the handler. It is much easier for the first time owner to learn to handle the dog if he already has the basics. The owner can then learn to train as he advances his dog in training.

There is also much less confusion for the dog than when he is trained by someone who is just learning, and at least in my area, usually doesn't care about the finer points of training a dog and likely won't spend much time at it. This way the dog actually gets trained. I have so many private lesson clients who just don't bother to work with their dogs and the dogs don't learn as much as they could. Maybe these people lack commitment, and perhaps should not technically have a dog, but they do have a dog. My goal is to make life as easy for the dog as possible and in some situations this means in-kennel training.

It is not appropriate for everyone, but it has it's place.

Merry Christmas everyone!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

One alternative is to go to one of the larger retail pet supply stores like pet supermarket or petsmart. Alot of them offer basic obedience classes for the new dog owner at a fairly reasonable price. This way you both learn and your pocket isnt as light. Also, check your local dog clubs and inquire about the same. Ive also seen some municipal parks and recreation facilities offer obedience classes at no, or very little cost. Just some alternate suggestions.

The biggest problem with classes (at least in my area) is what I mentioned in my previous post. They work very very well for people who are willing to put in the time and have a basic understanding of handling a dog. They don't work well for people who won't put in the time or don't have a clue.
You also have to be very careful as some trainers are much too heavy handed for the average pet dog, and some are far too soft. It is also difficult to allow for the different personalities of the trainers and the dogs in a group setting.
With the right group I suppose they could be wonderful, I have never found the right group and that is why I no longer do classes. Personal preference though. Each to his own.

I would have to say that for anyone who wanted a trained dog would be better served avoiding Petsmart training classes at all costs.

I've observed dozens of Petsmart classes in different states ( I socialize my dogs there, plus they get training with dealing with slippery floors) and I have yet to see any of the classes being taught well.
Most of the Petsmart trainers naturally include their prestigious APDT affiliation behind their name. :rolleyes:

Most people are much better served going to classes taught by a local obedince club - yes, the quality of those classes varies, but at least many obd. club trainers *actually* train and compete in obedience.