I'm going to back way up and address a big picture. Do you have any Leerburg DVDs?

IMO, they are left-footed-dancer friendly.

I also think that the right videos from Leerburg will lead you through so much theory and practical application that you will be MUCH better equipped to evaluate additional training.

I feel sure that others with different viewpoints will address good ways to evaluate trainers and classes.

And it might help a lot if you split your two areas of questioning (and your two dogs) into two threads. They seem to me to be two very different topics with a unifying thread of unhappiness with the training you've found so far....... or am I reading wrong?

About the parks........ do you mean dog parks? JMO, but I would eliminate that challenge instantly by eliminating trips to dog parks. JMO! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I would also read Ed Frawley's dominant/aggressive dog articles at
http://www.leerburg.com/dominantdogs.htm
and also the Theory of Corrections, while you're there.

You asked much more, but I know there are others here with real protection training experience, and I'm not qualified there.

Hi I don't know where you are located, but you may want to visit a few other sch, dvg, asr clubs in your area. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right fit.

 Quote:

Hi I don't know where you are located, but you may want to visit a few other sch, dvg, asr clubs in your area. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right fit.

Good point, Susan!

Sometimes people post an actual city or area on this forum and ask for recommendations......

Hayley-Im trying to understand your goals and you really didnt make them very clear.
If you want an obedient dog, you can do that yourself for the most part or with help, same with tracking.
If you want a title, that can be pursued as well in a club setting. If you want a PPD, same thing. Personally I find some other arenas more exciting as far as protection goes than SCH, but I like the balance and control dogs exhibit with the training. To each his own.
Forget personalities, likes, dislikes, machismo, neighborhoods and other frivelous, feel good stuff. If the trainer you work with gets results, so be it. You might want to ask the club if they will allow you to finance the costs over a year-maybe at a small premium(interest) ot offset the out of pocket hit to you. Just an idea. Like most, you get what you pay for. But ask the right ?s-goals for you/dog, other club dogs, titles to date and view their dogs. Take in several places and you can gauge what each strenghs are. IMO, you dont need 4x/wk.-1 or 2 is more than enough to see incremental performance-you can do some on your own, youll soon learn-drive, grip work. Lastly, I wouldnt suggest taking your dog to a park-that makes no sense if he's a true working dog. Why subject him/other dogs that arent well trained to poor behavior-Ive seen it too often and its the last place I go. I let mine socialize w/pups or other well trained dogs-operative word, or real submissive dogs.
Define your goals and go for them is the key.Good luck.