Alright, so from what I hear its either Ellis or Rose, problem is I don't know which one. I have been studying Ellis techniques and everything for MONTHS now, only to recently find myself re-looking my options. I absolutely adore Micheal Ellis and would jump at the opportunity to meet him, but I have to tell myself that I need to look at all of the possibilities. I think the only thing making me step back and think about the Tom Rose school is the paragraph on the Tom Rose site. It reads:

"There are other schools with shorter programs, schools with a resort atmosphere, schools that are less expensive and more expensive. There are schools where graduation is a matter of paying tuition. You should compare the requirements for graduation, the qualifications and experience of the instructors and the time established in the industry it becomes absolutely obvious why The Tom Rose School is your best choice"

I think the only thing that got me was the length. Tom Rose= 16 weeks and Micheal Ellis= 7 weeks. makes you think about it for a moment. I have no doubt in my mind that Micheal Ellis is one of the most talented trainers and teachers to ever live, but I'm not sure if I will learn enough in that period of time. Also, I have found it impossible to get any information from him! I have emailed several times with a couple of my questions and got no responses from anyone. There is no phone number listed either. So please, please give me your 2 cent on this topic, because I honestly have no clue which one to choose. My wants (and wallet) say go Ellis, but there is this little prick in the back of my mind telling me to check again.

Ellis is much more into using motivational training but also uses corrections "properly" when needed.
TR is more exclusively compulsion with the emphasis on the e-collar. Although a great tool when used properly, IMO, the e-collar is one of the most abused/misunderstood tools in dog training. Either method will only be as good as you ability to apply it. I'm in the TR area and have seen good trainers and lousy trainers come out of there.
I suspect the same may be said for Ellis but I do believe (based on videos of both) that Ellis is much better at explaining the what and how of training and I personely prefer his methods.
All JMHO of course!
I've also competed in AKC obedience against some of the TR students and didn't care for what I saw. I want a dog that enjoys working. Again, JMHO!

Ellis all the way. I ditto what Bob has said.

alrighty then, i guess it has been re-decided. haha. Ellis it is.

I'm pretty close to him out here. I know people that go there. I think you'll be pretty happy with that 7weeks.

I've been to ME Puppy class and it was all I could have hoped for and more. During the class Michael spent a lot of time answering our questions and demonstrating the fine points with each dog. Will be definitely taking more classes.

Michael Ellis DVDs sold on this site make an excellent starting point. Once you are familiar with the system and tried to apply it in practice you will be able to make the most out of the classes at school.

If somebody is planning to make a long trip and take several classes back to back it makes sense to do your homework and arrive at the school prepared.

yeh i own basically all of his DVDs and then some. The only one we don't have is the Tug one, and I'll order that one sometime in the next week or too.

LB gift certificates for Christmas is how I fill my DVD library.

One more point. It sounds like Mike Ellis teaches all his own classes. Not so for the TR school.

 Quote: bob scott

LB gift certificates for Christmas is how I fill my DVD library.

lol lucky you. i had to scrap up the money to buy the DVDs. I remember the first time I saw the price "60 bucks for a damn DVD!!" hah.