how to find a trainer/obedience school

[Nina&Bill]

How would I go about finding a good obedience school? What should I look for & what questions should I ask? I don't have a dog at this time but when I do get one it will be going for formal obedience training. This would be for a pet, not a working or show dog.

I figured that I'd ask you guys for advice first before I started going through the phone book :)


Thanks,

Nina

[DNeff]

Here's some sites that let you search for clubs or trainers:

http://www.akc.org/dic/clubs/search/...bed&display=on

http://www.dogpatch.org/obed/obpage5.cfm

http://www.apdt.com/cgi/trainer-search?m=0

The last site has some really good tips on how to pick a good trainer.

Check out my Finder a Trainer section on my web page:
http://members.aol.com/rottweilerworld/Behavioral.htm

I have several good articles on picking a good trainer.

Things to ask the trainer and what you should hear.
What experience do you have? Seminars, schools, apprenticing etc...
What organizations are you a member of? NADOI and APDT both are code of ethics training organizations. Though their being a member guarentees nothing.
What training methods do they use? Make sure the methods matches the way you wish to train. If you aren't comfortable with the method they use, find someone else.
What does the trainer expect of the owner? Completing homework regularly and practicing, essentially a commitment by the owner.
What size is the class? Low student to teacher ratio. About 5-8 dogs per instructor or assistant.
Most importantly they should be good at interacting with and instructing PEOPLE. They should be training you to train your dog. Trainers that can't work well with you will be of little help in the long run.
Be sure to observe at least two classes to insure the trainer conducts class in a manner that will benifit you and your dog.
Best of luck!

Dawn
U-CD Cammcastle's Mystic Riven CD NA NAJ NAC NGC NJC TT CGC
http://members.aol.com/dplantier
http://members.aol.com/rottweilerworld

[Nina&Bill]

Dawn,

Wow...thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for. I really appreciate the list of links and will check them out in depth and I definitely appreciate the questions to ask & things to look for.

Can't wait to dig in & start the (informed) search :)

Thanks again,

Nina

[RottiMomCT]

Talk to people you know who are taking classes and see how they like their trainers...

Once you find a few places you are interested in, go to a few different classes to see the trainer & 'students' in action.

Talk to the folks taking the classes, see how they like the trainer.

Ask the trainer specific questions regarding corrections, their training methods, dealing with 'unruly' students ;).

If possible, go to a few classes with the same group to watch their progress and see how the trainer deals with those NOT making progress...and how the owners react to the trainers suggestions...

Make sure the participants are having FUN training :)!

I'm on the lookout for a new trainer as mine is moving to VT at the end of August (oh, wait, it IS the end of August )...so I'm talking to folks I know who are taking classes and will be checking out places very soon...

GOOD LUCK!!