No training classes in my area

[rotts and roses]

*growls* I have checked for a week now and there are NO puppy K or training classes of any kind in my stupid little town!
I've checked with every resource available from the pet store to animal control,...So now what? My puppies are really smart, Infact Myah learned to fetch this week, at 5 weeks old!! cochise knows " sit" for the most part and they all know what NO BITE! means, can I train them properly with books? I understand they need to be socialized with other dogs, and people. I'm so frustrated! Doh just realized this belongs in "training" sorry Major*:)

[Carina43]

Well, contrary to the advice I & most others give here, I've had dogs, including Rottweilers, (perhaps obedience classes weren't as common back then, I don't recall it ever occuring to me) who never ever went to a single training class. My first Rottie never did, and he came to work with me every day and went off leash with me through city traffic on a bicycle on a regular basis. I've had other dogs who came to work every day too.

If there's no classes - I know where you live, I believe you! - a good substitute is just taking the dogs with you when possible, getting them out to friends' houses with friendly dogs, etc. You can certainly teach all the commands, tricks, whatever...start at home & as the pups get more solid, take whichever one you keep :) out to parks, into town, etc & do little obedience drills there.

Or - do some networking, maybe there's someone with some training & good dog knowlege who will start a class!

[C Ross]

Is 4-H active in your area? If there are kids training dogs for 4-H maybe you could find out who is teaching and work something out.

Another thought, if there are families training/socializing dogs for the blind - maybe you could hook up with them.

I grew up in small town Michigan - no professional trainers or clubs. I feel your pain!

Christine