Suitable Obedience classes in Ireland?

[Pap-weiler]

Hi all

New member from little old Ireland here looking for some help. I don't know if there are any/many Irish members on here, but I'm hoping that somewhere in the 26k membership someone can help.

I'm currently in the research process and was wondering if anyone knew of any trainers/classes over here that would be suitable for Rottweiler and owner education? I know obedience classes are as much about teaching the owner as they are the dog, and also form a purpose in helping to build a lasting bond between the two. We're (myself and my wife) seriously considering rescuing a dog (rather than starting from the beginning with a puppy) so it would be helpful to be armed with as much information and knowledge as possible before maybe taking the plunge.

Thanks

[AngelBunny]

Welcome! You've found a great place.

If you were in the US, I'd suggest contacting your local kennel club to see if they run classes. What about asking your vet for recommendations? Can your local humane society help? The humane society in my area runs dog training classes.

If you're adopting a dog from a rescue group, can the rescue group make suggestions? (I'm delighted to hear you're considering rescue--I'm active in Rottie rescue and know firsthand about the many nice dogs in rescue.) The Rottie rescue group for which we volunteer has a list of trainers and behaviorsts on our web site with whom adopters of our dogs have worked with and liked.

Even if your dog is a private rescue, does rescue operating in your area have a listing of trainers on their site? If they don't, what about contacting them to see if they have suggestions for you?

[Pap-weiler]

Thanks for the reply AngelBunny.

Since posting up this thread I've been doing some searching and came across national, and regional Rottweiler clubs so I'll be contacting them to see what they can suggest. In time I'll also be talking with our vet and the Rescue to see if they have any other recommendations.

When I'm back in work (out at the moment with injured back) I know of one colleague in particular who takes his dogs about 1.5hours from home for training. His are also working dogs, German Shepherd, so he might be able to give me some information too.

I'm optimistic anyway.

[AngelBunny]

Sounds as tho you've found some solid resources.

Good for you for doing your research and looking into training before you get your dog!

[Pap-weiler]

With all the preconceptions about the breed and the bias people view them with, both myself and my wife know we'll have to do everything perfectly if/when we get a Rottweiler.

Would be nice to change peoples view of the breed, even if it is one blinkered person at a time (already started on her mum after being spotted researching Rottweilers).