Trying to pick a dog class

[LUVMYROTTNBOY]

I’m trying to pick a dog training class for my new puppy (6mo old :rescue). I’ve looked at several schools. I'm having trouble deciding on which school to use based on the difference in training, and the facility. I place the most importance on the quality of the trainer, but the location of the facility also comes into play. I like the idea of training the dog without a choke or pinch collar, I don’t like gentle leaders. I want to use a flat collar and positive reinforcement if at all possible. I’ve used both coke collars and pinch collars in the past with no problems. My puppy has a problem with inward sneezing (sp?) and I’m concerned about causing any damage to his neck area. I found a place that will allow me to train with a flat collar, but its 1hr away, and in an outdoor type facility with minimal heat, class would start mid April. Or I could go to my local pet store chain and take a class there, they allow flat collar training. The pet store has no room to walk the dogs around in the training area, just enough room for everyone in class to sit down, and watch the instructor with her dog, but the class would start much sooner. There are other dog classes in my area, most use choke or pincher training. So I’m debating should I hold out for a class that will let me use flat collar method and has ample room to practice in front of the instructor? Or give in and go to the pet store, or find a class that requires the use of a choke collar? Im concerned about waiting to long before I start a class, although I am working with him on my own and Im trying to make sure he gets lots of soc. with other dogs/people. Also, as a side note my boy is doing very good, he already walks with a loose leash and heels on his own. He is very calm and laid back, very much just wants to make me happy and he is not overly interested in treats, he has dropped treats to get attn. Thanks, sorry its so long.

[Judi W]

The reverse sneeze has nothing to do with the throat and there is no reason why that would have any influence on what kind of collar you use.

I'd suggest that you pick the most knowledged club or group to train with, trusting that they know something about what they are doing. There are many good reasons why the instructors want training collars on the dogs not the least of which is control in close quarters and the inability of a dog to back out of the collars which happens all to often with flat collars. Evaluate your goals as far as training is concerned.

[Mavides]

Originally Posted by Judi W

There are many good reasons why the instructors want training collars on the dogs not the least of which is control in close quarters and the inability of a dog to back out of the collars which happens all to often with flat collars.

I'll second THAT reason!!!! I've seen it WAY too many times...dog gets nervous and backs up and is suddenly running free - because of this, I've started insisting on slip collars in my classes...the amount of correction given with it completely depends on the individual dog...but at least I know I'm not going to have a dog back out of the collar and head for the street!

[LUVMYROTTNBOY]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will use the trainer I like the most and go with whatever she says about the type of collar to use. It's been so long since I have had a puppy, and there are so many parenting decisions to make. It really helps to have opinions from others. Thanks. :)