Clicker vs. training collar/metal choke prong

[jazzie23]

This is an extension to my other post CLICKER TRAINING. I am researching some obedience/training schools in my area for beginners obedience course. Two which I am interested in use different methods. First one was recommended to me by the Medallion Rottweiler Club of Illinois, they use the CLICKER. Second one which I found on the internet and like because they have an extensive list of training classes they offer (kinda nice for the future) uses TRAINING COLLAR/METAL CHOKE PRONG.

What has been you're experience and how do I determine which one is better for my pup - 14.5 week old Jazmin (neither one of the schools refund money after you begun your classes)

I plan on waiting till she's spayed and 6 months before we begin the class. She graduated from a puppy kindergarten class, we will complete 8 week training with our trainer this week (one hour per week). She knows basic commands such as sit, down, stay, wait, she's pretty good about heeling. But she does get distracted pretty easily - still a puppy .

[Judi W]

Have you looked into any of the training clubs instead of commercial ones?

You should observe, and more than once before making your decision. Do the instructors compete with their own dogs (that is one question you will want the answer to, whether by directly asking or just implication)

[jazzie23]

Judi,
I did some research and I did find one club Northshore Dog Training Club, they do have obedience classes and they do allow you to come and actually join the class for $5.00 first time and $10.00 second time and then you have to sign up. They hold agility and obedience tournaments too.

They do not use the clicker or the prong/collar chain. I assume going with a training club better, if you don't mind me asking, why?

Thank you for the information, I appreciate it.

[Judi W]

It totally depends upon your goals. The clubs are usually considerably less expensive as they are non-profit. Instructors are normally volunteers so at different levels you will have different instructors. Some better than others but over time you will be exposed to a wide range of knowlege by a large group of devoted people. They provide pet level training, but also competition level which means as trainers they have to put their money where their mouth is.

[jazzie23]

The training clubs isn't much cheaper than the other two clubs, and it's the shortest - it last 6 weeks, the training collar/prong classes last 8 weeks and the clicker training - 10 weeks.

I will call and see if I can attend at least one class at each place to see what I think.

I always thought of a training collar/prong as a last option for the dog if it doesn't behave and don't want to use it on my dog if I don't have to. So I am inbetween the training club and the clicker training. Does the length of the class matter? Sorry, I'm new to this and just wanna make sure I'm doing the best thing for her and me.

[Judi W]

You should attend and observe, non-paying - not take your dog. That gives you a chance to see how they train. Watch at least two sessions of each group you are interested in.