a club!

[debbiej]

we have an orginizationn called an obedience club in my town. their webpage shows that they offer basic pet obedience classes. I have asked them if/where they work their dogs and it seems most do it on their own or go to other instructors. all their club meetings are held at local restaurants. A few weeks ago I heard of a club in El Paso, a real one. Rio Grande Dog Obedience Club. they have a training yard, a club house, equipment and working members. she told me they have a member's drop in training night for obedience on monday, a night for agility, etc. members free, non members drop in's, if preapproved, are a fee. so this afternoon I called and asked if I could bring Boris. we talked a bit and she said sure. so we went down to the south valley of El Paso for an obedience class and it was great. fenced lighted yard with one gate. consideration for dogs entering and exiting, another gated area for potty. dogs under control on lead. the trainer, one of the members, is great. a no nonsense man with a gift. I found myself and Boris relaxing almost from the start. just a few dogs and people who understood them. many other distractions besides the dogs, including a guard dog on the next property. in the hour we were there, I went from constant correction (the usual) to calm praise. I've paid my tuition for the next set of lessons in LC, for both Hilda and Boris, at the place Hilda has been going, but it is so nice to know that just an hour south is another option for boris!! a real club!

[flyballmom]

VERY cool!! If it were me I'd probably try to do both....continue with the tuition aleady paid class, AND maybe drop in occasionally there as well. What you pick up from other club members you can put to use in the other class, and at home.

[debbiej]

I think that is exactly what I'll do!! but it was a real nice evening, we both enjoyed ourselves.

[Judi W]

Great girl. Now you have an idea of why I am such a fan of the clubs vs the commercial training facilities. I know not all clubs are as great as mine, but if they are even halfway they can be quite a terrific place to work. Sounds wonderful for you.

[69charger440]

Whats your club about Judi W? Tell me why not all clubs are as good as yours, with that information maybe I can improve my club.... Or hey at least attempt to make it half as good.

[Judi W]

I simply made that statement because I hear that some are more excluding than mine is. We are a trial-giving club that takes that part of our training seriously. But we are also a community service club that trains all dogs and owners and we take that obligation seriously as well. That means everyone and all dogs are welcomed. We have a broad range of experience among the trainers as well as competitors and the philosophy is supporting and extended to the entire group. Many a pet owner has been transformed into a competition trainer simply because of the club and the environment. Many a rescued and mixed dog has been kept in a home because of the availability of training that is experienced and supportive and effective.

[debbiej]

I can see some of those traits in the place I went last night. there we discussions of up coming fun matches, shows and who is going, things that needed work. a couple of the people there were at the trial I went to, we recognized each other. although the group in Las Cruces does offer much needed community pet training, I wish they were more like where I went last night. the place in El Paso offers many classes to the public, but they are very active among themselves with training. they invited me to join, and I would in a moment, except for the distance. all things considered, it may not be such a sacrifice if they have so much to offer.

[jas'smom]

I think, of course depending on your circumstances, that a good supportive club like the one you have found is worth most any travel time. I travel about 45 to an hour (depending on traffic ) to my Sch club and would be willing to travel much further. Several of our members come from as far away as 2 1/2 hours

[debbiej]

It may be. where I take hilda and boris (from time to time) is not a club, but a single commercial trainer. she is regrouping her business after a divorce. each session becomes a little more organized, so I'm hoping things get better. the problems with her 'school' for boris have been; beginning classes are very large, field is multiuse. people with dogs not in class are free to walk around. some of the class members are very inexperienced with dogs, and allow dogs to sniff, wander around. I am constantly watching for potential issues. last night I could just relax and watch my dog.

[TracyL]

Could someone explain what a club is?I have never heard of this before.Also how to look for a club in my area.
Thank you for your time.