Training-How do I find the right place for me?

[jlhnokc]

Although I have always had well behaved dogs, I have never taken any kind of classes or had a trainer. Jaycee is coming along very well, but I would like to get her in some classes for exercise, socialization, and get some fine tuning done. I'm not sure where to start. I looked up on the AKC websight for clubs in my state, Oklahoma, but how do I know which one to pick? Or find some references from others. I don't know anyone that takes part in it and just don't have a clue where to start. I don't want to sign her up for a class, pay the money and then not like the training techniques. I am also not sure where to start her, novice maybe? She is almost 8 months old and will do the following without fail, although distractions will delay her:sit, stay, come, lay down, get back, load up, settle, leave it, get in your bed, space (when she tries to smoother me, I tell her space and she will back off). she is very good about sticking with me off leash and on leash she is very well behaved. I don't "treat train" so to speak and never have with any of my dogs, and have had excellent luck with not. Don't get me wrong tho, they do get their "cookies", just not when I'm actually doing the training, it's usually just because. I have no problems with Jaycee around her food, I can pet her call her back from it doesn't matter, same things with any of her toys. She will also bring me her toys and drop them in my lap. She's very sweet natured, but she's also showing signs of being protective. I don't mean that in an aggressive way, I mean when someone's at the door or the back yard, she barks and let's me know and is watchful of her surroundings...So where do I start?

[Carol Burke]

Find an AKC obedience club near you, call and see what kind of training they offer, go observe the training you are interested in. If all seems OK join a class.

[AngelBunny]

My rescue group requires adopters to take their dog to obed class. This requirement is in force regardless of how well mannered the dog is--and some of them have outstanding manners. (One of the goals of this rule is to strengthen the bond between adopters and their dog.)

On my group's site is a list of trainers adopters have worked with and liked. I suggest contacting Rottie rescue in your area to see if any of them have a similar service.

[jlhnokc]

Originally Posted by Carol Burke

Find an AKC obedience club near you, call and see what kind of training they offer, go observe the training you are interested in. If all seems OK join a class.

I found an AKC club here, but they only offer very limited classes...The next class doesn't start until mid October and there isn't another one scheduled this year. I put a phone call into one of the trainers to ask some questions, but I don't really want to wait more than a month or 2 to get her in. She's at the perfect age right now to me to really want and need to learn....

[jlhnokc]

Originally Posted by AngelBunny

My rescue group requires adopters to take their dog to obed class. This requirement is in force regardless of how well mannered the dog is--and some of them have outstanding manners. (One of the goals of this rule is to strengthen the bond between adopters and their dog.)

On my group's site is a list of trainers adopters have worked with and liked. I suggest contacting Rottie rescue in your area to see if any of them have a similar service.

That's a good idea, I'll see if I can find one tomorrow.

[jlhnokc]

Also, a lot of the clubs in Oklahoma listed on the AKC sight were breed specific, does that make a difference their obedience training? Can you only join a class if you have that type of breed?

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by jlhnokc

...a lot of the clubs in Oklahoma listed on the AKC sight were breed specific, does that make a difference their obedience training? Can you only join a class if you have that type of breed?

Probably doesn't make a difference. All dogs--PBs and mixes--are welcome to attend any classes run by my kennel club. (The exception is handling class.)

[debbiej]

internet searches for canine obedience classes, yellow pages, ask around at the vet, the good dog food stores. Her breeder could possibly direct you to classes too. Our animal shelter passes on info on dog manners classes that a local group of people who are active in obedience offer to adopted dogs and their new owners. Although these classes are really just the basics, they are good socialization, and I met people in my area who compete in obedience. they also could recommend classes, and even held classes themselves.

[Da05128]

I train with a CKC club and when our classes are full, or we have ended a session, we have a list of trainers in the city that we know train with methods similar to ours that we can refer people to. Check with some of the members and they will most likely be able to refer you to someone reputable.

[jlhnokc]

Thanks for all the advice, it is very appreciated.

[HerculesMomma]

Make sure to watch 1 or two classes first before signing up. I wasted a lot of money before finally finding folks who could recommend something appropriate and settling on a few facilties.

But I wasted a lot of money on classes I didn't finish because I didn't attend classes before signing up.

[jlaack]

Make sure to watch 1 or two classes first before signing up. I wasted a lot of money before finally finding folks who could recommend something appropriate and settling on a few facilties.

But I wasted a lot of money on classes I didn't finish because I didn't attend classes before signing up.

I agree completely with this. I would also add since she knows the basics come up with a list of things you want her to learn, create specific goals of what you hope to achieve through classes. Then discuss with a potential trainer in order to find a good match. Asking for references is always a good idea too.

[jlhnokc]

"watching a class first"

That is definetly what I want to do, that was my biggest problem with the AKC club here, they have classes the middle of October and I don't see anymore scheduled. Also, I called one of the trainers over a week ago and I just now heard back from them...I think I might start in the yellow pages and just start interviewing people, if they have existing clients, they should let me watch a few sessions right?

[jlaack]

I think I might start in the yellow pages and just start interviewing people, if they have existing clients, they should let me watch a few sessions right?

That is a good idea too watching private sessions. A lot trainers that provide group classes also provide private lessons. They might not have scheduled classes till October but they may have private sessions you could watch first. You could also ask your vet or a local shelter. It is also perfectly acceptable to ask what experience they have and training have them get very specific. When searching for a behaviorist for Magnus I asked how many dogs they have worked with on aggression, how many years, if they had experience with Rottweilers, how many clients ended up euthanizing due to behavior etc. I know this doesn't pertain to your specific need but hopefully it gives you some idea.

Since you aren't treat training you should probably ask about that especially if you don't want to be treat training. No judgement but lots of places only teach using treats... Just something to consider. We have been through formal obedience with a heavy emphasis on treats; currently the training facility we go to does not use treats. For my dog not using the treats works better. It became a problem when we weaned off the treats. If I asked him to do something and he knew what to do he didn't if he knew I didn't have cookies. Since I do not want to always have cookies on hand whenever I may need my dog to do a command I also searched for a place that relies on verbal and physical praise.

[jlhnokc]

Originally Posted by jlaack

Since you aren't treat training you should probably ask about that especially if you don't want to be treat training. No judgement but lots of places only teach using treats... Just something to consider. We have been through formal obedience with a heavy emphasis on treats; currently the training facility we go to does not use treats. For my dog not using the treats works better. It became a problem when we weaned off the treats. If I asked him to do something and he knew what to do he didn't if he knew I didn't have cookies. Since I do not want to always have cookies on hand whenever I may need my dog to do a command I also searched for a place that relies on verbal and physical praise.

I understand treat training and I know it's great for some people, just not for me. However, she does get "cookies" about everyday! I have to say, if you ask her if she wants a cookie, she immediatly runs up to me, sits down right in front of me and has a drool ribbon starting from her mouth! Talk about prooving Pavlov!!!!

Ok, so I'll start in the phone book...If anyone knows of any good trainers anywhere in my state, please let me know...I would like references I find....