Classes?

[Sylvia and Malley]

New to this - so bear with me.  Are you guys in favor of training classes or no?  Preferences - class or individual training?  We recently started our Malley in an obedience class and they thought she might like daycare (at their facility) also.  So we did that.  I think she caught a bug there.  Also, the trainer highly recommends nylabones and raw chicken legs.  I silently balked at both and after reading some posts here - I think I will follow my instincts.  I am not feeling all that confident with our trainer.   We live in the Northern Virginia area - any tips on trainers?

[Sylvia and Malley]

We would love to bring her to a doodle romp!  I will watch here for postings!

[Adina P]

I'm in favor of classes if you can find a good one.  It's great for accountability and feeling like you are part of something that others are part of.  And if you have specific troubles you can always add in a few private sessions to help you out.  What is your goal with training?  What is the end result you want from your dog?  I prefer trainers who have put obedience titles on multiple dogs (vs. Trainers who just have experience training 'pet dogs') because to me it shows a superior ability to train to reliability and their work has been tested by an objective standard (judges in the obedience ring).  If you hover your mouse over the 'Help' tab at the top of any page here...you'll find a link called 'Links'.  At the bottom of the link page there are links to two dog professional organizations where you can search for trainers in your zip code or within so many miles.  Check out their sites, what they offer and interview a few over phone or email.

[Sylvia and Malley]

Thank you!

[Camilla and Darwin]

I am a big fan of training classes. We did a group class and it was great!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

We did both.  We had a private trainer come to the house for 8 session.  It is more YOU that needs the training and that was important to us.  DH and I needed to hear the same thing and always be on the same page.  That is the problem in so many households.  Not everyone is saying the same thing and disciplining the same way.  The dog only gets confused.  Through our trainer we also had and still have all the free group classes we care to attend.  We bought a package so, aside from the private one on one, we have full access for free to agility, CGC. group lessons and therapy.  We were lucky to have found her and for the first year she also was our dog sitter and stayed in our house when we traveled.  I think the group sessions are very important for the socialization and distractions.  A combination of both would be perfect! IMO

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree, Nancie.  For some dogs, the class along with the "homework" you do between the classes seems to be fine.  With a more challenging dog (like my Murphy), the combination of the private training and the class seems to be perfect.  Of course, finding the RIGHT trainer is the key.  I think you can get a real good sense for that by observing the classes, getting references, and asking lots of questions.  Good luck, and have you thought about joining the "Training Group" here on DK?

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Is your breeder from your area?  If so, you may want to ask him/her to recommend a training class.  We went with our breeder's recommendation and thought the classes were perfect, blending age-appropriate training with time for doggie socialization.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

There are advantages to both private and group classes.  I think that unless you are experienced in training dogs, you should do one or the other.  I think you might watch the big box store classes because some of the trainers, although very sweet, are not very experienced, and sometimes the classes do not have enough dogs, too many dogs for the space, or dogs who do not fit into the class with their needs.  I really would look around and visit before signing up for any class.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

We did four obedience classes/CGC and Therapy Dog.  They are fun, bond your dog to you, and you meet other people and socialize your dog all at the same time.  I really looked forward to the classes.  Find a trainer that uses positive reinforcement with treats or a clicker.  Have a wonderful time.