Puppy group classes in near Akron Ohio

[Stacy Cook]

Does anyone know of any good Puppy group classes in near Akron Ohio?
I am trying to find classes somewhere outside of the pet stores, as I just think they would be better and more focused. I have not had any luck finding much on the internet :-(

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Yep. I have a list ( current ). The list depends on the type of training you are interested in participating with your puppy..
I do agreee with you...stay out of the Petsmart training stores in our area.

Currently, after a lot of research, we are using Buckeye K9 Training out along the Wadsworth/Seville Border. For you it would be a straight shot out Norton/Greenich Road. We are satisfied with what we see so far. Each dog in our class has specific behavior needs and the trainer gives both general and specific attention to the dogs in each session.

You may also want to read the LINKS section of DK which also has training hints.

I'm at work at this time so I would also like to find a link for you that was recently on DK posted by Shelly ( something with the title ABCDT). I'll place it in here later. This has IMPORTANT information about the qualifications of trainers. It to to hard on this Kiosk right now... so do a search.

There is also a good trainer in Green. This I will also get later today.

Your puppy wll not be ready until 4 months + so in the mean time there some great discussions about methods here on DK

Please--Please stay way from the trainer on Waterloo Rd near 224 exit. for training reasons...( no names but I will email you if you wish) but also because she really hates doodles too.

[Stacy Cook]

Thanks Joanne. I appreciate it.
I did call W.A.G.S about their puppy classes (in Green), but had to leave and message and no one has called me back yet.
I'll keep an eye out for your list and info.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

WAGS for some reason took over a week to return my call. At that time I was calling for help (911) so I was NOT impressed however, the return call was informative. Even after I had already told them I had chosen a trainer I asked her what she thought about my situation--she gave me another 25 minutes of her time just because she loves dogs and wanted to help an owner. So even if I did not choose them I was impressed with the attention I FINALLY recieved.

[Kyoko]

I was just about to say "Ask Joanne!!!"

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I am now on a REAL computer so this is much easier to help you. Here is the discussion I suggested you read first before interviewing trainers.
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/in-search-of-a?commentId=2...

Here is where we go in Seville. This facility trains many of the police dogs in Ohio.
http://www.germandogs.com/buckeyek9trainingacademy.htm
( from where you are in Barberton--it would take 22 minutes to drive)

Here is a positive method training facilty in Green, Ohio. http://www.wecare4dogs.com/

There is also a private trainer in Youngstown. Although Youngstown is over an hour away, his price was great for private lessons, he was very experianced in giving individual direction for dogs and their owners with special attention to problem issues.

If these don't work I know MORE :)

I am certainly glad you are looking into the BEST training possible. Many issues can be avoided if the proper training is done early in a dogs life.

[Stacy Cook]

Awesome, thanks!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Good Luck Stacy and cute new puppy

[Stacy Cook]

Thanks. I tried a few more times to get a hold of a person at WAGS with no luck, so I did more internet searching. Finally I found a place near Brecksville and the woman who does the training, Jennifer, has all the qualifications in the discussions you sent me. I am very excited and in case you are interested, here is a link to the website and info. on http://lchaimcanine.com/aboutus.aspx.

I am very excited to start! Our first class will be Aug. 30th pending other pups and their owners sign up, so far she has had a few other people call but no other confirmations yet. But the good thing is, if for some reason I do end up being the only one, she will let me know beforehand and refer me to other good training programs going on in the area that I could get into, so that Bailey and I do not have to wait any longer as he is 8 weeks now and will be 11 weeks by the time the class starts.
I have several books on some basic obedience training and puppy games that I will use in our waiting period.

Thanks again for your help!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Yes Thanks for the Link! I have one question. Maybe others have the answer to this one..I don't remember. Can they hold a class with more puppies if the dogs have not had all their shots?

Does this pose a danger? I know we can't go to dog parks because of the horrible problems and deaths in puppies who are exposed to diseases before the immunizations are complete. I remember never letting my puppies down on the floor at the vets office until they were fully immunized.

Ask about this one.... tooooo much Parvo and Kennel Cough lately. A lot of sick dogs we have seen this summer. But I really do not know the answer.

[Stacy Cook]

This class requires at least the first round of shots. Is that what you mean?
She never takes more than 5 puppies in her class, so that she can give everyone the attention they need.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Shots: I think that would make the puppy at least 4 months of age. Some shots like Rabies, can not be given until the puppy is four months of age.

You can start a discussion in the Puppy Madness Group or the Main Forum asking others what they think of a puppy attending class before this age.

5 Puppies: That sounds like a great puppy/teacher ratio in a learning environment.