Help me choose our next training class !!! =)

[TrevorDoodle]

OK, doodle lovers, Help me choose my next training class.

I have 3 choices (all are 7 weeks long & same price):

1. Advanced obedience class with Canine Good Citizen Test
"We begin to add distance and distraction to the old stuff and of course we add lots of new stuff….walking heel, targeting…(sending your dog to a place) and other cool stuff you will also learn how to use food rewards to get better results when working with your canine companion.The more that you teach your dogs the more that their brain wires and the more interesting your relationship becomes."

2. Beginner Agility
"This class is for beginner enthusiasts. Learn to safely negotiate agility obstacles, run a course and most of all HAVE FUN with your dog. Your dogs will be thrilled as there is no obedience needed except for COMING on command."

3. Canine Skits and Tricks:
"We concentrate on teaching the five major canine acting behaviors: foot, touch, target, retrieve and jump along with learning various tricks, including wave, bow, roll over, bang, circle, nod, get the mail, get me a drink, pick up the trash, push the ball, pull the wagon, shame, jump over a stick, your leg, through your arms, over your back, zig zag, ride a skate board and more. Dog will have a chance to perform at public events with the acting group."

I really do think I should wait on taking advanced obedience because my doodle just turned 8 months
and is still very full of energy & excitable. I just want my doodle to be a little older when he takes
the CGC test because I want to be confident he IS a "good citizen" and not just be able to pass the test. I really do think he is a performer at heart(or just really food motivated...lol), he can already do
9 of the "tricks" listed above. Then again, he is fully of energy. Loves to run, jump, and play. So
I think agility would be good also. Especially, since it is getting cold outside and it is dark when I
come home from work now.

So please help me choose a class. If you have taken any classes like the ones above please also give your opinion of them.
Thanks!!!!

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

Hi there - Agility is hard on the dog's bones, and I was told by my trainer that it is NOT recommended for dogs under 1 years of age. You could maybe take the advanced obedience without worrying too much about the CGC test? A lot of people repeat advanced obedience classes; I did too with both dogs.

[TrevorDoodle]

Hi Eva,
Thanks for the reply. I have heard the same thing. This school offers 2 different levels of agility. I *think* that the jumping part is what many are concerned with. So, I wonder if this class will just have small jumps. It's something I may have to ask the trainer.

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

Hi again, I forgot to mention that I have learned that agility works a whole LOT better and is more fun for both dog and handler, when the dog is already obedience trained...

[TrevorDoodle]

My doodle has taken basic obedience. He knows sit, down, stay, heel, come, etc....
But he was SO bored in the class when the instructor was talking or demonstrating with
another dog. He likes to DO other than watch and listen. LOL
Is he 100% in obedience, NO. I would not trust him to recall off leash with traffic all around or any dangerous situation. I think even if we took the advanced obedience class, I still would not trust him right now. He still has a lot of puppy in him.

[Adina P]

What is the outcome expected from the 'advanced obedience class? How well trained can a dog be expected to be at the end? If the average outcome is really good...I'd vote for that as my goal is always excellent obedience 1st...games later. BUT others have great success doing the opposite. So it's a toss up--they all sound fun!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Samantha just completed a class like the Advanced Obience you described. I think I leanred a lot and our trainer gave us scenerios on when we might need to use them - mostly they were safety scenerios. ie: you on one side of street, puppy wandered to the other , sees you and wants to bolt back toyou and a car is coming. WAIT stops her dead in her tracks (tho we seem to take a step or two but we are working hard at that) and other situations like that. Our next class, weather permiotting, is the same class but outside on the shelters enclosed grounds. It will be interesting to see how those distractions work!

We are also starting next week Puppy Agility. There is no jumping (have to be at least 12 mos old). allwed so it is using obedience skills learning agility. She needs to physical and mental workout (I need the physical) especially now that it is too dark after work to go to the park.

You can never go wrong with continuing obedience work. If you want to teach "tricks" my first trainer told me to buy "Dog Tricks for Dummies" which I found used at Ebay for $2.00. We love to do that!
Adriianne

[Tammy Richardson]

Hello there! Your dog is so cute! My advise to you would be to start off with the beginner training and then move into the beginner agility class. Doodles have lots of energy and need a good outlet to exercise and socialize. My dog Lucy is 1 year and we have had great success with moving through the different training levels. She just finished her CKC advanced good neighbour and is doing really well.

[TrevorDoodle]

Thanks Tammy. What age did you and your doodle take beginner agility? What exactly did you do in the beginner class.

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

If you are set on taking a class right now, I would choose 1 or 3. I have done some beginner agility with Dexter who (at 2 yrs old) is still quite immature. He really wasn't getting much out of it and we stopped. We took an intermediate obediance class with him around 8 months. Honesly, I would save your money and wait until after adolescence and take the CGC class...but if you really want to take something I would go with 1 or 3 :)