Dog Community

Finding a trainer?

Posted : 2/18/2008 6:35:08 PM

How do I go about finding a good, appropriate trainer for my dog and I? I googled and found a bunch, but I'm not sure what questions to ask or which to even call. For example: there is a well-established dog training "Club" near me, but their website says they do AKC events and they offer breed handling classes in addition to obedience, etc. Since my dog isn't purebred, I don't think this would be applicable for us or maybe we'd hit a glass ceiling at this club? Then there are some places that advertise "dog training and pet portraits" which also doesn't seem catered to my level of seriousness about training. On the flip side, there are the "X-Treem K-9 Dog Training" which advertises protection classes and drug detection in addition to normal obedience, etc. Showing up there with my sunny little sporting breed mix would make me feel silly.

I just want to find a happy medium - I'm not looking to compete, just take some basic obedience classes and then work in some fun classes like rally for fun later on. How did you guys find your trainers?

Jewlieee

Posted : 2/18/2008 6:38:04 PM

http://www.apdt.com

Association of Pet Dog Trainers

This website should give you positive based trainers in your area.

miranadobe

Posted : 2/19/2008 2:39:02 PM

www.dogpro.org will give you trainers that have more than an open-book assessment.

RescueSheltie997

Posted : 2/19/2008 10:46:14 PM

Don't discount your local AKC kennel or obedience club. We all started out just wanting to civillize our beasties, then found out that the night out with our dog was the best night of the week. So working our way through basic, advanced, beginners then novice, open and utility - well, the sky's the limit!

I started 12 years ago, on a Monday night in a CGC class. Still going on Monday night, with dog # 3. I did get bit by the obedience bug and trial my dogs, but some who started with me are still coming too, and they don't compete but enjoy having a well trained dog who is a joy to own.

Try it, go visit the AKC club's classes. If it isn't for you, well, there's lots of places to get training, and comraderie.

spiritdogs

Posted : 2/20/2008 2:12:16 PM

If you are interested in positive training, or clicker training, and not the traditional obedience training done with leash corrections, you might have a look at these sites:

www.clickerteachers.net
www.peaceablepaws.com (Pat Miller's site, but there is a trainer search)
www.trulydogfriendly.com

All the trainers on these sites have committed to using dog-friendly methods. On APDT, local obedience clubs, and other sites mentioned, you may find positive trainers, but you will also find people who use other methods.