Dog Community

Superior NW Training Facilities

Posted : 7/6/2009 7:00:13 PM

Hi there. My wife and I moved from Pittsburgh a few years ago where we had access to Misty Pines. Misty Pines is famous for its high quality instruction as well as its pay-as-you-go model. We are now in Seattle and desperately seeking a similar place to take our dog. What we really want is a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) dog training place so that we can take her on the Saturday's that we can, and skip those that we cannot, without having to worry about losing out on one sixth or one ninth (or whatever fraction) of the training package. Most places that we have found unfortunately only sell multi-week packages and focus on training untrained dogs as opposed to the on-going training of somewhat experienced dogs. Does anyone who lives in the northwest have any idea if there is such a place around? We are willing to drive up to an hour for a good Misty Pines style facility. Thanks in advance!

A List of Places the do NOT offer drop-in classes:

Argus Ranch - I had a really great conversation with a person from Argus Ranch. AR sounds like a really terrific facility and the person I spoke to seems really knowledgeable. Unfortunately they do not offer weekend classes :(
Washington State Obedience Training Club. Again, did not return call or email.
Riverdog. (At least the answer their phone :)

Sera_J

Posted : 7/7/2009 12:55:31 AM

What kind of training are you looking for? There are a number of quality training facilities, but many of them do 6-8 week installments... if you are concerned about cost that maybe something you can work out with the instructor.

miranadobe

Posted : 7/7/2009 1:18:26 AM

Sounds like what you're looking for is called "drop-in" classes. My trainer back east runs classes like this for her advanced obedience classes. Proven obedience with exposure to newer dogs, newer distractions, newer challenges.

Sera_J/Lani has plenty of experience with various high caliber trainers here in the NW, so if you reply with what you're looking for, she can very likely advise. Is this strictly pet obedience? Competitive obedience? Agility? Flyball? Lure coursing? There is quite a lot of good dog experiences to be had here in the NW in many dog sports/venues. Give us some details on what you need and maybe Lani can help point you in the right direction.

zeeple

Posted : 7/7/2009 10:03:45 AM

Thanks. Yes, I am looking for drop-in classes. The idea is general ongoing basic training. You know, the sit stay heel type of thing for now. Mostly she will benefit from the exposure to new dogs and situations while reinforcing already learned behaviors. However, she is just turning four this month and now that she is a little more mellow we'd like to start training her for therapy work. So the first step will be to get her her CGC, and then we can proceed to therapy training. Any good drop-in facilities in the NW? Again, we are willing to drive a ways for a truly superior place.

Sera_J

Posted : 7/7/2009 4:36:37 PM

Honestly, drop-in makes it much harder, I know of a few conformation classes that are drop in.. OB tends to be more structured IME, of course that's what I look for, ongoing classes. I train at Argus Ranch in Auburn, WA... their trainers are exceptional. There is a place in Kent, but I don't think it does drop-in but I could be wrong, I believe it's call Family Dog Training, or something like that. Have you tried Washington State Obedience Training club? They may offer more drop-in-type classes.

Good for you wanting to do CGC/TDI stuff... I hope it works out :)

Hi Paige, CALL ME!!!

zeeple

Posted : 7/8/2009 2:04:44 PM

Hi, thanks for the comments! I tried to get as hold of someone at the WSOTC but no one has returned my calls or emails. Also their site looks like it does NOT offer drop-in classes. I also checked out Argus and they look impressive! Unfortunately they too, do not offer drop-in. Any other ideas?

zeeple

Posted : 7/13/2009 3:03:20 PM

Well, we have enrolled in a 6-week package deal for CGC preparation but I am still looking for drop in stuff. I got an interesting email from Rivendale Learning Center, that seems to be working out something similar to drop-in classes so I am excited about that. Hopefully they will have weekend options.

http://www.teamrlc.com/

Please let me know if anyone hears about drop-in classes anywhere in the NW. Thanks!