Finding a good trainer in my area.

The best thing to do is ask if you can audit a class.  Some trainers will say they use positive methods, and then you get into class and they are still using corrections in addition to some positive.  The best way is to actually see a class, and decide if what's going on there meets with your approval as to how you want to train your own dog.  Are the dogs looking happy?  Do the people look relaxed and happy for the most part?  Does the trainer explain, demonstrate, and then help people individually as they try the exercise?  Does the trainer have any credentials - apprenticeship, education, experience?  How does the trainer deal with disruptive dogs in class?  Get a feel for who this person is, and how safe and happy you think your dog will be in the class.  BTW, some trainers run "petite pal" or small dog classes, so if that interests you, ask.  Good luck.  If these folks have web sites, and you PM them to me, I'll check them out to see if I notice any red flags, or recognize any of the trainers.