Forum Post

Finding a trainer?

Last post 02-20-2008 2:12 PM by spiritdogs. 4 replies.
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  • 02-18-2008 6:35 PM

    Finding a trainer?

    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?

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  • 02-18-2008 6:38 PM In reply to sophiebean

    Re: Finding a trainer?

    http://www.apdt.com

    Association of Pet Dog Trainers 

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

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  • 02-19-2008 2:39 PM In reply to Jewlieee

    Re: Finding a trainer?

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


    Paige - dog.community moderator & Gracie - 6yr old Doberman
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    Fight for your opinions, but do not believe that they contain the whole truth, or the only truth. ~W. Hamilton
    "So you've 'had dogs all your life'? I've had teeth all my life. Doesn't make me a dentist." - JV McDonough, Certified Dog Trainer
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  • 02-19-2008 10:46 PM In reply to miranadobe

    Re: Finding a trainer?

    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. 

     

    Someday, I will be a CT UDX
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  • 02-20-2008 2:12 PM In reply to sophiebean

    Re: Finding a trainer?

     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.  

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