Obedience classes

**Callaway** · 11-14-2007, 10:35 AM

I had previously signed Bogey up for classes. The instuctor said the next one wont be until April. Now I am trying my best to teach him what I ve read in all these training books but I need someone to show me how to do things. I emailed the AKC around my area to see if they had any classes sooner no word yet. I might call today. Being Ive alredy signed him up is it rude for me to back out if I find someone else? I havent paid yet so there is really no commitment. He will be almost a year old by then where if I get this done sooner the more I can work with him.

**sunnylaz** · 11-14-2007, 12:16 PM

I wouldn't think it was rude if you cancelled since the next class isn't until April! If you find one sooner, I'd definitely go for it! Just be sure to let them know as soon as you do and tell them the reason. I have been trying for several weeks to get Jonah in one as well, more for the socialization than anything else.
Here's some other places where I've looked (although I can't claim quality on any of them, but here's where I've found some): Petsmart, doggie day cares sometimes offer them, AKC clubs, under dog trainers in the phone book, specialized dog food stores (such as Starbarks, or a local dog bakery/pet food store) have referrels or hold classes, vet office sometimes can refer you to someone as well. Good luck!

**Chester B. Dickens** · 11-14-2007, 12:25 PM

Not rude at all. If the timing doesn't meet your needs, it doesn't meet your needs.....

**GulfCoast** · 11-14-2007, 05:07 PM

I think all PetSmart's have them.

**Baloo317** · 11-14-2007, 05:43 PM

Personally I would avoid Petsmart. I went there when Baloo was little basically just for the socialization, but realistically I paid a bunch of money for what I could have gotten for free, as you could just take your dog to petsmart for an hour once a week and practice basic commands and it would practically be the exact same thing. Only cheaper.  :P

I actually found our school through JL. Try posting in the obedience/tracking section about possible schools, maybe someone is from your area or knows of a good club. Baloo and I now take classes with one of the highest ranked obedience instructors in Ontario (maybe even Canada!) and we were given the information about her on this very site. 

Good luck, when you find a good school/instructor, it's tons of fun!! 

**Callaway** · 11-14-2007, 06:18 PM

Arter searching for a few days now I have found an obedience club that is pretty good I think and the next classes start in January. The drive is a little further but all in all I think its a better place. Plus they have more to offer than just basic obedience. And its 35 dollars cheaper than what I was going to pay.
http://www.wcotc-dogs.org/nindex.html

Felix · 11-16-2007, 02:21 AM

No, it isnt rude at all to do so, and waiting until it is april ???

Probaly i whould do the same as you, search for an other school

**Callaway** · 11-20-2007, 08:36 AM

On the same subject here, I know some are getting bored with it. I have decided to go with the place in my other thread, The lady I talked to said there is a maximum of 12 dogs in one class. There are two trainers tho so thats not too bad right? Also I like that I can pick between two dates and times, nice again. I am sooo nervous, Bogey is a nutjob when we first go anywhere Im half afraid he wont listen and become the classclown or somthing!

**Bob Pr.** · 11-20-2007, 01:19 PM

Balloo317 said:

Personally I would avoid Petsmart.

Instructors vary a great deal in their training and qualifications and those at PetsMart are no exception.

It's worthwhile to ask any instructor at any place what training they've had and something about the methods they use.

When Puff was a pup, I saw a class was being offered at our local PetsMart, I quizzed its instructor, Trish Pooley, about her training and experience. She'd been an assistant for several years to a well-regarded couple who do dog training; she'd volunteered several years at our local animal shelter under the supervision of a dog trainer in socializing dogs; she'd spent 6 months at the San Francisco humane shelter (world class) being trained and another 3-6 months at a place (world class) in OR or WA. She used reward based techniques. I thought she was exceptionally well qualified, took the class, and it was helpful.

The next class, she was no longer there and the replacement instructor had few qualifications.

It's your time, money, and dog. Inquire before signing up.

A good basic book is Jean Donaldson's "Culture Clash"