What makes dog training classes worth it to you?
How much do you think an hour of one-on-one training w/ a certified trainer is worth?
What about an eight week group obedience class?
What do you think is the best day(s) and time to take a training class?
What do you look for in a trainer?
What makes dog training classes worth it to you?
– An obedient dog is a happy dog. Dogs are like children; they need boundaries and structure (some more than others; I have a pit bull mix and he needs ALOT of structure!) and thrive under strong, fair leadership. Training classes are a fun way to for both dog and owner to establish, understand, and get used to their respective roles. Opportunities for socialization and structured practice of skills also makes training classes appealing.
How much do you think an hour of one-on-one training w/ a certified trainer is worth?
– $20-25 per session
What about an eight week group obedience class?
-$75-100 is reasonable
What do you think is the best day(s) and time to take a training class?
– Definitely Saturdays, mornings are best. Evenings after work and dinner may work for some as well.
What do you look for in a trainer?
– Knowledge of material
-Competent application of a theoretical framework
-Knowledge of a variety of canine breeds and their unique personalities, behaviors, and learning styles
– Firm belief in positive reinforcement techniqes
– Understanding of canine behavior
-Patience
-Kindness and empathy shown to both dogs and humans
-Sense of humor
Certified with who? As far as I know, there is no licensing for dog trainers.
I’m in NYC and I pay $160 for an 8 week class for advanced obedience (training in Open level competitive obedience). The obedience and agility instructors that I know, that have been competing successfully for years with many different breeds, not just BC’s or Goldens and have attended many different Nationals and Championship charge appxo $80 an hour.
I look for a trainer that does not have a “one size, fits all” philosophy. That has success with showing and training
“non-obedience” breeds. I would not use someone who uses the Kholer method. I would look for someone who is a fair and balanced trainer, who understands clicker and positive motiviation and doesn’t rely on choke chains and prong collars for control
Being certified doesn’t mean squat to me. That doesn’t mean you actually have any knowledge of dogs or have actually trained any dogs of their own. Train a dog to Utility level AKC/UKC obedience.
1. Distractions to help really train a dog so that it will be obedient in the situations it needs to be obedient in and not just when there is nothing to distract it.
2. A one hour one on one training with a ‘certified’ trainer isn’t worth squat as ‘certification’ means nothing and one on one doesn’t do anything.
3. An 8 week group class with a GOOD trainer that can teach and actually has some capabilities is worth a lot – depending upon where you live will depend upon the cost – likely around 80 – 150.
4. The best days and times are when you can get to it – that is dependent upon a lot of things but usually evening classes during the week.
5. I look for a trainer that isn’t a one trick pony – that doesn’t just utilize one technique and is knowledgeable about a LOT of different techniques to help work with different dogs AND different people. I don’t care about ‘certification’ as that is just someone paid money to someone to give them a piece of paper. I look for someone who is and has been successful trainng their own dogs and a variety of them to a variety of titles and has also successfully trained people to train their dogs to various titles.
look for a trainer that does not have a “one size, fits all” philosophy. That has success with showing and training
“non-obedience” breeds. I would not use someone who uses the Kholer method. I would look for someone who is a fair and balanced trainer, who understands clicker and positive motivation and doesn’t rely on choke chains and prong collars for control
This statement is a contradiction!
clicker & positive motivation is a “one size, fits all” philosophy.
A balanced trainer knows how to several tools, and will use what is necessary for that dog!
Some dogs DON”T like clickers or the sound they make, so clicker would NOT be the tool for that dog
What makes dog training classes worth it to you?
fun
How much do you think an hour of one-on-one training w/ a certified trainer is worth?
Maybe 15-20 dollars
What about an eight week group obedience class?
$100
What do you think is the best day(s) and time to take a training class?
Sat morning so everyone can come for a group class. Evenings if it is one-on-one.
What do you look for in a trainer?
Two things– value, ability to train a dog