We have found a new place for obedience classes so Mikos is heading back to school! We did 2 levels at PetSmart and it was good enough to get his CGN but we still struggle with a solid recall and a good reliable heel when we walk. We will start at beginners in the new place, but they teach more than was offered in our Petsmart intermediate class. All of the classes are taught by instructors who do competitive obedience with their own dogs so I feel really good about this decision. As part of each class they introduce pieces of agility equipment to keep the class fun and build the dogs confidence. If we choose to do it later they also have competitive obedience and agility training so there are lots of options. I hope Mikos is as happy about this decision as we are!!
Back to School Mikos!
- Thread starter nbrard
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dmeyer123
Forums Enthusiast
That sounds like a great place for classes. Keeping it fun for the dogs...that's the key.
@snkoyle15....check on line for local trainers, ask people at dog parks or out on walks w/dogs, go to an obedience trial in your area and ask around, check on line for local obedience clubs. Depending on who the Petsmart trainer is, I think in general you can probably find a better program elsewhere. Plus, I don't think Petsmart offers anything past Basic Obedience and you may find that it's so much fun training your sheltie you'll want to continue into rally, agility or more advanced obedience...
@snkoyle15....check on line for local trainers, ask people at dog parks or out on walks w/dogs, go to an obedience trial in your area and ask around, check on line for local obedience clubs. Depending on who the Petsmart trainer is, I think in general you can probably find a better program elsewhere. Plus, I don't think Petsmart offers anything past Basic Obedience and you may find that it's so much fun training your sheltie you'll want to continue into rally, agility or more advanced obedience...
ive been trying to find stuff online for my area and it does come up with a whole bunch of stuff, but its mostly stuff like how to become a dog trainer or dog walker. the only place i am finding for obedience is petsmart. i have met and talked with one of the trainers at the local store and to me, he seems to really know what he is talking about and skilled at what he does. i havent ever seen the other 2. so if i do go with there, then i think i will try to get into one of his classes. Our city does have an off leash dog park, but it is unfenced. and i actually found a site that rated it, and the 2 posts both said that they were fined for having a "dog at large" because they had gone outside the unmarked perimeters of the park with a dog off leash. there just doesnt seem to be much of anything in my area
. However we will most likely be moving next summer so hopefully there will be more options where ever we end up. i really want to do stuff with him, but i guess it may just have to wait for anything more then just basic obedience.
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SheltieChe
Forums Sage
shucks I looked couple of heavily advertised places in UT and no, but no thanks I would not bring my pup there even if it was freeive been trying to find stuff online for my area and it does come up with a whole bunch of stuff, but its mostly stuff like how to become a dog trainer or dog walker. the only place i am finding for obedience is petsmart. i have met and talked with one of the trainers at the local store and to me, he seems to really know what he is talking about and skilled at what he does. i havent ever seen the other 2. so if i do go with there, then i think i will try to get into one of his classes. Our city does have an off leash dog park, but it is unfenced. and i actually found a site that rated it, and the 2 posts both said that they were fined for having a "dog at large" because they had gone outside the unmarked perimeters of the park with a dog off leash. there just doesnt seem to be much of anything in my area
did not check many of them though...Just wondering where you're going... You can PM me if you'd prefer... but it sounds like what I've been wanting for Miko!! Thanks!!
Mikos had his first class last night and we are both very happy with the new facility and trainer! We chose the beginner class even though Mikos has done some training because we struggle with a good recall and decided that back to basics was best. We made an excellent decision! The first thing taught was 'touch' so that as we go along we will also become the treat for the dog. We are also encouraged to bring a favourite toy with us to make the reward for correct behaviour fun as well as yummy!
Interaction between the dogs is not encouraged, and they ask that you keep at least 4-5 feet between animals for the safety and comfort zone of them. They feel that the class is to build the relationship with you and your dog, not for the dog to visit with other dogs. I personally like this because building my working relationship with Mikos is what I am paying for and would like to focus on. I can go lots of places for free and let Mikos interact with other dogs when it is not training time.
The trainer explains everything really well and moves through the class checking your technique continuously so that you are doing it correctly. She even explained that a 1 hour class is mentally challenging for the dogs when they begin so they will most likely get very tired. We were given the signs to watch for and told that if it happens just take the dog outside for a couple of minutes to sniff, pee and regroup.
She also checked all the collars for fit and placement before the class to make sure we all had them on correctly. The rolled leather buckle collar we just bought for Mikos turned out to be a good choice, although she did have us place it up a bit higher and do it up a bit tighter.
I know it was just the first class but this is a very happy sheltie mom!
Interaction between the dogs is not encouraged, and they ask that you keep at least 4-5 feet between animals for the safety and comfort zone of them. They feel that the class is to build the relationship with you and your dog, not for the dog to visit with other dogs. I personally like this because building my working relationship with Mikos is what I am paying for and would like to focus on. I can go lots of places for free and let Mikos interact with other dogs when it is not training time.
The trainer explains everything really well and moves through the class checking your technique continuously so that you are doing it correctly. She even explained that a 1 hour class is mentally challenging for the dogs when they begin so they will most likely get very tired. We were given the signs to watch for and told that if it happens just take the dog outside for a couple of minutes to sniff, pee and regroup.
She also checked all the collars for fit and placement before the class to make sure we all had them on correctly. The rolled leather buckle collar we just bought for Mikos turned out to be a good choice, although she did have us place it up a bit higher and do it up a bit tighter.
I know it was just the first class but this is a very happy sheltie mom!
take4roll10
Moderator
Sounds like a really good class with a trainer who knows what s/he is doing.
Enjoy your class!
Enjoy your class!