Can somebody tell me of good training classes in manchester/wigan area, we have a new English Springer Spaniel,  she is 17 weeks old but do not know where to take her

Don't know your area I m afraid but try googling apdt for good positive training classes. You put in your location and I am sure there will be one. The advantage of theses classes is that the traing is all positive treat and praise and the classes are quite small all adpt trainers follow the same "code"

Even if it is an APDT class please go and observe a class before you book in.  All APDT classes are supposed to follow their code but the occasional one does not stick to their code of ethics.

I made this mistake only recently with my current puppy who was then 13 weeks old.  A puppy had been barking in the class (not mine).  The assistant trainer was clearly looking for an opportunity to demonstrate how to deal with this, grrrr.  My pup then barked once, the trainer marched up to her and sprayed a mixture of water and bitter green apple in her face!  Needless to say, I left rather abruptly and reported the class to the APDT.

There was i, socialising her for all i was worth, teaching her that people of all kinds are wonderful and then this .......... from an APDT class!  Still makes me cross to think about it!

good point about going to observe. Must admit I had not done that myself and certainly would have been a good idea may not have run into some of the problems I had

I recommend Puppy School, if there is one in your area:

www.puppyschool.co.uk

Didnt know of them I see they are owned by Gwen Bailey will have a look at the one near us for my new pup
Will take the advice and go an dlook. OP sorry havent meant to hijack your thread hope these ideas help you too

When enquiring about my training classes I always suggest that folk visit the class first, without a dog, and to speak to people and ask questions ect from other folk in the class. also it allows the folk to see class number etc. some take up the offer others dont. but i think going to a class without the dogs is best as folk are free to watch without worrying about their own dog.