Hi everyone

I have a 19wk chocolate labrador called Cadbury, I have decided that both me and him need some training. My local vet have there own training called Scally Waggs it last for 4weeks, 1hr sessions and cost £40.00, the next class is availbale begining of August when he will be 22wk, I haven't commited myself yet to going I thought I would see what else is available. I did some research and have found only two others in my area who do training, one didn't bother replie and the other is offering again not until August a 8wk course for £50.00 she is apart of the APDT.

I'm getting really confused I'm a new owner and not really sure what I should be looking for, is the vets overpriced but a safe bet. any help would be greatfully received.

You shouldnt assume the vets is a safe bet :) Why dont you go to each one on your own to see how they work? Will help you make your mind up.

It can get a bit confusing. If you go to the apdt site, there is info there telling you what to look for in a good training class for pet owners :)
A good trainer sh0uldn't mind you going along to watch first, either.

Lindsay
x

Hi
Thanks for the comments,
I can't go and see  either of the course has they are not running, the vets didn't get enough interest for July and so August is there next one, and the other lady has just finished she away on holiday for two weeks and then will start again in August.
When I said safe bet regarding the vets I meant that Cadburys has been going there since he was a puppy for his injections, puppy party etc where the other lady I know nothing about her.

Ok, maybe ask at the vets to see if they have a couple of people who went to a training class there and ask them what they thought?

Does a vet, or nurse, take the course ?. When my boy was a pup I took him to the one run by our vet. His partner took the class but he was there all the time helping and it was great being able to have training and medical questions answered. It also meant that all the pups there got to know the vet and he got to know them. It's always been nice that when I take my dog to the vets now I know that the vet really does know him (if that makes sense !).

Hi

It will be a nurse who takes the class, she is known to both me and Cadbury from taking him for his injections and the puppy party.

Hi

I'm afraid I don't have much faith in vets practices that operate puppy/dog training classes unless they have experience of that field.

Vets are very good at knowing what is physically wrong with our dogs but unless they specialise in training and behaviour they really don't know what they are talking about.

I've lost count of the number of people who have come to me telling me that their vets have said they have an aggressive dog when they are not.  These owners have then behaved around their dog as if it is aggressive and subsequently dogs has learned the wrong behaviour. 

Go to the APDT site and see if there is another in your area.  Once classes are running they should have no issue with you attending their class, with or without your dog, for a 'taster' to see what you think of it and how it's run.  Check with the Kennel Club to see if there are any Good Citizen Schemes around both associations check out the trainers aswell as the premises they work in so their recommendation is a bonus.

Look for kind methods, no yanking on check chains and verbal shouting.  Look for happy dogs with wagging tails and owners who are relaxed and confident with what they are doing.  The trainers should give instruction and explain how to achieve what they ask you to do not just 'supervise' puppies playing or older dogs walking around doing endless, pointless heelwork.

I should have mentioned, the lady who took the class was qualified (APDT), but had classes through the vet surgery so the vet came along too. Yes, I agree, the person taking the class should be qualified - we were just very lucky, best of both worlds !.

Being a member of the APDT is not a "qualification" of any description............

Sorry, didn't realise. How confusing - never know what to do for the best. Guess I was lucky then, the puppy class and later on, the lady who took the adult class were very helpful.

Scallywags has a website www.scallywagsdogs.com

Those of you that have been on here for a while will remember Sally who posted some good advice.  It is her club.

The APDT is a good site for starters, but there is no real nationwide qualification as such that is required to become a dog trainer.

there are many "bodies" that award various diplomas etc but there is no "standard".

It also has to be said that some of the best trainers I know have nothing but a full stop after their name........ ;)

The best advice anyone can give is just to go to a class for several sessions before you get your dog IMHO to watch and listen and see if there is a structured programme which delivers what the attendees want and need. 

No easy task

Oh and of course, for only £1.50 per hour! :D :D :D

Hi Arched

Being a member of the APDT is not a qualification BUT the trainer will have had to go through an interview process, a written theory test and a practical face to face assessment before being accepted as a member.  Although not 'qualified' in training you can at least have some confidence in that an APDT trainer knows, understands and uses the principles of how dogs learn, what effects their learning, how to motivate and use reward based training methods.  There should be no use of check chains in classes run by an APDT trainer, no physical abuse/punishment used and the basis of their training is to use kind and fair methods.

Hope this helps.

Thanks all - I did have confidence in them and the classes, especially the puppy ones, were very relaxed and fun. Yes, I have to agree - some of the best advice and training I've ever had have come from a friend, a very experienced dog owner who has trained many working dogs. She's having my boy for a fortnight soon when we go on holiday - he loves being with her and really responds to her instructions, even though she's much firmer with him than I am !. Will I come back to a different dog I wonder ?!!.