Dog Clubs?

Bruin · #1 26-03-11, 04:04 PM

Do you belong to an Obedience Training Club? Did you choose a BAGSD Club or a mixed breed training Club?

Either way do you enjoy the training and find it helps and improves both you and your dog?

(I spoke to someone today who said that she feels disappointed because they only actually train for about 20 minutes out of the 45 minute lesson. Is that normal)?

Bruin

Jude · #2 27-03-11, 09:04 AM

The trouble is that many "clubs" nowadays are in fact run by private individuals who make money out of them - I have attended two such groups and have not been over impressed. I now go to a group specifically for help and rehabilitation of rescue dogs (or those that are likely to end up in rescue). It is a proper club run by a committee and the main interest is the dogs rather than the desire to make money and the help and support offered is second to none. The main reason for attending from my point of view is to socialise Kira and help her get over her fear agression with other dogs rather than for the actual obedience training and I am finding it extremely helpful and have met some really lovely people and their dogs.

Stuart · #3 27-03-11, 12:12 PM

I went to a training club with Kee, and I am glad I did as she was always hard work, and it has made life a lot easier since,... but the nearest class to us is over an hour away, so one hours drive there, an hour in class and an hours drive home, doesnt make for a good experience after a days works.. so you can understand why I didnt go with Sam and later Jazz,... [ they were a lot easier though, and didnt need it so much ]

Welshgirl · #4 27-03-11, 02:35 PM

The club we take Yogi and Storm to is run by local people who are really helpful and friendly. The club is called Good Citizen Scheme, I think it has something to do with the Kennel Club. There are lots of different classes from beginners/puppies to advanced and showing dogs (if you want to go down that route). It's not just the trainer that is in the class, there are also helpers who advise you when you are having a little trouble!! I am not sure where these classes are in other parts of the country, but they may have a website.

Bruin · #5 27-03-11, 02:44 PM

Hi Jude, Stuart and Welshgirl, Really good to hear that you found Training Clubs that you felt confident and pleased with.

Jude, Hope Kira is overcoming her issues with other dogs.
Stuart, Three hours in one evening is a long time!!! (Is it worth considering just going along once a month)?
Welshgirl, yes the name of your Club sounds that it is related to the Kennel Club. Are all those Classes covered in ONE evening??

Bruin

Stuart · #6 27-03-11, 03:00 PM

I know the additive that says your dogs are never finished training,..and I agree with that completly, but my three are good enough now to be past the `training class stage`, so it would not really be worth even once a month,... being with other dogs would be the only benifit, though apart from barking at the few dogs we normaly see, they have always been very friendly when they have met new dogs

lauraburns · #7 27-03-11, 04:01 PM

Where I live, we don't have a great deal of choice unless you want to travel for miles and miles! I am very lucky though in that we have a lovely training class just at the bottom of the road from where I live! The lady who runs it is lovely and owns sheps herself! It is mixed breed classes, but I think it does them good to be amongst lots of different dogs of all shapes and sizes!! I have done both the bronze and silver good citizens awards with two of my dogs, hopefully they will both be going for gold in a few weeks!! Arrgghh!!!!

Bruin · #8 27-03-11, 06:10 PM

Hi Stuart, yes I understand what you mean. It is being satisfied with your achievements, and feeling confident in your communication with your dogs.

Lauraburns, how fortunate were you to locate a Training Club (that suited you too) right at the end of the road!

The "going for gold" sounds like the 2012 Olympics!

However, they may be up for that by next year too!

Bruin

Welshgirl · #9 29-03-11, 06:58 PM

The training class that I attend includes different classess (all on the same night). The beginners/puppy class starts around 6 pm for about an hour. Then the intermediate and advanced classes are a little later, but they all last approximately 1 hour. You get lots of advice and help. Each level last about 2-3 months.

GV9297 · #10 29-03-11, 09:56 PM

Ive only just started looking at OB/Training clubs - had to get Diesel more socialised first as he hadn't been as a puppy - he is a rescue.

Just started training for Good Citizen Awards - he can do all moves for Bronze and Silver its just he has to do them with distractions and that is what is difficult for him do training club needed asap.