posted 01-21-2004 07:09 PM         

Have any of you tried those "Do It Yourself" books/DVD's/Video's? If so, what kind and with what results.

I interviewed a Professional dog trainer today. He came to the house and is really nice. He comes VERY highly recommended. He asked me a lot of questions about what I wanted from the training. I explained that I want my Precious to be well mannered and compliant to certain social criteria's. Things like stopping when I stop and waiting for my command before approaching other dogs and or people. Going to her spot on command and the like. I want a well disciplined dog! I feel that a well disciplined pet is both safer for them and makes for a more enjoyable companion. The trainer assures me that with Precious's temperament and overall personality, this should only take about 8 sessions (at $600). Is this about the norm?

What are some of your experiences in obedience training? Is it worth the money to have someone walk you thought it step by step and be able to call when problems arise? Is buying a DVD/Video training series just as effective?

Give me your opinions! I'd appreciate any advise and or stories you've got for me.

posted 01-23-2004 04:31 PM         

I also interviewed personal trainers for our Abbey. I think that the cost your were quoted is a bit expensive, we were quoted about $300 and that's canadian!
We ended up sending Abbey to a different trainer that does overnight (24hr) training. We sent her about 4 times, once weekly and it was amazing. Abbey came back with her sit, come, stay, down, and housetraingin down pat. She also is very social with other dogs from being with the trainer, and with her being a shih-tzu, I had worries that she would maybe be very timid, and I didn't want that for her. She plays with all kinds of dogs, labs, pits and anything, and she is not nervous at all....

I would maybe shop around a bit...