The local dog school/hotel/spa place said a 7 week basic obedience course for my 3 year old dog is £70, its in a class of 8 with 1 instructor. Is this too expensive? The dog already knows sit and can be recalled.
oh and the classes are an hour long
It does seem a little steep, but what you need to look at is exactly what you are getting for your £10 an hour. Is it working towards competition standard obedience? If so then i suppose that could be about the right sort of price. If all you want is a well mannered, obedient dog I’d look on the aptd website for a trainer in your area that runs classes.
No-one can guarantee that you’ll end up with a super reliable recall,stay,etc every dog is different and will learn at a different rate. Also, every handler is different, some are just naturally able to communicate well with their dog, others need a bit more practise. Some people will practise at every opportunity, others won’t bother to do any training with their dog until the next class. Dogs do need to be socialised too, so training classes are important in that respect.
I’d ask a few more questions about the classes before committing yourself, such as what qualifications the instructor has. They don’t necessarily need qualifications, experience counts too!
Hopefully these training classes use kind, reward based training. the days of dragging and jerking dogs around on a choke chain in a village hall are long gone…………….or should be! lol
Good luck 
Aug 11
Topics: obedience classes |
August 12th, 2009 at 3:17 am
That is a god amount as long as the teacher is good and guarantees the training
asrobs Says:References :
August 12th, 2009 at 3:28 am
You can do it yourself get a book and some common sense will help..
Ty B Says:References :
August 12th, 2009 at 4:10 am
Any amount is too much. Classes are not the way to go, do private sessions with a good trainer
kiskiz kizzie Says:References :
http://dogbehavioronline.com/blog/2008/03/03/dont-go-to-puppy-kindergarten-to-socialize-your-dog/
August 12th, 2009 at 4:18 am
that depends if he/she is a good trainner………..
Cathy P Says:so yes it is!! x
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August 12th, 2009 at 4:54 am
I don’t know what that works out to in American dollars, but it runs around $80.00 for a seven week/one hour class here where I live. Even if your dog knows some commands, obedience classes help with socializing your dog, as well as help them obey around unusual circumstances, i.e. other people and dogs. It’s great to have a dog that listens to you at home, but what about when you go someplace else, or when you are walking your dog, or to the dog park, etc. See what I mean?
Cookie Says:References :
August 12th, 2009 at 5:23 am
As long as the end result is guaranteed, then it’s worth it. I took my dog to an obedience school in Germany (which is where I was when i purchased her). This school also trains police dogs and dogs to work with the handicapped also. In total, the entire course cost me $1500. But, I am completely satisfied with my dogs behavior. She is social, protective, but more importantly, she listens to my every command. I can walk with her on a busy public street without putting her on a leash, if I wanted to, and she’ll remain by my side. So, I say go for it if you are sure!
Moonstone Says:References :
August 12th, 2009 at 5:54 am
I think thats OK its only £10 per night and a night at the pub or pictures costs far more.
anwen55 Says:References :
August 12th, 2009 at 6:16 am
Wow - I wouldn;t pay that! I pay around £4.00 a week.
Diamond Says:Have a look here:
http://www.apdt.co.uk/local_dog_trainers.asp
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August 12th, 2009 at 6:59 am
we paid as we went each week - £10 per class is expensive but your dog needs to go to be socialised as well as trained is it the only one in your area
collielover Says:References :
August 12th, 2009 at 7:47 am
It does seem a little steep, but what you need to look at is exactly what you are getting for your £10 an hour. Is it working towards competition standard obedience? If so then i suppose that could be about the right sort of price. If all you want is a well mannered, obedient dog I’d look on the aptd website for a trainer in your area that runs classes.
FairyCupCakePrincess_xx Says:No-one can guarantee that you’ll end up with a super reliable recall,stay,etc every dog is different and will learn at a different rate. Also, every handler is different, some are just naturally able to communicate well with their dog, others need a bit more practise. Some people will practise at every opportunity, others won’t bother to do any training with their dog until the next class. Dogs do need to be socialised too, so training classes are important in that respect.
I’d ask a few more questions about the classes before committing yourself, such as what qualifications the instructor has. They don’t necessarily need qualifications, experience counts too!
Hopefully these training classes use kind, reward based training. the days of dragging and jerking dogs around on a choke chain in a village hall are long gone…………….or should be! lol
Good luck
References :
August 12th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Do it yourself by getting a book out of your local library
SusieK Says:References :
August 12th, 2009 at 9:15 am
I don’t think that’s too much, but it depends on how good the trainer is. I paid £50 for a 6-week training course, with a class of 8 with 1 instructor and went along for the first lesson with a dog we had just adopted from a rescue ctr. Our dog started barking at the other dogs and the instructor just glared at us! Also, she was scared of a bull terrier someone had brought along to the class. The lesson we learned was that we should do research before going to a class. I guess you get what you pay for when it comes to dog training classes, like anything else!
Since then I’ve read in training books that it’s a good idea to sit in on a class before signing up, if possible. Also find out whether the instructor recommends the use of choke/check chains (not generally thought of as a good thing these days), how they deal with barking in the class, and the teacher-to-student ratio (1-to-5) is ideal. Positive reinforcement methods are kindest to the dog. I would agree that it’s a good idea to look up the Association of Pet Dog Trainers website for a trainer near you. I would love to take our dog to clicker training classes, but unfortunately there don’t seem to be any near us.
I’ve decided to take training into my own hands and have invested in a few books recommended to me by a dog-trainer friend. In case you’re interested…
The Other End of the Leash, Patricia McConnell
How to Behave so Your Dog behaves, Sophia Yin
Don’t Shoot the Dog, Karen Pryor
Quick Clicks, Mandy Book/ Cheryl Smith
Click for Joy, Melissa Alexander
Good luck!
Terrier Says:References :
August 12th, 2009 at 9:32 am
I pay £3 for a 45 minute lesson.
Anwen55 ha already provided the link I was going to give you.
Marcus Says:References :
August 12th, 2009 at 9:39 am
At three years old there is nothing your dog will learn in a group class. Any aggression issues and that’s seven other people not getting their moneys worth.
Sit and recall are all you need from a family pet outside of socialisation and you don’t need to pay any money to do that.
I would recommend you listen to Anwen, (the advice is always sound), if you are going to take classes.
Oh, this instructor on £80p/h; single female then post her address please:0)
Not too expensive - too bloody expensive!
Charlie B Says:References :
August 12th, 2009 at 9:55 am
That is the exact cost of all training classes in my area (london) you wont find anything cheaper by the looks of things . but to be honest most dont teach anything hard that cant be taught at home by anyone with half a brain .
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