Clear Dog Training - Brisbane

[jaegertheweim]

Yes, it's basic obedience training I am after and in the email they sent me yesterday, they keep pushing for us to book an in-home consult.

He makes some good points there about the dog being relaxed and settled in it's own environment.. but other obedience classes I have looked into have not suggested the need for a private consult, so I'm not sure why this place is so strongly recommending them.

Also, if you don't have a private consult prior to starting group classes, they charge you an extra $100 for the course. Kind of ridiculous

[Mystiqview]

Kathyinjapan,

The push for private consult sounds sus. Sounds like they are only interested in the $$$

The only thing I would try to have going before going to group classes are:

Encourage your dog to walk politely on your Left hand side. No tugging, no dragging. If your dog is food motivated, nice tasty treats (dried liver, cheerio, kabana, cheese, chicken). Small bits that is quickly gone. Do not use items that require a lot of chewing. EG smackoes, dry kibble.

If your dog is not good at "heeling" I generally start by having food by my left leg, and pretty much spoon food first off to keep the dog next to me. Once the dog gets the idea, I stagger the food rewards. There are plenty of methods you can try, I just listed one I sometimes use.

WHen you halt, encourage your dog to sit next to you.

WHen you start off heeling, start off with your left foot.

Pretty basic stuff. If you can heel with distractions around you without the dog lunging wanting to play etc, that is good too. If you can get the above going reasonably well.. Your introduction to group classes will be much easier. There are plenty of distractions and puppies just love to play with everyone else in the class.