Planet K9

[Jasslyn]

I'm looking for an obedience class for Flynn and Jasper (BCs) with the possibility of then going onto Agility and other dog sports. I took Flynn to Werribee Dog Obedience a last year but didn't feel that their techniques would work for me - using the correction collar with the sharp, jerky movements suggested was hurting my back. And Flynn had been taught using positive reinforcement up to that time so he didn't seem to respond too well to their techniques either.

Anyway, I realise it will be more expensive but I'm looking at taking the boys somewhere they'll be in a smaller group and where the trainer will have more time to work with me. I've found that Planet K9 run classes in Hoppers Crossing and wanted to know if anyone has any experience with them? They have a basic dog manners class, advanced obedience, agility and dog sports classes. http://www.planetk9.com.au/dogtrainingclasses.html

One of my concerns is that you pay for a set amount of weeks (i.e. 6 weeks). What happens if you have to miss a week - do you forfeit that class or can you "make it up" at another time? The basic dog manners course is $180 for I think 6 classes and one 1-on-1 session, I'd hate to miss one but sometimes things happen that are out of our control. And is 6 weeks long enough or have people found that they have to go back for another 6 weeks?

The agility class is for a set amount of weeks as well and then I'd assume you have to find an agility club to use the facilities - I know Werribee Dog Obedience runs Agility but I think your dog has to have attained a minimum obedience level before they can join in so can you join in without going through their club obedience classes (i.e. if my boys have already learned their obedience commands at somewhere like Planet K9)?

I'll be sending an email to Planet K9 to ask these questions but I thought someone here might know.

I'm considering asking if it's okay to go and watch one of their sessions to see what it's like but would be really interested to hear other people's experiences. If you have experience with other trainers in the Werribee area I'd also be interested in reading those too.

[jm266]

I took my older BC (He's 4 and has some obedience training) to Planet K9 in Epping last year, just as a refresher, they use positive methods. As I work shift work they were very accommodating as to what day I attended and we actually did a combination of classes because he was a little more advanced than some of the dogs. He had a ball with the agility equipment and benefited from the one on one interaction with me.

I did plan to continue with their agility but as the classes that were suitable for us were in North Melbourne, and it was difficult for me to attend on a regular basis, due to the distance and time.

Give them a call and talk to them they are very approachable.

I had no problems with them

[luvsdogs]

Not living in Vic I don't know anything about them. I looked at the APDT Australia website & they are listed in the trainer's directory (Nicole Beasley) so i guess they are what you're looking for.

[Jasslyn]

Thanks for the responses. I sent them an email today while I was at work so hopefully they'll be able to answer my other questions. One of the answers was on their website - yes they are flexible about what classes are attended so that's good. Although I'm fairly okay at the moment, as far as other commitments go, I do study part time as well as work full time so sometimes I won't be able to make it.

The training times section of their website lists some of their classes as being at North Melbourne only but the enquiries form shows that most classes are available from all of their locations so I've queried that too. I'd prefer not to go to North Melbourne but I do think Flynn would enjoy agility.