Positive Dog Training In Melbourne?

[poochiemama]

I am thinking of taking our lab and goldie back to obedience classes or to a private dog trainer...

We have been to dog obedience clubs in the past and stopped going due to a couple of very bad experiences, the worst of which was an obedience club which was very 'military' in their approach, constantly yelling at us to pull harder at the choke chain, and when we didn't have the heart to, coming and doing a 'demonstration' with the dog nearly hanging on the choke chain, and other students were being encouraged to yell into their dogs faces. All the dogs looked terrified and we walked out of the class halfway.

Our other bad experience was with a 'dog psychologist/ behaviourist' who came to our house when our lab was a puppy...we were novice dog owners; she charged an obscene amount of money (I think around $400) for an hour of her time, and basically made a 'checklist' of behaviours we wanted to improve on, and then advised us to ignore all bad behaviour (which we had already told her we'd tried with no effect eg ignoring mouthing/biting behaviour)... it really wasn't very helpful and I got more ideas by looking on these forums.

I learnt clicker training, taught them heaps of tricks to keep their minds busy, upped their exercise, and the basics: sit, stay, come etc as well as some basic politeness like not jumping on people, not disturbing when we are eating, not nipping or mouthing etc

They are very well-socialised, beautiful dogs but I wanted to train them loose-leash walking (currently using no-pull harness but I don't think thats a long term solution) and also improve their recall (these are our two priorities)... They are hitting adolescence now, so they are testing limits a little, eg trying to jump on to furniture when we are sitting there or jumping on the bed , which they never used to do.

Our other priority would be teaching them downstay if we go to a cafe or if guests come over; they love guests, but as they've come into adolescence, they are trying to jump on the couch when the guests are there, and not all our guests are 'dog people'.

So I would love for recommendations for great, positive dog trainers in melbourne, either in a group training situation or to come home.

Any ideas?

We are looking for exceptional dog trainers; don't want to waste any more money or time. Very grateful for any suggestions.

[Cosmolo]

What area are you in?

[bedazzledx2]

Sounds like you've done a great job on your own...well done!!! Sorry I'm in WA so can't help you with Melbourne clubs but this is a great way to train a reliable recall. http://www.shirleychong.com/keepers/Lesson6.html I first used it with a really naughty kelpie who would only recall when she was ready...grrrr!!! I have used this method on every dog since and it really works if you put the effort in. BTW I can also recommend Shirley's method for retrieves.

I am thinking of taking our lab and goldie back to obedience classes or to a private dog trainer...

We have been to dog obedience clubs in the past and stopped going due to a couple of very bad experiences, the worst of which was an obedience club which was very 'military' in their approach, constantly yelling at us to pull harder at the choke chain, and when we didn't have the heart to, coming and doing a 'demonstration' with the dog nearly hanging on the choke chain, and other students were being encouraged to yell into their dogs faces. All the dogs looked terrified and we walked out of the class halfway.

Our other bad experience was with a 'dog psychologist/ behaviourist' who came to our house when our lab was a puppy...we were novice dog owners; she charged an obscene amount of money (I think around $400) for an hour of her time, and basically made a 'checklist' of behaviours we wanted to improve on, and then advised us to ignore all bad behaviour (which we had already told her we'd tried with no effect eg ignoring mouthing/biting behaviour)... it really wasn't very helpful and I got more ideas by looking on these forums.

I learnt clicker training, taught them heaps of tricks to keep their minds busy, upped their exercise, and the basics: sit, stay, come etc as well as some basic politeness like not jumping on people, not disturbing when we are eating, not nipping or mouthing etc

They are very well-socialised, beautiful dogs but I wanted to train them loose-leash walking (currently using no-pull harness but I don't think thats a long term solution) and also improve their recall (these are our two priorities)... They are hitting adolescence now, so they are testing limits a little, eg trying to jump on to furniture when we are sitting there or jumping on the bed , which they never used to do.

Our other priority would be teaching them downstay if we go to a cafe or if guests come over; they love guests, but as they've come into adolescence, they are trying to jump on the couch when the guests are there, and not all our guests are 'dog people'.

So I would love for recommendations for great, positive dog trainers in melbourne, either in a group training situation or to come home.

Any ideas?

We are looking for exceptional dog trainers; don't want to waste any more money or time. Very grateful for any suggestions.

[poochiemama]

Thank you so much for the replies...will definitely check out that recall method.

I'm in South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

[poochiemama]

Cosmolo,

I just checked out your website...i had looked at it previously as an option for boarding our dogs when we went on holiday but didn't get organised in time

I'd love some more information if you think you guys can help with these issues...

i'm particularly interested in the 'training walks' - do you train loose-leash walking on these walks? Or is it better to do obedience classes?

I am confused as there are so many options when it comes to dog training - what is my best option for the behaviours I want to train?

If you are able to help, pls PM me details of what you can offer including costs.

We have a labrador and a golden retriever, both just turned approx 1 year old.

Thank you in advance.