Dog Club vs. Private for Group Puppy Training

[Wade0]

Hi everyone,

 

We are going to be picking up our GSD puppy in a few weeks and I want to get on the front foot with regards to training. We have been looking for local puppy training courses.

 

What is the difference between a private business for group training sessions or to a dog club for group training sessions?

 

For us, there is a massive price difference from $5-$10 per visit at our local club to upwards of around $500 to go to a trainer for group puppy training classes. Is there something we are missing? Are clubs just as good or should we spend more for their initial training?

 

Thanks.

Edited August 21, 2020 by Wade0

[Rebanne]

I've always taken my pups to the local obedience groups. Any time I've tried private I've not been impressed. In Victoria there are quite a few clubs run by the GSD club. Maybe there is the same in QLD. I think it is important, wherever you go, that offers lifestyle manners first. Things like go to your mat, loose leash walking, help with life manners - no jumping up or nipping etc rather then perfect sits and heeling.

[Pjrt]

Yes as above I prefer the initial focus to be mostly on behavioural training rather than obedience training. 
yrs ago at obedience clubs when I took the lower classes, which back then focused on obedience, at the end of the class id ask “any  questions?” And all the hands would fly up. All the questions were owners despairing ‘how do I stop Toto jumping up, scratching the door, barking at the fence, settling in the house not following me everywhere’ .....etc etc No one actually cared if their dog sat a bit crooked or didn’t quite walk to perfect heel.

true socialisation is about controlling impulses under distractions, not “being everyone’s friend”

 

find a space that trains for good behaviour & manners over drill style obedience. You can always do that later. 
 

 

[PossumCorner]

It's a piece of string question, depends on your needs - and whether the club/private system and focus suits them. 

For myself it would be dog club, and I certainly didn't find in basic and intermediate that manners took second place to precision. 

My only venture into private lessons was not good - it was more about the money and almost bullying to sign up for this or that extra - and the trainers certainly not 'better' as promoted.

if I had an real problem I would go to a behaviourist with good references for an assessment and management plan - but not before a problem appeared beyond club resources to solve.

 

Aside from that, welcome @Wade0 and puppy. 

 

[tdierikx]

Puppy kindergarten may be run by your local vet clinic... great for starting little Fido on his learning and socialisation before all his vaccinations are finished and he's allowed to venture out in to the big wide world.

 

T.

[Wade0]

Thanks everyone!

 

I'll make sure our local club focuses on manners first, as this is exactly what I'm after. The local private puppy training schools offer manners classes as well so I'll go to them depending on the club response. 

 

Wade.