hows this?

[Atom]

http://store.yahoo.com/dogsbestfriend/

i have the monks' books on training, but i want to get a visual application to the methods and a wider understanding on training dogs. should i get the videotapes?

[imported_Cassie]

I have always found group obedience classes the best training for my dogs. They have the socialization, distractions, and if your doing it all wrong you have an instructer who can actually give you hands on help...they can also analize the problems your dog may be experiencing and give advice specifically for your dog. I would make sure the obedience training only uses positive training methods...there are some groups which use negetive tactics and positive tactics...I avoid these type of trainers. Our dogs learn by positive training...they also learn to trust us as their gaurdians and not to be fearful of doing some thing wrong.
I have owned alot of hard to control dogs and never once have I used any negetive training tactics...my dogs have learned quicker, they trust me, and they are not frightened to do new things.
You can order a tape for training dogs, but, hands on in a class environment is going to be much better for you and your dog.

[TDG]

in my opinion, there are far better methods for training than the monks.

if you are open for alternatives, read "don't shoot the dog" by karen pryor and "the other end of the leash" by patricia mcconnell.

and i agree with cassie, a group setting is important for reliability around distractions and other dogs. check out http://www.apdt.com to locate a qualified trainer.

[Atom]

are classes offered at petsmart reliable?

[StarFox]

are classes offered at petsmart reliable?

It realy depends on the trainer. Petsmart will usually have 2 or more trainers working at one location. Petsmart trainers are required to fallow a certain guideline with training but each person handels dogs differently. I've noticed that some trainers get along better with people then the dogs themselves and some trainers get alone better with the dogs then the people.

Petsmart isn't a bad place to get your dog trained (at least I don't think so). There are allot of noises and other dogs, it realy helps your dog focus on only you.

I would go to petsmart and just watch how the trainers interact with the dogs and the owners. Look at there style of training and talk to them after the class is over. You should get a good sense of what they are like, and if you don't feel comfortable with the trainer for any reason don't go there.