[FinnTastic]

I'm not sure how many on here are in the Baltimore area, but we are looking for obedience classes. We live north east of the city. We took Finn to the puppy and intermediate classes at Petsmart, but feel we need somewhere were they have people with a little more experience. We don't want anything extremely expensive either b/c, as with most people, money is tight. Plus, I guess I don't know what to really look for when looking for a training program. Any suggestions?

 

[BeauShel]

bumping up

 

[jenlaur]

Try googling training clubs in your area. That's what we did and we ended up paying almost $50 for a 5 week puppy session and $80 for an 8 week basic obedience class...much less than the cost of Petsmart's classes and ours are conducted by certified trainers.

 

[FinnTastic]

Thanks ...I'll google that and see what comes up.

 

[LuckyPup]

Try googling training clubs in your area. That's what we did and we ended up paying almost $50 for a 5 week puppy session and $80 for an 8 week basic obedience class...much less than the cost of Petsmart's classes and ours are conducted by certified trainers.

Wow that is cheap! The cheapest I could find is $100 for 6 week classes (some are 8).

Good Luck finding classes for Finn! I am not even close (plus looks like I am paying double!)

 

[MaxwellSmart]

I was just going to post a similar question. I live in Northern VA (just a little ways down the beltway for Baltimore). I have been training my dogs with A TON of success with Max but Brutus is another story. He's got spunk and it's hard to deal with. I googled classes in which most average out to $150 for 6 week classes (group sessions).
I know it depends on what works for Bru but I don't know what to look for. Clicker vs positive? Group vs private? I want a company that he can grow up in through the different levels of obedience without having to switch trainers and such.

 

[FinnTastic]

I googled training clubs and only one came up. It looks like they only have a fall schedule up at the moment and that started in Sept. I was looking at there obedience and it looks like its $100 dollars for 8 wks. If we did go with them, I'm not even sure what to put him in. They only have beginners and advanced obedience. I didn't see anything in between. I know he is not an advanced student. They also have kindergarden agility which looks cool. But, that is only offered during the day. I feel the same as you Maxwell. I'm not sure which was to go training wise either. Sigh

 

[MaxwellSmart]

I Know, i'm probably making a bigger deal out of it than need be (i usually do). I'm going to call a few places next week and just ask them my questions and hopefully i'll get a feel for where I want to take him.
I also thought about calling our groomer (Calypso groomers in Fredericksburg) who specialize in Goldens. The owner used to breed and show them so they might have a few suggestions. Finntastic, you can ask your vet, or contact a local golden rescue group for ones they recommend for their fosters. Just an idea. I'm coming up with them as I type.

 

[FinnTastic]

That's a great idea. I'll e-mail the rescue that is kind of in this general area and see what they recommend.

 

[janine]

http://www.catoctinkennelclub.org/ This was a great place... I am in Frederick Maryland and the Catoctin Kennel Club is in Point of Rocks Md...I am guessing it is to far a drive for you....but they were great trainers look at their site and maybe they can tell you if they know of anything closer. Good luck.

 

[FinnTastic]

Thanks Jainine. I just e-mailed the person in charge of the obedience training and I e-mailed the rescue near us.

 

[IndieFam]

FinnTastic- Just finished a Petsmart class with our almost 6 month old. If you find something, can you post back here? I am in Parkville and will be searching...I will post back here also if I find something.

Thanks, IndieFam

 

[FinnTastic]

Yes, I absolutely will post back here for you. I haven't heard anything back yet. I may e-mail again tonight if I don't hear anything.

 

[IndieFam]

Ok, made a few calls at lunch.

Pet Depot in Timonium, see link for details. http://www.petdepotmd.com/services_obedience.html Spoke with them and although a bit pricey, they seem to have some experience behind the trainers there.

Dog Owners' Training Club of Maryland, Inc. 610 Reisterstown Road http://www.dotc.org/class.htm
Called but no anwser. Is this the one you had already found?

 

[FinnTastic]

Thanks. No, I found Oriole Dog Club http://www.orioledogclub.org/ It was a little difficult to navigate through there site IMO You can check it out and see what you find.

I also found this class, but they are in the city. I personally didn't want to drive in the city at night. http://www.charmcitydogs.com/directions.html
I'll look at the Pet Depot one.