I know there are a ton around the Raleigh-Durham area. A good number of them only offer in-kennel training where you send your dog away for 2 weeks and they work with them. We want to be actively involved in the training, so this doesn't suit us.

We would prefer a class setting, as our older (3 year old) dog needs to become more comfortable in groups outside of the home. Training her privately at home would be pointless since the intention is to get her OUT of the house. The other dog will be a puppy (Rottweiler mix) that will need a good foundation for basic obedience and socialization.

I knew Petsmart has some classes, but I'm trying to consider all of the options.

Thanks!

1/19/2009 2:09:49 PM

Do NOT go to Petsmart.

I signed up for the intermediate class they offer and it was a giant waste of time. It was some high school kid (just some regular employee at petsmart) and there was very little time spent with the trainer. I could have gotten more out of a book and working with the dog on my own--which is what I ended up doing. My dogs have both been socialized really well through the dog park and occasional stays at the kennel/dog day care.

I would still like to work with an actual professional trainer at some point to fine tune some of the training I have already done.

[Edited on January 19, 2009 at 2:15 PM. Reason : d]

1/19/2009 2:14:16 PM

I agree with the problems associated with Petsmart. Hence why I'd like to find a certified professional. Our older dog already knows the basic commands (with the exception of heel, which she ignores). Petsmart won't be able to make her more of a "public dog."

1/19/2009 2:34:15 PM

I third the Petsmart comment, bunch of Looney Tunes. Since we have the only malamute in Wilmington they've been mobbing us to take their stupid class. We go to Dogtrain in Wilmington, and it's excellent. That said, this place looks promising: http://www.trianglecaninesolutions.com/prof_services/prof_services.htm

1/19/2009 2:43:07 PM

Teamworks is a great place, they work on a lot of specific "issues" too.

http://www.dogtrainingraleighnc.net/

1/19/2009 3:29:21 PM

I think the petsmart trainers are hit or miss...my gf takes hers to one in Hickory and the trainer there works really well with her dog but I have heard that the trainers at other stores leave a lot to be desired

1/19/2009 3:55:30 PM

the petsmart trainer here in RM is an actual certified trainer and does nothing but training.

1/19/2009 4:15:56 PM

I haven't taken the Petsmart class in Garner, but I did talk to one of the instructors about the class. She seemed to be very knowledgeable and a good one to take a puppy class from. If I do not find something else, I may sign our puppy up for the class.

1/19/2009 7:20:35 PM

Best Paw Forward. They work wonders.
http://www.bestpawonline.com/

1/19/2009 7:59:04 PM

I second teamworks

1/19/2009 10:24:25 PM

this thread is relevant to my interests. thanks.

1/20/2009 2:04:21 AM

I third teamworks

1/20/2009 11:14:27 AM