OK guys, talk to me about Animal Behavior College (ABC) certified instructors...

[MicksMom]

I'm looking to get back into classes. Caleb & I were going to Top Dog Obedience School (Top Dog Obedience and Agility Training ), which is very good. The current National Obedience Champion trains there ,as well as the Poodle that has been runner up for a couple of years. Mick & I trained there for years, too. Anyway, I'm looking for something closer, and came upon a place about 10-15 minutes from here. The instructor is ABC certified. I'm not too familair with the Animal Behavior College, really couldn't get a lot of info from the ABC website. Everything looks good on paper, you know. The trainer doesn't have a website of her own, but I'll do some asking locally about her. Just wondering if ABC is something to stay away from.

 

[lizzybeth727]

I don't know a lot about ABC, but I do have a trainer-friend who went through their program, and I would recommend anyone to him.

Hope someone can give you more specific help.

 

[Doberluv]

I've heard great things about ABC and did some checking on them myself. You can call them and talk things over with someone to get more details. But I believe they have a very good reputation. Maybe you can ask them about the trainer that you're thinking of seeing.

 

[opokki]

I'm an ABC trainer, I'd like to think I'm a good choice. There is another ABC trainer in my area that I think is good. I'm sure it depends on the individual.
Here is my website if you want to check it out: Home

 

[lisabobisa]

I don't mean to steal the thread or anything... but I've looked into doing ABC's program but have been wary because I hadn't known anyone who's gone through the whole thing. It sounds like it worked out well for you guys (or your friends), huh? I'd love to hear what you have to say about it, good or bad.

 

[JennSLK]

I looked into them and contacted someone I trust about them, and was told to stay far far away. I PM'd you

 

[MicksMom]

Hey, thanks guys! I still have to email my trainer friend about that particular trainer. Honestly, I wish my friend was closer. Mick & I took started our "official" training in classes she taught through the local KC (that's how I met her). She's since moved about an hour away from me.

I looked into them and contacted someone I trust about them, and was told to stay far far away. I PM'd you

Sent you a reply.

 

[opokki]

I don't mean to steal the thread or anything... but I've looked into doing ABC's program but have been wary because I hadn't known anyone who's gone through the whole thing. It sounds like it worked out well for you guys (or your friends), huh? I'd love to hear what you have to say about it, good or bad.

I thought the program was decent but basic...good for those just starting out but probably not very challanging for anyone already involved in training. The hands-on portion is minimal but can help you get your foot in the door for additional opportunites. ABC was one of the more convenient and affordable programs that I'd looked into...my first choice was SF/SPCA but that was unrealistic for me at that time. While I don't feel that graduation from ABC alone, or any similar program, with prepare you enough for a dog training career immediately upon graduation, I do think such programs can help you get there.

Before I signed up for the ABC program, I had read over 100 dog training/behavior books, watched plenty of training videos, took a wide variety of classes with my own dog (still do), and then during and after the program I assisted 2 local trainers (not affiliated with the ABC program) with group classes....this gave me lots of much needed hands on experience and teaching opportunities later on.

 

[opokki]

I looked into them and contacted someone I trust about them, and was told to stay far far away. I PM'd you

I am interested too. Can you PM me also? I won't take offense, I'm just curious since I haven't really heard anything negative about the program so far.

 

[lisabobisa]

Thanks for your reply opokki. Is there anything you might recommend that's a little more advanced? I've been interested in this for awhile and have had a bit of hands on work at my job (Taurus Training), plus I've also read lots of books so it does sound like ABC might be a few steps back from where I'd like to begin.

I live in the Austin area and I'm pretty close to Triple Crown which sounds like it has a great program. Unfortunately besides being really expensive it also isn't a work around your schedule kind of thing. You have to go everyday of the week and then some extra stuff sometimes and I just wouldn't be able to work enough to support myself.

 

[skittledoo]

have you thought about getting your CPDT instead? Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers