In defense of dog trainers everywhere...
The best dog training for your dogs, and the ONLY dog training that will have lasting results, is the training you are involved in. Whether you do that alone, in private classes, or in a group setting is relatively unimportant--just do it! Turning your dog over to a trainer for them to do the work for you just gives you a dog that works for the trainer... unless you also learn to the techniques of that trainer.
I would like to plug group classes, when given by a GOOD trainer. There are many so-called "trainers" who are great with dogs but have no business working with group classes. There are many who are great with owners but couldn't train a dog to save their lives. Finding someone who can both train and teach you to train can take some searching... and usually some $$$, as we are rare and know it. (And I'm not actually plugging myself, by the way--I'm booked solid for the next several months and couldn't take on anyone new if I wanted to.)
Group classes keep the cost down and help with socialization of your pup. With an instructor that knows what s/he is doing, they can give you the basics of training, teach your pup that manners don't go away just because they are in a new and interesting place, and hold you accountable to work consistantly with your dog. The discussions will provide information to deal with situations you haven't faced yet (should include discussions on health, nutrition, problem solving, pack hierarchy, drives, genetic responsibility,etc), as well as giving you the opportunity to watch dog interactions and learn to read canine body language to a much larger exetent than normal.
There are drawbacks to group classes, of course. You don't get as much one-on-one attention as you would in a private course unless you ask for it. A decent instructor will make him/herself available to you before and after classes and should provide you with email or other contact information as well. S/he should also be willing to let you watch a session or two, give references, and discuss training techniques--both in general and pertaining to specific issues.
Some PETsMART trainers are great. Some are just "an employee reading lessons from a book." Check into it. Find out from people who have been through the classes what they learned. I have known some really great trainers who worked out of pet stores as a side gig. In some places that can be the only ready way to get your name known to the public. I've also known some "trainers" at pet stores I wouldn't let hold my lead while I tie my shoe, much less work a dog.
Basically, it all boils down to doing your research. Call vets in your area. Contact rescue groups. Call independent pet shops as well as chain stores. Talk to LOTS of people. In an area as well populated as yours, there should be names you start hearing over and over.
Good luck!
Beth
"You will never experience anything like the bond you have with a dog you have trained yourself. The joy of working a dog who knows exactly what you want and is excited about pleasing you cannot be described--and cannot be forgotten once you've experienced it."