Training groups

[Gena]

I want to start a group of some sort to train together. I personally need the accountability and encouragement a live group setting offers. I'm in the process of contacting local humane societies about training in this area. I know of two places, both aversive based, within an hours drive of me. (If anyone here is from southern IL and knows of anything positive based/clicker based PLEASE post/pm me!!)

It is VERY unlikely that I'll find someone in this area to be a teacher for clicker training. I asked at my vets office a few weeks ago and the vet was like "what is clicker training?" ::eyes pop out of my head::

So, I'm thinking of trying to start an informal group that could meet weekly/every other week and work with our dogs. There are tons of pitfalls I know. Insurance, weirdos, aggressive dogs, the list goes on with things I'm not sure where to start handling.

I know there are several of you here that teach classes. I'm so unqualified to call myself a teacher. But if this were to come to be, Sue Ailsby's levels would probably be what I based the group around.

All I know is that I am frustrated by the lack of training opportunities available to me and the other pet owners in this area. I really want to find a way to get something going here. Ideas, thoughts, warnings would all be appreciated!

 

[lizzybeth727]

Have you done a trainer search on apdt.com?

It's not suprising that your vet doesn't know what clicker training is, I'd think that's pretty typical. It doesn't necessarily mean that there are no places around.

 

[Gena]

Lizzybeth...yep, I've searched every way that I've stumbled across. APDT, CPDT, google, yellow pages...its amazing how little of anything there is around here. The nearest kennel club is over an hour away and all of the email addresses on their website are no longer in service. Crazy I tell ya! Anyone looking for a dog based opportunity should consider this area. I can't be the only one out there wanting more for my dog.