I would like to put Hank through a CGC test and theoretically while I could get it done myself I know I will probably not. Mostly I would have issues with the greeting other dogs portion and supervised separation portion and I don't have an easy access way to practice those. Mia and I took a CGC class and it was great. It was all positive based (but the trainer was a friend and I know was not opposed to corrections and e-collars in certain circumstances, they just didn't have a place in the CGC class/doing basics)
So I've been asking dog friends here and the only place to do rally and CGC I am finding is an obedience school. They use choke chains but I have been assured they also use clickers and also that with Hank being so good I could probably bring him in on a flat collar. But choke chains are part of their methodology.
I'm just kind of torn.... I really just want access to practice the exercises and structure to know what to practice at home. I am not a person that describes myself as 100% positive but I do not like the idea of a choke or corrective collar being a 'go to' tool for my dog. I do not want to diminish Hank's drive for working either and don't want to have to end up with a situation where the instructor tries to calm him down too much/squash his enthusiasm.
I'm leaning towards no but maybe I should go and watch a class? I have friends that go to this place and they all like it and also do agility. I am just not sure.
So I've been asking dog friends here and the only place to do rally and CGC I am finding is an obedience school. They use choke chains but I have been assured they also use clickers and also that with Hank being so good I could probably bring him in on a flat collar. But choke chains are part of their methodology.
I'm just kind of torn.... I really just want access to practice the exercises and structure to know what to practice at home. I am not a person that describes myself as 100% positive but I do not like the idea of a choke or corrective collar being a 'go to' tool for my dog. I do not want to diminish Hank's drive for working either and don't want to have to end up with a situation where the instructor tries to calm him down too much/squash his enthusiasm.
I'm leaning towards no but maybe I should go and watch a class? I have friends that go to this place and they all like it and also do agility. I am just not sure.