Life, food, events, and community in Albuquerque, NM

Obedience classes/trainers

I've got a 14 week old puppy who is ready to start obedience classes. Any recommendations for a local class/trainer?

Permalink Reply by Joe on August 4, 2008 at 3:22pm: Hey bonnie, it's me joe s. sausage, bret told me about this dog a few weeks ago. If you are interested i can help you and your dog. i had a dog/people training and care business for 9 years, the only reason i stopped was i'm too busy w/ the sausage business and i couldn't find a dog apprentice. if you are interested or want to find out more, let me know, joe.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Renee on August 6, 2008 at 12:30pm: From what I saw the one time I was at Acoma, it isn't positive training that they teach. We have just moved here though and our previous trainer was amazing - completely positive. I was not pleased with the environment and "service" I received at Acoma. My husband was also not thrilled with the place. I would recommend Cindy Hill of NM pet dog. www.nmpetdog.com .; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Animalib on August 12, 2008 at 9:42am: I also have heard terrible things about ACOMA training. I would go to PetSmart and look at which trainers they have and talk to them or watch them interact with dogs. Pick one that you feel comfortable with and someone who inspires confidence in you.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by IrishRider on August 15, 2008 at 4:48pm: You can try Sandia Dog Obedience on San Pedro. I really liked it there. I don't trust PetSmart as everyone that works there looks like they are in High School. Fine to buy food from, not train a dog, IMO.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Renee on August 15, 2008 at 6:00pm: I wouldn't trust my dog to the people at Petsmart. Do any of them have any qualifications? Some people may think it is easy to train a dog, but it really isn't. Too many dogs get left at shelters because of bad behaviors that the owner reinforces - because they don't know any better!

A great book on training... The Power of Positive Training by Pat Miller. Patricia McConnell's books are also good.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joe on August 15, 2008 at 6:48pm: bonnie has a really nice catahoula, we had an excellent training/demo/seminar/Q&A session. i would like to thank one of my dogs, zoe, for her help.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by bonnie on August 17, 2008 at 8:34pm: Thanks for everyone's input. I learned a lot from Joe and his dog, and am hoping Sandia Obedience has room in their upcoming puppy class. I'll let you all know how the class goes. And Sage says thanks, too!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Animalib on August 18, 2008 at 9:44am: If you read my post again, I suggested looking at different trainers and find a qualified one.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joe on August 18, 2008 at 5:26pm: thanks flaca, it doesn't matter to me, animalib can write whatever she wants, she doesn't know the story or me and my skill, she's entitled to her opinion and to voice it. my dog training practice was a word of mouth business and specialized in cases where i was the 2nd, 3rd, 4th- 6th trainer, it's all good.

i know what bonnie is talking about, we are friends and i know what her goals are w/ this dog, why do you think i offered to help her, i know her, i've trained hundreds of dogs and people can anybody on this site say that. i don't do the dog thing as a business anymore, i'm far too busy w/ my other business.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Animalib on August 19, 2008 at 6:49pm: I had actually written a long comment, but decided to keep it short at the last minute. I do not know anything about Sandia training or Joe and his training. I just said that ACOMA was not good. I know this as an animal behaviorist myself. I have two dogs who are rescues and one was "unadoptable". I think socialization, patience, and positive reinforcement are all key. If people don't have the time to spend with their dogs and put in the work they require, they shouldn't have one. I was mostly reacting to the post that said that Petsmart trainers are not qualified. This is why I said to watch them, they are different from one another even though they go through the same training. I was merely suggesting to find a trainer and method that you like and stick with it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by bonnie on August 19, 2008 at 7:10pm: This is exactly why I posted the question in the first place. Nothing can beat personal experience and recommendations from multiple people. I decided to go with Sandia because I happen to have experience with the trainer of the puppy class. I decided not to go with Acoma because I received multiple negative comments about their training style. I don't have the time to personally observe multiple petsmart trainers, and didn't have much faith in their training programs. If someone had said "so-and-so" at Petsmart is great, I may have followed up on that.
Once again, thanks for everyone's input on where to find a qualified dog trainer. Woof.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by IrishRider on August 20, 2008 at 10:45am: When I had my Doberman I took him to Sandia. I'm glad that you decided to go with them. I enjoyed the fact that they weren't just a "Sit, Stay" type of place. They actually went through exercises that help your dog build his confidence, like walking over scary objects, learning how to correctly walk up and down stairs, etc.; ▶ Reply to This

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