JenTN

This topic was brought up on another forum, and is one that I have thought about before.

Bo took puppy class at Petsmart. I feel he did well, the trainer is great, IMO, but I have some doubts as to if this is the best training for him, but it's nothing I can put my finger on, if that makes sense.

Right now, he is testing everything, ignoring commands, etc. I asked the trainer and she said not to repeat the command and he will eventually do it, but that's not really working and it's frustrating. She says to "lure him" with a treat into the requested command (sit, down, etc) but it's almost as if he knows that if he doesn't sit I'll hold the treat over his head until his butt hits the ground, then he gets the treat. I don't want to have to "lure him" I want him to SIT when I say SIT. Maybe that's asking too much?

I work with him several times a day, everyday, inside, outside, at home, in the park, and in stores. I really enjoy dog training, as nerdy as it sounds it's like a hobby for me, one thing I get to do for "myself". Also, my daughter is involved and she loves it. (My husband's cousin's daughter is 12 and is also involed with Bo's training- she wants a dog but doesn't have one).

I am a complete novice to dog training, so I don't know if he is really in the right place. I want to earn his CGC, then maybe move on to some obedience competition. I definitely want him to be well-trained, even if we didn't compete.

So, in everyone's experience and opinion, should I continue with Petsmart or take him to a local club to train? I won't be out of this stupid "boot" on my foot for 3 weeks, so I have some time to think about it- I don't want to start classes until my ankle's healed a bit.

TIA!