[Instructor]

So with the world on lockdown with no real idea of when things get back to "normal" I have been poking around the internet looking for some dog training videos.

I'm wanting to do Obedience, nose work and Shutzhund with my dog (when I finally get him) so it's video training specific to those working sports that I'm interested in.

I have had 3 names mentioned to me several times;

1) Ivan Balabanov
2) Dave Kroyer
3) Michael Ellis

I have found all of them online and watched their freely available videos so it comes down to who's training videos do I actually purchase ? Since they are not cheap and I assume each trainer will have some differing ideas on how to approach each aspect of training I'm asking for input from everyone here on DT who is familiar with these trainers and/or can suggest others.

I managed to title my last Doberman in Obedience (CD & CDX) but I was just learning myself and had the help of my breeder who is no longer available. I do have a very good trainer but actual live training is very expensive and as I said it's all shut down at the moment anyway

Please chime in with your opinions and stories

 

[Rosemary]

I highly recommend the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. It's not just videos, it's interactive learning with first class instructors in a variety of sports, including obedience, rally, nosework, tracking, and agility, as well as fitness and conditioning, behavior, and even photography. Instruction levels range from "learning how to learn" to "subtle tweaks to earn top scores in your sport".

They offer three levels of regular six-week-long session classes, with tuition ranging from $65 for auditing level to $260 for one-on-one individualized feedback. The next regular session starts June 1st.

Week-long workshops offer two levels, with tuition at $29.99 for auditing and $39.99 for working.

Webinars are $19.99, and area good way to dip our toes into the water.

There are also self-study options that, while they don't run live any more, are full of good information.

 

[dobegal]

I have several Michael Ellis videos and learned a lot from them. I am fortunate to live within one hour from Ivan Balabanov and have gone to his place. His wife does a lot of one on one obedience training and I have worked with her. I took one practice obedience session from Ivan. Both of these men IMO know there stuff. Ivan was a little more intense in his approach and Michael Eliiis's approach again IMO from watching the videos has more of a laid back style

 

[CRDobe]

I have bought several of the streaming DVDs from Micheal Ellis and very highly recommend them! I like his style, he's detail oriented, and he was invaluable in raising my last puppy.
I also have tremendous respect for Ivan but don't do IPO, so wasn't needing that kind of intensity.
I've done several classes with Fenzi, at Bronze level, and really enjoyed the Nosework classes.
But for an excellent foundation with a young dog, I would go with Micheal Ellis.

 

[Instructor]

So I've done some more research and from the "teaser clips" that I found on U-tube I agree that Dave Kroyer and Michael Ellis have very similar styles and I like their approach to training. Dave Kroyer gets the edge for me because of his subscription platform which for only $10/Mo (about $14 Can) you get unlimited access to all his videos.

Since I do plan on doing Shutzhund However I've been told by a few people that Ivan's video "Possession Games" is a "must have" but it's $157 (about $225 Cdn). Can anyone here either tell me it's worth the $ or that Dave Kroyer's stuff is just as good ?

 

[MeadowCat]

I would highly recommend looking at courses taught by Shade Whitesel on the Fenzi academy. She has trained to a high level in IPO using positive training, and is doing a lot of work in arousal and drive in dogs. https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/schedule-and-syllabus. My agility trainer is doing a lot of training based on her work and the work of Sarah Stremming (another Fenzi trainer that I would recommend). The foundation work you can do with the techniques of both of them is something I'd recommend and apply to any sport. The differences between arousal and drive, teaching your dog to work with a clear head and focus...I really like what they both do. And the Fenzi courses are very inexpensive at the Bronze level, which is simply auditing. You could try them and see if you like them.

 

[Kelsa]

In addition to some of the suggestions above, I would look at https://gettraining.canemodog.com/

Marko is in Calgary often for seminars and training. He posted on Facebook that he’s offering a free tracking seminar in Calgary this weekend. He also has lots of free videos and reasonably priced courses on his website.

Also ask the club you will be joining, who they recommend you sign up for online courses with. They may have one person out often and not have someone else out at all.

 

[Rosamburg]

I highly recommend the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. It's not just videos, it's interactive learning with first class instructors in a variety of sports, including obedience, rally, nosework, tracking, and agility, as well as fitness and conditioning, behavior, and even photography. Instruction levels range from "learning how to learn" to "subtle tweaks to earn top scores in your sport".

They offer three levels of regular six-week-long session classes, with tuition ranging from $65 for auditing level to $260 for one-on-one individualized feedback. The next regular session starts June 1st.

Week-long workshops offer two levels, with tuition at $29.99 for auditing and $39.99 for working.

Webinars are $19.99, and area good way to dip our toes into the water.

There are also self-study options that, while they don't run live any more, are full of good information.

Not in the same class compared to Balanova or Ellis.

 

[Rosamburg]

I would advise against doing video's. Much better to visit several clubs and watch. Plenty of people out there to take your money, and video's and training theory may conflict with the training system you go with. Better to spend your time just watching performances from say the FCI or WUSV world championships. If you want to watch precision there are a number of people. Jurgen (Jogi) Zank is one of my favorite handlers to watch in obedience. There are Schutzhund clubs in the Calgary or Edmonton area that have had some success. Better to get grounded at a club BEFORE getting a puppy.

If you scroll through my clubs facebook page there are some good snippets from the most successful trainer of handlers in Canadian Schutzhund. Not to mention several top 10 finishes in the WUSV world championships as a handler, and 2 time Canadian Champion.

https://www.facebook.com/West-Coast-German-Shepherd-Schutzhund-Club-165243886826316

 

[MeadowCat]

I would advise against doing video's. Much better to visit several clubs and watch. Plenty of people out there to take your money, and video's and training theory may conflict with the training system you go with. Better to spend your time just watching performances from say the FCI or WUSV world championships. If you want to watch precision there are a number of people. Jurgen (Jogi) Zank is one of my favorite handlers to watch in obedience. There are Schutzhund clubs in the Calgary or Edmonton area that have had some success. Better to get grounded at a club BEFORE getting a puppy.

If you scroll through my clubs facebook page there are some good snippets from the most successful trainer of handlers in Canadian Schutzhund. Not to mention several top 10 finishes in the WUSV world championships as a handler, and 2 time Canadian Champion.

https://www.facebook.com/West-Coast-German-Shepherd-Schutzhund-Club-165243886826316

I'm 100% an "in person" learner myself. I'll do a webinar here or there, but I just need in person instruction. I can't imagine learning a bite sport through video. But the OP had specifically asked about videos due to everything being shut down with the pandemic... Maybe clubs are reopening some now?

 

[CRDobe]

I have to access to good in person training here in CR.
The thing I like about Micheal Ellis is that each DVD follows a sequence, as opposed to random youtube videos.
But I agree with MC about bite sports - would need to done in person.

 

[Rosamburg]

Maybe clubs are reopening some now?

My club is, unfortunately the border is closed so I am unable to attend. I also am unable to cross the border to see my significant other. I would imagine the clubs in Alberta are all open.

 

[CRDobe]

I have to access to good in person training here in CR.
The thing I like about Micheal Ellis is that each DVD follows a sequence, as opposed to random youtube videos.
But I agree with MC about bite sports - would need to done in person.

Oops, it should read I DON'T have access to in person training here.

 

[MeadowCat]

My club is, unfortunately the border is closed so I am unable to attend. I also am unable to cross the border to see my significant other. I would imagine the clubs in Alberta are all open.

I'm really sorry. That must be so awful.

 

[princess bella]

We are considering Amy Cook Fenzi academy Silver level Behavior BH150 class. Has anyone done this? Loki is dog reactive.

 

[Rosemary]

We are considering Amy Cook Fenzi academy Silver level Behavior BH150 class. Has anyone done this? Loki is dog reactive.

I've not, but I've heard lots of praise for Amy from other people. You have until the 15th to enroll.