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!
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!