My family thinks Obedience classes are a waste of money..

They think they are a waste of money, because we took Hershey. And just because of the Petsmart puppy classes, they think its a waste of money. And I have even looked up two obedience things, and they said right off the bat it was a waste. And I'm kinda getting bummed out about Whisper's training because she "doesn't listen" I keep getting told that. And its bumming me out, when I have done everything with postive methods, that my family doesn't like, and say it doesn't work. And, with a million different methods used, shes getting really confused! Poor puppy. But I am bummed out, and they don't think I'm doing anything right with her. So it stinks. And I stopped working with her for a while because of it. If it doesn't work, then why is she housebroken? Why has she not got kicked outside yet? Why isn't she aggressive? But ya, I'm really bummed out. Training isn't easy to do around here with my family. I don't know what to do. Thank you for reading!

just a little rant on my half.

Don't feel bad.. so do mine.... we still haven't gotten to obedience classes due to several reasons, that included. Mine expect me to miraculously be a perfect trainer just from all the reading I've done, but the truth is I suck at training and I do need someone helping me. Just be persistent. Maybe try to find a person from an obedience class who has brought their dog through it (one you are looking into) and show them the commands and tricks that dog knows, and how well-behaved he or she is. And get the dog's owner to rave about the classes?

Really, if you've got the option, just take her to calsses on your own.

As long as YOU Know how important it is, and you realize that it's helping, then YOU know whats good for you and your dogs and family. .

Ever thought of showing them show dog vids, maybe agility, flyball, one of those things, see thier reactions and say "Now look, I know at least 80% of those dogs had obed. training!"

You really need yourself, your dog, some time, a good leash, and a little book learning. I have trained all of mine without a class, but i did arm myself with a lot of discipline to do this several times a day, every day, and a bit of reading on techniques. We had a link here that was specially designed for young people and their first dog, or the first dog they are training. I will try to find it. Not having a class available is no excuse for not obedience training your dog. The good canine citizen is an excellent goal to set for both of you.

Thats my goal with Whisper, to get her a CGC. And yes, I know its no excuse not to train her. I have been, but have been very low motivated to do it. So the sessions are short. 5 minutes, or maybe a little more.

shouldn't be more then 10 minutes anyway..at first, and several times a day,at least two...learn one thing and add another...like starting with sit then sit and stay in a hallway in the home...move to the garage with the door open, look for win win situations...then heel and sit...then down and stay...make it fun, make it short, leave them wanting more. THey catch on quick enough when they get their minds around what they have to do that makes you happy. Then it gets easier. the secret to success is every day and never give a command you don't enforce.

For Lui, obedience was a waste of time. As a puppy (and even now!) he gets distracted so at obedience instead of him learning he would just get distracted by people and other dogs. So we just trained him at home! We found that home was heaps better because he was so used to everything nothing could really distract him.

That's completely true. Not all dogs are suitable to train with other dogs at an obedience club. Of course, the socialisation is great, but try and get puppy socialised another way if obedience just won't work. Not all dogs will work with one method, and whilst the general consensus is this, it's definitely not the case.
Good luck, I promise it will all work out. Dogs are usually eager to learn and with a bit of time from you it'll all work out.

Honestly, some training classes aren't worth the money. Especially places like Petsmart, unless you find yourself a really good trainer. But I find it's pretty rare and the classes that are worth paying for are a bit more pricey and hands on, with, *gasp* an expert.

What you need to do is take Whisper under your wings, and start working with her yourself. Check out some training books, do some research, look up old threads here and get crackin!

The only reason I would ever want to do a Petsmart type training class is to train during distractions. I still get a kick out of the time we went to Petsmart and there was a training class and we were watching and this man was yanking on his dogs collar, demanding it to sit and Buddy, several feet away, sitting and waiting for the next cue. That's my boy.

When I was a kid, my father thought horses, lessons and trainers were stupid.
I had a horse and that should have been good enough for me. I wanted to show so bad I could taste it, I read EVERYTHING that I could get my hands on. I picked EVERYONES brains and I watched like a hawk. I had a 3 yr old that I had started (broke) and I was 12. A friend of the family took pity on me and gave me 3 free lessons because at least she had shown a bit and was older. I trained him and then took a step off the deep end by entering in a show. Dad agreed to the me showing ONCE, and if I didn't come home with a ribbon I had to wait until I was an adult.
I entered one class on a 3 yr old that had never been trailered, never been to anything even remotely like a show, I was 12 and scared to death.
Youth Western Pleasure, 24 entries ...........we came home with 2nd place.
He couldn't stop me now!! I never looked back :lol-sign:
If there is a will, THERE IS A WAY.

How bad do you want it???

Really badly. I've been to the library, but the books are all due soon! Yipes! Thanks everyone! This helps me a lot!

The only reason I will be taking one of my dogs to PetSmart training classes is because I got a free 6 day class when I was hired there.

But other than that, I train my own dogs. I find it easier, and I can do more with them, and use different methods I prefer.