Dog Obedience Classes? (Austin: home, prices, store)

[aaauger]

Does anyone know of affordable dog obedience classes in Central or South Austin? We're especially looking for ones that allow kids to attend (with the parents).

[woodinvilleguy]

we used bark busters for in home training. I think I have a discount code somewhere if you are interested.

[pwherman512]

We used Exoor on Brodie Lane. They are wonderful people, good price, and they trained our once CRAZY dog to be a good dog! There were several kids in all of the classes, and the instructors did a wonderful job of including them! (512) 891-9393

[aaauger]

Yeah, we have a crazy dog too - an Australian cattle dog who is strong and does just what he pleases. For now. Thanks for the suggestions.

[faithr]

I don't have suggestions on who to go to, but since you have a cattle dog (also called a thinking dog by some dog trainers as herding dogs are thinking dogs), make certain that you go somewhere that has experience with herding or thinking dogs. Herding dogs can not be trained in the same way that lab or goldens are trained. They are not pleasers, but thinkers. Bear this in mind.

[aaauger]

That's interesting. I wonder if there are any books on the difference in mentality. The staff member at Exmoor had a cattle dog and said their training program works for this breed. Even if it's a standard obedience class, I can ask about specific needs for cattle dogs (or follow-on training). We'd like to get into agility with him. I think we'd all enjoy it.

Exmoor, BTW, offers 1) Obedience and 2) Good Citizen. The price for Obedience is $89 for 6 evening classes. A great value.

[DogTrainer2]

Australian cattle dogs have a huge ball drive, which is an innate trait, they need to "work" to fill secure and balanced. They do not neccessarily need a different type of training, just different motivators such as a ball, his favorite toy, agility course, or play time at the end of the session. Agility training would be great for him, when they can not "work" he will get bored, and frustrated which will cause hime to be unbalanced and eventually insecure which could have a negative impact on him. How old his he? Do you have access to anyone who has cattle, to let him drive cattle? If not that is fine you can get him into Agility Competition, and it would work just as well. They are great dogs, and can be excpetional companions when they are understood correctly. There are books you can get from a Petsmart or other pet specailty store they are full of all kinds of good information about specific breeds such as the Australian cattle dog.

[readymade]

Isn't Bark Busters, like, $500? I'm curious about dog training as well. My (albeit small) dog jumps on people ALL THE TIME! Plus she's a maniac in the car.

But, I'm very much wondering about prices. Any suggestions that include prices would be great.