Dog Trainers or Classes (Alexandria, Fairfax: neighborhood, school, camps)

[Nancy in Nokomis]

Does anyone know of any good dog training classes in the area? I need a "real" dog trainer - not those silly PetSmart type classes.

Romeo is almost 2 and he is a huge Cane Corso so I need a trainer that has experience in 100 pound powerful dogs.

Thanks for any help.

[VRE332]

You ever see that pet nanny show on HGTV

[Nancy in Nokomis]

I do watch the "pet nanny" show called "Its Me or The Dog" - which I am sure my husband would love to say those exact words.

I just need real help in person -

[blossom4792]

Years ago I sent a dog to the Olde Towne (Old Town?) School for Dogs in Alexandria. It was a fortune, but really worth it.But then more recently I had asked some people in my dog rescue for a recommendation or behaviorist (also my vet) and they were stumped. Everyone is controversial in some way. Techniques really differ and there are very different "camps" about how to train dogs. But if you like your vet, ask him/her.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

I went to a dog trainer class through Pender Vet and the woman was great. Romeo passed that class but he needs a more advanced class and he has a barking problem - barks at everything.

[EuroExpat]

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

Romeo passed that class but he needs a more advanced class and he has a barking problem - barks at everything.

Please let us know if you figure out how to get rid of that problem. We have a large dog that barks a lot (not all the time but when people walk by our window, not fun for little kids), we tried the spray collar which was completely useless. Not sure if I want to even consider an electric collar, there has to be a better way. Oh, the dog won't bark if I stand next to it and tell "no".

[springfieldva]

Originally Posted by EuroExpat

Please let us know if you figure out how to get rid of that problem. We have a large dog that barks a lot (not all the time but when people walk by our window, not fun for little kids), we tried the spray collar which was completely useless. Not sure if I want to even consider an electric collar, there has to be a better way. Oh, the dog won't bark if I stand next to it and tell "no".

This is going to sound so mean. But when our Golden Retriever was very young, she would stand outside our sliding glass door and just bark, bark, bark to be let in. She was fine (and so was the weather) she just wanted in.

One day, I had just let her outside when she started in on her barking. I took two pot lids, stood right by the door (but just out of her sight). When she barked, I banged the lids. Bark, BANG! Bark, BANG! She didn't like the noise at all. When she was quiet, I let her in. After a few days she stopped barking and we haven't had the trouble since.

[EuroExpat]

Originally Posted by springfieldva

This is going to sound so mean. But when our Golden Retriever was very young, she would stand outside our sliding glass door and just bark, bark, bark to be let in. She was fine (and so was the weather) she just wanted in.

One day, I had just let her outside when she started in on her barking. I took two pot lids, stood right by the door (but just out of her sight). When she barked, I banged the lids. Bark, BANG! Bark, BANG! She didn't like the noise at all. When she was quiet, I let her in. After a few days she stopped barking and we haven't had the trouble since.

Not mean at all, sounds a heck of a lot better than an electric shock to the neck. Gotta try that one, thanks for the idea! Ours does the same, wants to go out then stands behind the glass door and barks to be let in. Quite annoying for everyone.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

I am going to try the pots and pans method. Those spray collars do not work - and I do have an electric collar that I used on my other dog for another problem - even at the highest setting - she did not even feel it - she is another muscular 100 pounder but she is now older and is well-behaved.
We have the same thing - the dog stands at the glass sliding door and wants to come in even though it is nice outside - he gets a lot of attention but sometimes I like to have him outside -
He also barks at every passer by like he owns the neighborhood.

[springfieldva]

Hope the pan lids work! If not, you could also try shaking coins in a glass jar (my dog hates that) or even a whistle.