Dog obedience/training classes

jalestine

Does anyone know roughly the cost of dog training/obedience classes? The websites I've looked at so far do not have any indication of cost. Strange. I've sent them messages, just got to wait for replies, but I'd like to have a general idea, as I'm hoping to convince another person to take some classes.
Bit of a unique situation: I take a neighbour's dog out and his behaviour is impeccable. He's a border collie x, so thrives on human interaction, tasks and praise. Unfortunately, his owner's handling is totally unsuitable - too scared to left him off the lead, doesn't give him any punchy instructions, etc. I tried to help him, but he ran out of patience with my advice, so I was just glad that he was taking the dog out (his previous dogs never went beyond the gate). However, I really think he needs to change as he is receiving more hostility from local ppl, and at the wkend a man was threatening toward him becos his dog was scaring his son.
If he can better understand his dog, he will not encounter this type of reaction. I will of course have to persuade him to go, but I think if I speak to his [grown-up] children, there's a good chance he will go.

Wellyboots6

I think it will vary depending on the type of class.

I have been to classes ranging from £2-£15 per class depending on whether it was a charity run class, obedience, activity based etc.

Some places will let you pay each time you attend, others will want you to pay each month in advance.

Some will be ongoing classes, some will be in blocks e.g. a 6 week course.

It sounds like a class based around the Good Citizens award might be suitable, as they will look as much at the owners behaviour and attitudes to dog ownership as they will at the dogs behaviour.

Make sure the owner checks out a range of places though and gets a feel for how the classes are taught e.g. positive training methods, experience of the instructor, size of class etc

krlyr

I would say on average around here, it's £60 for a 6 week course - so £10 a lesson. I do live in Surrey though so probably the higher end of prices nationally.

jalestine

Thanks a lot. Good Citizens - that sounds ideal. The owner is a bit miserly (!), but his son may see the classes will be worthwhile.

Person_one

Honestly, it sounds like you're onto a loser here.

Even if you could make them go, you can't make them take anything on board.

jalestine

It will be hard, but that's why I thought a third party expert type of person might help. It was 2yrs ago when I got involved with him and his wife re. their dog, and it has been challenging and frustrating, but worth it becos this dog's life is nothing like his unfortunate predecessor's. I have managed to change their attitude re. taking dogs out (he'd said previously that dogs don't need to go out; u can exercise them at home (!!!!!!??!!) ).

It's just this final hurdle to jump. But I see the look on his face shutting down when I start talking about border collies' energy and intelligence. He may listen to s.o. new with credibility.

His neighbour previously kept going on about their treatment of the dog (tethering him, etc), but she didn't call the rspca and nor did she try to help them. I think ppl should 'interfere' - it will change a dog's life for the better. It's worth trying.

jalestine

Mentioned it today...went down like a lead balloon (and haven't even told him costs yet)