Free dog training??? ((idea))

Lightwingcreations · 05-26-2007, 07:54 PM

There is a thread started by Curbside here in the general forum that has stemmed a bunch of ideas from different people.

http://www.dogforums.com/2-general-d...-solution.html (Keeping dogs in homes, a solution...maybe?)

Instead of hijacking the thread I decided to ask about one of my ideas anew.

Has anybody ever heard of, or experienced, a free volunteer dog training class for people who maybe can't afford to pay for lessons?

I'm wondering if it were something that has been tried or is available currently. I ask because I wonder how many people who have adopted or bought dogs from less than reputable places, that don't educate or inform the purchasers, would be more willing to spend the time to train their dog. It's just an idea that sprung up from the debate in the above stated thread.

Do you think it would work to have a mix of people and their dogs, say, in a park or something with someone who could help them learn to train their dogs?

I want opinions.

Jen D · 05-26-2007, 08:02 PM

That is a great idea! I would if I were you make sure the classes are kept small at first. I hav egone to alot of houses ot train dogs and their people and it has worked out well. I wold rather give free classes to help out owners and dogs just so they get off ona great start.

Dogstar · 05-26-2007, 08:03 PM

A place I train with used to offer free training for all rescues (with proof of adoption). they've had to stop, since it was getting out of control (we had a beginner class of 40 one month) but it's now only $35. I am NOT thrilled with their training method (traditional, correction based) BUT they are always running, always available to answer questions, and it's good to tell people to just show up there on the right night, versus constant start/stop of other training places, so I recommend them to people as long as I think their dog is mentally tough (ie no puppies, no hounds- the class is actually mostly lab and shepherds and mixes most of the time, with a significant portion being dogs that got no training until 18 months and bad habits had set in pretty well) enough to handle it and the owner is responsible enough to NOT be sadistic with corrections.

It depends on your community, though.

Lightwingcreations · 05-26-2007, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogstar

A place I train with used to offer free training for all rescues (with proof of adoption). they've had to stop, since it was getting out of control (we had a beginner class of 40 one month) but it's now only $35. I am NOT thrilled with their training method (traditional, correction based) BUT they are always running, always available to answer questions, and it's good to tell people to just show up there on the right night, versus constant start/stop of other training places, so I recommend them to people as long as I think their dog is mentally tough (ie no puppies, no hounds- the class is actually mostly lab and shepherds and mixes most of the time, with a significant portion being dogs that got no training until 18 months and bad habits had set in pretty well) enough to handle it and the owner is responsible enough to NOT be sadistic with corrections.

It depends on your community, though.

I live in the Dallas Metroplex so there are tons (and I do mean tons) of dogs and people. I'm just wondering who would show up to such training classes. Would it entice the type people that usually end up surrendering or abandoning their dogs because they have become too much of a "bother"? I'm trying to think of a way to educate people about dogs that might have a fair chance of working and lasting. The big goal being that less dogs go to shelters, more dogs get neutered, and less abuse occurs. It kills me to see so many people disregard an animal because "it's just an animal", I hate that mentality. I'm starting to get hot under the collar and rant

so I'll go put myself in a time out for a few minutes

JusTaGirL · 05-26-2007, 09:05 PM

I think its a GREAT idea!!!!!!!!!!

I do think that the type of people that give up there animals would most likely not attend because they dont want to put out the effort/time witch is why the dog is not trained properly in the first place,but if you could somehow pull off takeing there dogs out to train on your own it might pervent it.Then again you need to train the owner more then the dog so that might not work ethier.My opinon is not very importent seeing as i have only owned a few dogs and my current dog has a few issues that i need to deal with(more like i have a few issues but you get my point).

I know that i cant afford it(but all cut back on grocerys/and other expences to pay for it)and if i had a chance to attend a free section i would not pass it up for the world.

You our a very good person for even thinking of this and i really respect you

your dog is so beautiful!!! I love the markings its almost like face paint(sorry to be off topic)

Dogstar · 05-26-2007, 09:16 PM

Quick- I'm in DFW too. :P This class is ABOTC. Other local low-cost alternatives I send folks are DTCDC and DOTC (but they tend to have fewer classes). I'm trying to start something (It won't be free, but it will be relatively low cost- frankly, I can't afford to teach for free, my experience has been that people do not LISTEN to free instructors, and I feel it's unfair to undercut the other instructors trying to make a living by TOO much) locally- email/pm me if you want details.

Curbside Prophet · 05-26-2007, 10:12 PM

How about free, if you qualify, or low cost if you qualify? The qualifications can be anything from being a senior citizen (yes Grandpaw RonE, maybe you and Esther can qualify for a free class), or free if you adopt...something along those lines. But I tend to agree with Dogstar on this one, some people make a living at helping dogs with owners, lol. If there's a way to pay for their service yet keep the classes free, that would be a good thing, but I'm not sure where the money would come from.

Quincy · 05-27-2007, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightwingcreations

Has anybody ever heard of, or experienced, a free volunteer dog training class for people who maybe can't afford to pay for lessons?

Here is something which offers a FREE training course plus rebates on dog licenses this to everyone in the County, and I've heard some other Cities and Counties over there offer similar programs, see via this link address:-
http://www.egipps.vic.gov.au/Page/pa...age_Id=160&h=0

By the way, I've also heard that $1 from every dog license goes toward this, where team of 65 trained Pet Educator with their dogs go to schools around the State, see this page via this link and then have a look through the site:-
http://www.pets.info.vic.gov.au/01/tres.htm
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opokki · 05-27-2007, 02:16 AM

I think free classes for those who qualify and low cost classes for all others would be ideal if that were a possibility. If you were to offer free classes for all I think there might be an issue with some people not taking the classes seriously, not showing up most of the time, and too many people signing up without enough trainers.

The SPCA here used to offer free puppy kindergarten classes and discounted classes for adult dogs who were adopted from a shelter. Many of the local trainers also offer discounted classes for dogs adopted from a shelter.

Jen D · 05-27-2007, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curbside Prophet

How about free, if you qualify, or low cost if you qualify? The qualifications can be anything from being a senior citizen (yes Grandpaw RonE, maybe you and Esther can qualify for a free class), or free if you adopt...something along those lines. But I tend to agree with Dogstar on this one, some people make a living at helping dogs with owners, lol. If there's a way to pay for their service yet keep the classes free, that would be a good thing, but I'm not sure where the money would come from.

When I did my rescue i only had two or three dogs in my house at a timeand when the dogs wen t to their new homes i took them there and we stayed intouch with the new puppie owners. All the years I did this I only got one call and had tto relocate tht one. Ij just felt good showing these dogs that their is a life.

Quincy · 05-27-2007, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opokki

If you were to offer free classes for all I think there might be an issue with some people not taking the classes seriously, not showing up most of the time, and too many people signing up without enough trainers.

Yes things do happen, maybe even a dog being unwell on the day where they cannot attend. In the program I mentioned, those who do not complete the course and pass are NOT issued with a certificate, the certificate obtains a rebate on dog licenses with the County, when I looked it costs "Unsterilised male/female $124.00" but for those who have "Dog Obedience Certificate $31.00", this maybe an incentive to complete and pass the course, if not then maybe later on after they receive their next dog license renewal. Keep in mind that this program involves the County working in conjunction with the Training Club.

On looking at the 8 week program I see it's not just socialising and obedience training at the club, but also includes things like "We will also have a town walk" which sounds like a fun club outing and maybe some test, but prior they mention people are - "expected to put in 10 minutes at least a day in training your dog in your own time. Try not to limit your training to the back yard. Take your dog around the streets, practice the exercises, make your dog sit at road crossings, do not let your dog become distracted by unusual sights and sounds. Take your dog to as many different locations as possible, main shopping areas, sports grounds where games are under way etc."

Also in the program I see - "Each week bring along a folding chair or rug for your comfort during lectures", then I see "Lectures from local vets and club members on how to care for your dog’s needs." and "Learn from the Local Council Representative on how to be responsible for your dog within the community." Well I think I get the picture of what this Responsible Dog Ownership Program is about.

Also I noticed the club mentions - "Leather or webbing collar & lead - No check chains/correction collars allowed", and they also mention "Allow people to gently handle your dog while you have the dog completely under control. Use your positive reinforcer (food, toy or ball etc) and your voice to achieve this. All of this conditions the dog to all manner of situations."
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