Dog Health Questions: What "chain" dog training service is best?

My husband and I got a Bichon / Toy Poodle mix and would like to get her some training. There are a couple businesses that are offered in the U.S. like BarkBusters.com & BetterDog.com Does anyone have any information/reviews/suggestion if these places are worth the money? They are a little costly! Or if you have any suggestion of services they would be greatlu appreciated! We live in Southeast Michigan. Thanks in advance!

Guard Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Why not get some references from them and ask their customers. You can then find out directly from others that have taken classes with them as to which you prefer. Also ask them how long they have been training and what methods they use. Usually chains offer re-classes if you don't get the results but if you are having trouble and can afford it they can be well worth the money :)

Dog Training Ebook Review - SitStayFetch

• That really can't be answered. Every trainer is different no matter what company their from. Do your research and find a trainer that works best for you and your dog...good luck!


• I don't have experience with either of those you mentioned, but if you ask your vet, he/she can probably recommend an independent trainer.
  
  I don't know what you consider 'costly', but I paid $125 for each set of 6 puppy classes, and it was worth every penny.


• Do NOT use one of those classes. The instructors are not qualified to teach, and they are a total waste of money. Contact your local kennel club. They can refer you to a reputable trainer. Most kennel clubs offer obedience classes on a regular basis.


• You ultimately are the one who needs be trained also. If you pay to train you animal you must follow up on the training. I personally train my animals myself.
  
  Remember they can train but you must follow up. You could rather than spend big money just go down to a pet store and ask who local can help you teach you animal.


• I don't know about a better dog, but BarkBusters does not have a good reputation from what I've heard. I have numerous friends who are trainers who have had customers come to them after getting training with BB- in spite of the fact that they offer a lifetime guarantee so going back to them would have been free.
  
  Here is a list of trainers for Michigan that I would recommend:
  Michigan
  Patty L Crichton, B.S.
  Northwoods Dog Training LLC
  northern Michigan and beyond
  Email: dogtraining@hotmail.com
  
  Carolyn DeFiore, CDBC
  Positive Way Dog Training
  Belleville, MI
  
  Devene Godeau
  Trainers Academy, LLC
  Serving Southeast MI
  
  Sarah Grimm, CPDT
  Think Pawsitive Dog Training, LLC
  Ann Arbor and surrounding areas
  
  Lisa Laney, Dip. DTBC, CPDT, CBC
  Trainers Academy
  Serving Southeastern MI
  
  Denise Lukacs
  The Pet Teacher
  Serving Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties
  Email: ThePetTeacher@netzero.com
  Phone: 248-232-3655 248-232-3655
  
  Terri Mallett, CPDT
  Michigan Humane Society
  Email: tmallett@michiganhumane.org
  Free Behavior Help Line 248-650-0127 248-650-0127
  
  Beth Moody
  To The Rescue! K9 College
  Clio, MI and serving Southern Lower Michigan
  
  Linda Nichols, CPDT
  Fido FUNdamentals LLC
  Training Dogs * Educating Owners
  serving Howell, Brighton, and other Livingston County
  Phone: 517-540-9684 517-540-9684
  Cell: 248-982-6645 248-982-6645 cell
  Email: lknichols@sbcglobal.net
  
  Lynda Reese, CPDT
  Private, in-home training in the Gladstone and Escanaba areas
  Phone: 906- 359-4327 906- 359-4327
  Email: updogtrainer@yahoo.com
  
  Laura Rescoe
  Positive Way Dog Training
  Southeast Michigan
  
  Janet A. Smith, Owner
  Good Dog! Training
  Okemos, MI