ABDT v's The Kennel Club v's Independent?

[MsRyanGosling]

Dexter is now 12 weeks old and requires some a lot of training. He seems very strong minded and driven doesn't listen , but is gorgeous and cuddly in between nips

Anyhow, my question is what would be best - an ABDT trainer who offers puppy classes or the KC staged training programmes, starting with Foundation Puppy or an independent ? Or is it a non question as it will of course vary and depend on the trainers?

He is a Bedlington Terrier.

Thanks

[muttynutty]

ABDT - from choice - some of them also do KC Good Citizens.

Whereabouts are you?

[MsRyanGosling]

Ahh didn't realise there might be a crossover.

I'm in West Yorkshire

[needastrongone]

Mixed view here

Gut reaction would be to say APDT.

However, ddog1 went through his KC good citizen tests through to gold by 11 months. Trainer only ever used praise and reward but didn't belong to any positive dog training associations, however had 30 years experience. He could see a capable dog (not especially amazing but willing) when he saw one and was happy for ddog1 to be put in for his various tests immediately after each other.

Took ddog1 to do the KC awards with a APDT instructor who was lovely, but only put the dogs in for their tests when she thought fit. Hence a rolling programme of 6 weekly lessons costing me circa £60 each time. Ddog2 is a very clever dog, he could have done his bronze at 16 weeks, I really mean that as ddog1 is only young so I have a comparison that is reasonable but I stopped going as I resented being able to do a test only when the trainer felt he was ready.

In an ideal world, a APDT person. But someone who uses positive methods, makes you feel confident, loves your dog, works within a small group and who has confidence in your dog and your own judgement worked for us.

[affafantoosh]

www.dogwelfarecampaign.org/

This website has some great information on choosing a trainer for your dog.

[Lilcamper]

At 12 weeks old I'd try to avoid calling him strong minded, he just doesn't know any better yet I'd go APDT too.

[muttynutty]

needastrongone the reasons you give are exactly why APDT is the best bet. They can recognise when the dog is ready eg not just able to carry out the requirements but not stressed and happy with the environment before they are forced into a stressful (all owners get stressed on test day!) situation of taking the test.

[Owllady]

I attend a class that aims towards the kc certs and they don't put you through until you are ready either
And God knows when we will be ready! I don't know how many six week slots I have done