Empire of the Dog?

[sugar]

I've been thinking of enrolling Chubs in a group training class for basic manners (keep him happy and social, work on his manners and esp. leash walking, if he passes that certificate of passing would look really great in his doggie resume for future apt. hunting).

I was thinking about Wag The Dog w/ Inna because Mary mentioned how great they are, but I'm also thinking of another place called Empire of the Dog (http://empireofthedog.com/nyc/index.html).

Anyone heard anything about this place? I love the idea of besides the basic manners class they offer a 'Street Smarts' class (teaching your dog how to properly navigate through the city streets,how to behave in outdoor cafes and bistros...etc.) and a "Clicker Tricks" class (silly tricks like belly-crawl, sit pretty, spin..etc).

Anybody heard anything good or bad about this place (was orginally thinking of doing basic manners with Inna and then the two special extra classes at Empire, but it all depends on when the next Basic Manners course is for Inna).

[maryellen]

never heard of them, but you should go watch some of their classes before you sign up, this way you see them in action and can decide if their way of training is what you are looking for before paying them.

[sugar]

Yeah, I emailed asking if I could audit a class (sans Chubs ovbiously) just to make sure it is a right fit for us. They also seem to offer a short (90 min) "Shelter Dog" class for $30 to help strenghten the bond and communication between shelter dogs and their new people. Was thinking of taking that one (since its not as pricey as the $200 manners class) and see how Chubs responds to the trainer (if I like what I see when I audit a class first, almost like a test run with Chubs).

[RealPitBull]

I wouldn't recommend Empire of the Dog, and it is my understanding that she has minimal breed experience.

[sugar]

Really? Ok, I'm still waiting to hear back from Inna at Wag the Dog.
Also, since its been years since I've taken a dog to training classes, how common is it for your dog to have to come in before officially signing up (to make sure the dog is compatible with the class)?
I ask because I've known people who always claim their dog is super friendly and non-aggresive only to later find out that was a lie. I would just hate to sign up and pay and find out another dog in class is going nuts or that Chubs isn't as dog friendly as I think or something like that.

[sugar]

Also, do you think Wag the Dog would be better suited for me and Chubs to take some basic manners classes? I know hers are clicker type (Empire of the Dog's Denise Herman just said positive and humane, but didn't specify when after I asked in an email).

I am looking for someone who 'gets' pits where I don't have to worry about Chubs being hurt physically or emotionally (sad, but I'm still traumatized from that trainer I took my rottie to almost a decade ago)

[RealPitBull]

I personally don't meet dogs before they sign up, but I try to "vet" them to make sure they are compatible. IF something happens and the dog gets to class and I feel that it is the wrong setting for the dog, I will refund the money to the student and then suggest other avenues (private training, etc). but that honestly has not happened yet.

[sugar]

I think Chubs would be a good candidate as he has never shown signs of aggression (and the rescue said the same and even that he played with other rescue pups there) and is a total love-bug with strangers and kids.
Can't wait to hear back from Wag the Dog now, thx a bunch for letting me know (figured a pro trainer would know who to go to and who to avoid).

[RealPitBull]

I think Denise Herman is lure-reward.

Inna, btw, is not a Pit Bull person, but she has spent a lot of time researching the breed and very much "gets" them. To quote her, she went through a period where she was "obsessed" with them and learning as much as she could about them.

Inna is a staunch positive reinforcement clicker trainer. We pretty much have identical training philosphies. You can feel safe being in her hands, she wouldn't do anything to harm Chubs emotionally or physically. Yes, Inna is a good friend of mine, but she really is a good trainer too, and I feel very comfortable sending you and Chubs to her.

Nothing against Denise Herman, I just like to try to send Pit Bull parents to trainers who I know have some education on the breed.

[sugar]

Spoke with Inna and Chubs and I are signing up for their Basic Manners session that starts next Weds! For the next 6 Weds after, and she recommended hot dog bits for Chubs which he will basically do sommersaults for (but will make the drive home very very VERY stinky!)
Besides the better manners, this is going to be really good to add to Chubby's doggie resume when the bf and I go apt. hunting!

[michele5611]

That is exciting news for you and Chubs. Can't wait to hear all about how it goes! I have only met Ina a couple times but she was very nice and I am sure she will love Chubs.

[RealPitBull]

I actually just got off the phone with Inna, and she mentioned she spoke with you and that you seem super nice I told her what a good dog mom I think you are and that you and Chubs will do great in class.

[sugar]

I'm really excited about this, Inna said that the class was Chubs and another pit, two Frenchies and a Yorkie. Funny little mix, lol. Good size class, not too big.

[michele5611]

Sounds like fun! I love Frenchies and their big ole bat ears.