If you used Best Friends dog training

Would you mind FMing me or posting here with your experience?

TIA

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

I haven't but by posting that, you got some good related threads in the list below

It was a popular topic when Kimmie was posting, I think she even works there.

Good luck!

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

I know that HeatherRose used them and loved them...

I know they will work, and work well, I am just afraid that we won't be able to afford it

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

sorry I never FM'd you back!

I love them, they came and within one week I saw a HUGE difference.

its not cheap but $300 or so goes towards the collar. I interviewed I thin 10 companies (some were with the collar some with just the leash) and we went with them because overall they covered what we needed, and had the group classes for LIFE! no one else offers that. group classes are 3x a week. 2 are in suffolk wed in farmingdale at 7:30 and Sudays in bayshore at a park I think at 9 or 10, and Saturdays at a park in wantagh

Call them LB. they will come and do a free consultation. we used Derek but all the trainers are excellent! I think it was $825

we liked the collar so much better then the leash because the dog would always have to have the darn leash on and if I didn't get to him quick enough to stop his action, he would do whatever bad thing he was attempting to do. with the collar (and I swear it doesn't hurt them) you have a button and your response is immediately as they are doing the bad thing. If you have them come, they will show you how light the shock really is. I posted on here looking for recommendations of companies that didn't use it. But after some research of the harm the constant chocking the leash does to the dog and long term effects, I decided on the collar instead. The best part about it is, your dog doesn't need a leash ever except when your out in public. the dog leans everything off the leash. so when people come over you can just tell her to go to place, and she will go to her "place" and stay there. you don't have to get the leash out and hold her back etc.

your free to come over and see my dog and see how well its worked. he's only 8 months old and listens really well!

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

Although they're very popular, and a vendor, there are other less expensive options people have posted about here.

This trainer is one I'm interested in, although I don't know anyone who has used him. We do our own training but I'm almost tempted to contact him for the free session offer, if only to see if he'd be a good recommendation.

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

I also want to add about the collar, that you should do you research, there is much more harm in using a chock collar or the pinch collars then this one.

I also have a pitbull, who is extremely strong and nothing else was working for us when we hired them. I also knew, when he is fully grown, I personally would not have the strength to push him down or off of a person, or pull him away from something if he was to attempt anything, even just licking their face. He's a pit and most people have an issue with them to begin with. while he is a huge mush and loves to kiss your face, having a large pit jump on you, would scare almost anyone! For those reasons, we went with best friends and the use of the collar.

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

I agree, do your research on the benefits and harm of specific types of collars and training, and then decide what is best for you and your dog. I would not choose Best Friends for my dogs because I've done my research too, and made that informed choice for my dogs. I've never put anyone down for using them, it's just not a choice I would make.

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

We took our Maverick at 3 months old. It was the best thing we ever did. We worked with Vinny one on one. Then he went to group classes every sat. We havent been there for awhile but Maverick is VERY good.

I agree with PP research the collars. At first we were nervous to use the collar but in the training classes you are also trained on HOW to use the collar correctly.

I was skeptical when they claimed your dog can be off leash. Well Maverick is. He can go and play frisbee in a field and he is awesome!!!!!!!

Good luck!

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

Message edited 8/31/2010 1:46:11 PM.

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

My neighbor also used them and loved them. However I would be conscious about the whole "no leash" philos. they have. The leash is for control & so is their collar, so technically I think it should be referred to as an "invisible leash" - which is good if you plan going to a lot of open fields, etc. I personally had them come to my house to evaulate Maggie in the beginning and I didn't like the person who came. I felt like it was a life insurance sales pitch. He was trying to convince me that she was an aggressive dog by shoving his thumb on her tongue - which drove her nuts. We used a traditional trainer who worked with difficult dogs at NSAL and we were very happy with the results.

Message edited 8/31/2010 1:45:08 PM.

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

Message edited 8/31/2010 3:45:08 PM.

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

Posted by greenfreak

Posted by lbride

We used a traditional trainer who worked with difficult dogs at NSAL and we were very happy with the results.

Can you share their information? I always talk to strangers about the dogs and I'd love to have a good recommendation to give.

eta: don't mean to hijack but I think LB can use the info too

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

Sure - we used http://www.beyondpetsittingny.com/

They are family owned and operated and have services ranging from pet sitting to boarding to training. We used Matthew for training. Him and his wife were both trainers with NSAL for years. Matthew came as a rec from my aunt who also works at NSAL and fosters some of the more aggressive/needier dogs - Matthew worked with some of her dogs.

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

"He believes that not every dog can fit into a singular "method" of training and evaluates each dog and/or situation in order to formulate an effective training approach."

Awesomeness.

They're going to be at a street fair in New Hyde Park on 9/12.

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

Re: If you used Best Friends dog training

We used them. I have only great things to say. We had Frank come to the house for lessons and then we went to group classes. (allthough we have been slacking going to group class because of our schedules)
Any questions, ask away.