Ask friends and co-workers: If they have taken their dogs to training classes, ask them what they liked or didn’t like. Ask strangers: If you are out for a walk and see someone with a particularly well-behaved dog, ask them where they train. Call your veterinarian: If you ask him, he might have an opinion on who trains the best-behaved dogs in his office. Call the local Humane Society: Some of them offer training classes or can refer you to organizations in your area. (Community colleges, recreation department, etc.). Check the phone book: Those big advertisements in the phone book are expensive, so don’t skip the one in small print. They may be excellent, just not quite so financially successful. Go to a local obedience show: You’ll find lots of well-behaved dogs and their owners will be happy to share their wisdom and recommend a trainer in your area. Check with breed organizations: The American Kennel Club (AKC): Publishes a brochure to help owners find the training program that is right for their dog. It includes geographical listing of obedience and dog training clubs. To get your copy, contact AKC customer service at 919-233-9767 - The National American Eskimo Dog Association list Eskie clubs in most states.Cost considerations When you pay for training, make sure you are paying for results. It is better to spend money on a top-notch dog-training program than to waste your money chasing a bargain, and then have to pay more money for a good trainer somewhere down the line. Vaccination requirements Ask if the dogs are required to be vaccinated prior to the class and, if so, which vaccines are required. Make sure you and your vet are comfortable with the vaccination requirements. Should you send your dog away to be trained? No. The idea of doing this is sometimes a scam predicated on kenneling the dog so that the training company can charge you even more money. A skill dog trainer can train your dog and get him responding in a very impressive manner in a couple days, but when he gives him back to you, your dog is going to say "I’ve never had to do anything you said before! Why should I start now?" You must find a dog trainer who will teach YOU how to train YOUR DOG. Should you have a dog trainer come to your house? No. It is going to work much better if you learn to train your dog in a neutral territory. The only time it would be appropriate is when you have serious behavior problem at home. The trainer can then better deal with the behavior where it is needed the most, at home. Should you have private or group sessions? Group sessions are preferable because they provide the much-needed socialization with other dogs and people, which is absolutely essential for Eskies. Why you should avoid the big chain pet store dog training programs? Because in most cases, the trainers you’ll encounter have only 2 to 3 months’ experience. They have been recruited through a newspaper ad and put through a quick training program. There is no way that you can become a professional dog trainer without apprenticing with several experience dog trainers, over an acceptable period of time. Observe a class before you sign up. Any good dog training organization will allow and encourage you (without your dog) to observe a class prior to making the decision to enroll. Get a feel for the class; it’s location, number and size of dogs, level of ability, trainer’s attitude. In a well-run class, dogs and people will be enjoying themselves and having a successful learning experience. Look for an instructor who is approachable, courteous to both dogs and people. Attending a class also gives you the opportunity to ask clients how they feel about their experience. If you think you would fit in, sign up. If it is not working – LEAVE. It is so important that you and your dog both have a good time. A strong willed dog may not learn from a soft trainer. A timid little dog would be shell shocked by a military style trainer. There are trainers for every style of dogs (and owners), so spend a little time finding the one who works for you. A skilled trainer will: Provide a clear explanation of each lesson Demonstrate the techniques that you will be teaching to your dogs Provide written handouts on how to teach the techniques (hopefully) Give you ample time in class to begin practicing the day’s lesson. Assist you individually with proper implementation of techniques Will use techniques and training styles compatible with your dog’s temperament. Will have experience with Eskies or other northern breeds.Are you comfortable with the training tools and methods used by the trainer? A skilled and professional dog trainer employs humane training methods which are not harmful to the dog and avoid the practices of hanging, beating, shocking and all similar procedures or training devices that could cause the dog great pain or distress. You have the absolute right to stop any trainer who in your opinion is causing your dog undue harm or distress. A positive reinforcement approach is highly recommended. What kind of training is available? Puppy/preschool Obedience: Basic obedience – Pre Novice – Novice – Advanced novice – Open – Utility Agility: Beginner – Intermediate - Advanced Canine good Citizens Therapy dog Flyball Tricks Behavior modification Obedience competition Conformation/handling 
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