I did obedience with an obedience club and I've joined a number of training clubs. I didn't like the obedience club's style it was "old school" and involved yanking a dog on their lead. One person even recommended a choke chain for Dougal! But then I discovered the joy of clicker training!
If you do plan to do agility - even if it's not competition level - a good level of basic obedience is vital. Sit, Stay, Down etc. I find this kind of obedience really important for a harmonious home life too!!
I'd definitely go for classes as well as a book. There's the socialisation as someone else said, which is HUGELY important. But also Because books can't troubleshoot the same as a good instructor can when things just aren't going right. I also find I'm a million times more motivated to work on something if I've got to go to a class once a week and everyone'll see that I haven't done my homework! LOL.
The only thing I'd suggest before you pay your hard earned money is that you check that the club you join trains using positive reinforcement methods. That way you and your dog'll both be having fun when you're training. |