Well, I could not find any other trainers in my area. There is NOTHING around here.....some in Salt Lake City, but right now, I really cannot afford to drive that far for classes...not to mention, I've never even driven up there and I'm a chicken.

So, in doing what I *can* for Nebo, I went to Petsmart. I, apparently in the minority here, actually enjoyed the class. I went through the Puppy Class, and just recently the Basic Obedience. I plan on doing the Advanced too, after he's a bit more mature.

I'm sure it varies with the trainer in each area. I had the other trainer as a substitute a couple of times, and I really did not like her.

The trainers that ran the classes seemed to depend on foods/treats. To some people, that's fine but to me, I'd rather Kai learn that I am the boss not just when I have food.
Which class did you take? For the puppy class we did rely heavily on food. I don't see what's so horrible about that. The pup is happy to work for a reward! I've always used lots of treats for Nebo. But he will work without a treat JUST FINE.....I weaned him off of them....so he does *not* have to see a treat to do what he's told, he doesn't even have to receive one at all. It's possible to use treats to train a dog and have them still know you are the boss and work for you, I promise. And I think clicker training works great!

Guess that's just my opinion though.