I attended a PetsMart Basic Puppy Manners class with Moki
and we both loved it & learned from it.We then took an Advanced
Puppy class(same instructor) and Moki & I learned even more.
It probably depends on the instructor you happen you choose to
run the class. Our instructor was excellent. I chose an afternoon
class that was less crowded (used 1 hr vacation time once a
week for classes). She has since left to open her own dog
training school. Here's what she says about choosing a trainer;

How to Select a Dog Trainer or Instructor

by Laura VanArendonk Baugh, www.CaninesInAction.com
There are many people calling themselves dog trainers, but you shouldn't trust your dog to just any of them! There is no licensing body for trainers and no formal education. Training is traditionally a trade learned through apprenticing and self-teaching, so it's important to choose your trainer carefully.

Although there is no licensing body for trainers, there are several professional organizations. Ask what professional memberships your potential trainer holds. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers offers a voluntary certification program for trainers; look for the initials CPDT.
Trainers also attend conferences and workshops to learn new techniques, practice handling different types of dogs or other animals and generally further their education. Feel free to ask what they've done lately.
Ask for references and call recent graduates to see what they thought of their experiences.
Attend a class to observe before enrolling. Most trainers will happily allow this; if you encounter a trainer who won't let you see a class without paying first, you probably didn't want him anyway. Use this time to look at the attitudes of both dogs and humans. Training should be fun! It should not resemble drill work. If the dogs are not performing well, or if they are performing well but are miserable, or if the humans are miserable, this is not the class for you.
While you're there, observe how the trainer teaches. Instructors should explain the new behaviors clearly, demonstrating with a dog from class and perhaps their own dogs. Questions should be addressed promptly and clearly, and personal attention should be given as the class practices on their own.
Your instructor should allow all family members or others who regularly interact with the dog to attend. The dog is a member of the family; allowing only one person to train is preparing the dog to fail with others in the household.
Make sure you are comfortable with the methods used. No training method should ever cause pain or endanger a dog; avoid anyone who hits, kicks, hangs, or otherwise abuses a dog. Trainers should be friendly to the owners, too – make sure the one you choose is approachable and encourages communication.
Your trainer should teach methods which your entire family can use. Each family member should be able to effectively work with the dog, regardless of age, size or physical strength.
Finally, follow your instincts. If a trainer just feels wrong, trust that feeling. When you really connect with someone, you'll feel it!


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