Looks like we have the exact same views on this Dixie. I also hate the Koehler method. I hate choke chains with a passion too. Ugh, they make me cringe when a dog turns up loose at the shelter wearing one. Anyway, I don't hate *all* people who use these methods, but I do hate some. Hate is a strong word I guess but I am very passionate about my beliefs. I love everyone here at Pet Talk though, and if you are one of the ones who use one of these methods, I am sure you do it the right way. I just don't really agree with it.

We use all positive reinforcement at the shelter. I feel it is the absolute best way to train dogs. That is just my opinion though. You can start to see results pretty quickly with some things, while others (like leash walking) may take a bit longer. We have had some very untrained dogs come into the shelter: dogs that are over a year old who pull so hard on the leash your hands turn red, who jump all over you, who are mouthy, and some who are dominant on top of all that. We patiently take them through our positive reinforcement training and the results I have seen are amazing. So I feel this way not only works well, but also is not cruel. If wanted, I could post some exammples of how we train.

As far as clicker training, I never understood why people do it. I mean, there's nothing wrong with it, but it works the same way as a mark word. And since you always have your voice, but not always a clicker, I think the mark word is a lot better. I also use "YES!" as my mark word Dixie

So basically I would look for an obedience class that doesn't use choke chains and does use positive reinforcement.