There are several different "Titles" and/or "Labels" for training. With Obedience, you may have basic and advanced. With that you can have different trials, utility work, like hurdles, climbing ladders, walls.... You also have Search and rescue, tracking and so on. But most people just want their dogs to listen! So a Basic Obedience class is all they need. Some places like to get people into a "puppy" class. But this really isn't necessary. You can go to the Library and check out books about puppies. And it's free! As with Obedience, Bite work has different "Titles" also. To name a few: Personal Protection, Service Dog, Police Work, and Guard Dogs. There's also sport systems like schutzhund or french ring. Schutzhund is done on a "field". The dog is trained to "grip" a sleeve, on the left arm. It's a game for the dog. And they do the same thing under the same conditions. There is very little stress for the dog. There is no hidden sleeve or suit work. And no real protection of the handler. Most of the obedience work is done with food. "NONE" of which is ideal for "real life" situations. It is just a "sport". It is NOT for protection or police work! French ring is also a sport. Though they use a suit, they focus the dog on the legs. There is slightly more stress on the dog because of the french rattle stick, there is still no real threat on the dog or handler. And there is no real protection of the handler. It is done on a field that is laid out pretty much the same every time. Probably 80% of the sport is judged on how well the handler performs. Standing correctly, presentation, holding the hand in a certain position, he'll get high marks. The dog only has to be sufficient in the exercises. It doesn't matter how well the dog grips the suit as long as he does and he doesn't have to come in hard as long as he does come in and "grips" the suit on the legs. But they do change the order of the routines. Again, it is NOT for protection or police work! Then there was American Street Ring! ASR was a Professional Protection & Police Dog Training System. It was NOT for the amateur or novice trainer. It is also a system you can compete in. ASR builds a solid foundation for Protection or Police work, and should you so desire, you can go into the different Sport systems. There was a large amount on stress put on the dog in the various exercises. ASR uses PVC Pipe Insulation which will make a loud cracking sound when striking the handler or dog but does not harm the dog or handler. There is NO doubt whatsoever that the handler IS being attacked and the dog is to protect. ASR uses Demanet suits because of their superior quality, protection, mobility and is very easy on the dogs teeth. The dog may bite anywhere on the suit and may readjust its bite to secure a better bite. The quality of the bite is also evaluated and the dog may receive up to 30 extra points for a consistently full bite. There are building searches and woods searches also. All the exercised were geared toward situations a civilian or police officer may encounter in real life! Control is emphasized so that even if the decoy is taken down, the dog must STILL out when told to do so. American Street Ring was for the SERIOUS individual who doesn't want his/her dog to play with the bad guy! Unfortunetly, as of 1 April 2004, the "Heart" of ASR died and the "sport" of asr was born. And like the other sports, if you are't part of the "click" or play their game.... wellllll... Like with Basic Obedience, Personal Protection is all that most people need. A correctly trained Protection Dog is an asset not only to the family, but also to the neighborhood. The correctly trained Protection Dog is a trustful dog, safe to have with the kids, and easily handled. He, or she, will not only protect the family members, but also the house, yard and the car. Service and Police work are similar. With Police work you also need to do tracking, building searches, woods searches, drug and/or bomb detection to name a few. He "MUST" be able to work off lead which means the Officer must be able to control the dog with his voice only. With correct training, this isn't a problem. Whether it's Obedience or Protection work, you shouldn't have to yell at your dog, or jerk him/her around to get them to listen. The dog can hear better then you can and will probably tune you out if you continue to yell. If you are yelling and/or screaming, and/or jerking the dog around, using food or treats to get your dog to listen, then you aren't doing the correct training. This is just a basic outline of a few different types of dog training. It would take too much time and space to try to cover every type. Which ever type of training you are seeking, find someone knowledgeable that will train your dog for your needs. Prices, courses, and the length of courses vary so it is best to do some research before putting out your hard earned money! That $35.00 department store obedience course with 15 dogs in it may be fine if you have a very compliant dog. But if your dog doesn't fit their course, you will need to find a real dog trainer to help you do it correctly. Remember, MOST of the time you get what you pay for! But you can also pay TOO much! Please feel free to comment...TYPES OF TRAINING