A Guide to Dog Training
by sammy on May 26, 2009
Dog Training, What’s Best for You and Your Dog?
Finding the right training for you and your dog is so very important. Getting the right trainer will save you money, time and unnecessary stress. Most importantly, it will save your dog from learning bad habits and behaviors.
The following is offered to assist you in choosing a trainer and facility that will benefit both you and your pet so that you can have a well-trained and happy dog. Happy dog equals happy owner. There are two types of dog training clubs. There are those that are run by volunteers, and those that are run by professionals. Even though one type may be less expensive, often price is not a good indicator to use in making your choice.
Volunteer dog training clubs have very few costs. Their primary cost is rental space whereas a professional club has substantially more costs, like mortgage and staff costs. They of course pass those costs on to you. You may find that the pro club ultimately gives you the best value in the long run in terms of goals achieved. In your search, you may well find that there are some dreadful clubs that are run by both pros and volunteers. Beware!
How to Find a Good Class
A set of letters, diplomas or certificates attached to an instructor doesn’t mean a thing. Unfortunately, there are no universally recognised qualifications but there are actually disreputable organisations out there that will sell ‘letters’ to you for an annual membership fee. Other organisations put their students through rigorous training and tests before they award letters. Unfortunately, there is no real way to compare these attributes alone. Just as any two doctors are not alike, trainers will also not be alike.
The Instructor, Perfect or Imperfect
I find my instincts are usually good and yours probably are too, so listen to yourself. When you talk to the instructor or administatrator, ask questions. Are you comfortable with the answers? Do they have a ‘like’ mind about training and dogs? Do you get the feeling they just want your money? Training methods differ from school to school and instructors expect you to follow their specific instructions. The last thing you want is to take your dog to a school that expects you to treat your dog in a way that you aren’t comfortable with. If you don’t agree with the training methods, run, don’t walk to another training facility.
Visiting the Class
Before you enroll your dog in any class, physically visit the facility and ask to watch part of a teaching class. Leave the dog at home this time, so that you aren’t distracted by your dog and can give your full attention to what’s going on between the trainer and the other dogs and owners. Watch how the dogs respond to the trainer. What does the trainer do with dogs that have behaviour problems like jumping, noise, aggression, or nervousness? What does the trainer teach the participants to do about these behaviours? Do they work? Again, trust your instincts.
Puppy Classes
In some towns & cities, Puppy Training has become quite popular. The up side is that it’s great to teach puppies good behaviours that will stay with them the rest of both your lives. The downside is that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. In other words, it’s hard to undo poor training. If you’re not sure about puppy training, wait until your dog is more mature to start lessons.
Private Lessons
Many dog professionals offer private lessons. These can range from inexpensive to very expensive. The advantage however, is that you get one-on-one time and advice is directed to you and your dog alone. A group class shares the instructor with the others in the class. If your particular problem isn’t on the agenda, it may not be dealt with at all. A couple of quality private lessons may help you achieve success easier and faster.
Dog Behaviour Specialists
If your dog is experiencing an extreme problem, you may wish to consult a ‘DoggyPsychiatrist’. Be sure they are familiar with a wide variety of approaches to animal behavior modification techniques. You’ll be paying top dollar and you want to be sure the person has the skills to do the job well.
Referrals
A friend may recommend a training or a behaviour services business. Watch your friend with their dog. It’s not much of a referral is they are not doing well with their dog.
Books, Magazines & Videos
There are hundreds, probably thousands of books, magazines and videos on the subject of dogs, training, and other related interesting subjects. Most of us hold the concept that dogs are feeling, intelligent companions who form relationships just as humans do. You will find that books, magazines and other media will approach dog training in many different ways. Do a little research and choose materials that reflect the same values, beliefs and attitudes that you do.
A well-trained dog is a happy, joyful dog that makes a great addition to any loving family!
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Written By Beth Stewart.
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Tagged as:
DOG,
help,
TRAINING
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