Pet Trainers

by Tina Knight

Obedience training is a vital part of being a dog owner. A well-trained, obedient dog makes for a much better companion. There are several types of training from which to choose. This article will help you decide the training that best suits you and your dog. It will also give you a few things to look for when choosing a trainer to work with you and your pet.

Group classes

Group classes provide a good way for your dog to develop their socialization skills, in addition to receiving obedience training. It is especially good for young dogs with no prior exposure to other dogs and people, since it is in a controlled environment. The trainer will usually give owners a chance at the end of the class to let their dogs run and play off-leash. This is also a good time for owners to socialize with each other. Another advantage to group classes is that they are typically less expensive than private classes. Make sure class sizes are not too big. You and your dog should be able to get a little bit of individual attention.

Group classes are usually divided into four segments, with each segment running four-to-eight weeks. The first segment is for puppies. This usually focuses more on socialization skills than obedience. Your puppy will learn to interact with other dogs. You will be instructed to touch your puppy in ways the he might be touched by a veterinarian; touching his feet and ears, etc. Your puppy will begin to learn some very basic obedience commands in a fun, playful atmosphere. Housebreaking will be addressed.

The second segment is the beginner stage. More focus is put on obedience, less on play. Your dog will be taught the basic commands; sit, down, stay, leave it, and come. The next segment is the intermediate stage where everything that the dog learned in the beginning stage is reinforced. Some behavioral issues may be addressed, such as excessive barking and jumping. In the fourth and final segment, the dog is taught to do things like sit and stay while you go out of his sight or come to you when called from a distance. More time will also be spent on behavioral issues.

If you know that your dog is not good with other dogs, let the trainer know this in advance so they can plan accordingly. Let other people in the class know immediately that your dog is not friendly with other dogs so they know not to let their dogs approach your dog.

Private lessons

If your dog is not good around other dogs, private lessons may be the better choice for you. Private lessons are typically more expensive than group lessons, but then your dog has the full attention of the trainer with no distractions. You have a better opportunity to address any special needs that your dog has and the training program can be specially designed for your individual dog. You can usually choose between having the trainer come to your home and taking your dog to the trainer’s facility.

Boot camp

With group or private lessons, it is important to remember that you need to spend time with your dog on a daily basis, practicing what you learned in class. This is imperative for your dog to get the greatest benefit from the classes. If you are unable or unwilling to do so, doggy boot camp may be the best choice for you. This is when you board your dog at a training facility. The length of time your dog stays at the facility depends on the type of training you want him to have. It could vary from one week to several weeks. Once your dog has completed the training, you must undergo some brief training to learn how to give your dog the commands he has learned. This type of boarding can be costly, but for the busy individual, it is a good option. Since this is a very hands-off approach to training your dog, it is vitally important to visit the facility and meet the trainer or trainers who will be handling your dog. If you don’t have a good feeling about the place, do not leave your dog there. Ask for references. Before making any decision,do an online search for information and reviews about any facility you are considering.

What to look for in a trainer

There is no national certification required in the US to become a dog trainer; anyone can call himself or herself a trainer. The best source for finding a good trainer is through your veterinarian or friends and family members who have used a trainer. When talking with a trainer for the first time, ask them what kind of training they have had. Find a trainer who uses positivity-based methods. Never use a trainer who uses punishment. You want your dog to obey you out of respect, not fear. Experience is actually not that important when considering a dog trainer. A good trainer will have a natural knack for communicating with dogs, whether they have been doing it for one year or ten years. Ask the trainer if you can observe a class. A good trainer will be happy to let you observe. A trainer should also be willing to let you call them with any questions you may have about your dog’s behavior even after you have completed a class with them.

Finding the right trainer may take some time, but once you have found the right one for you and your dog, you can look forward to having an obedient companion. To find a vet who is board certified in veterinary behavior, visit the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (http://www.dacvb.org/). The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) offers an international certification program for dog trainers. To find a trainer near you, visit http://www.ccpdt.org/.