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How To Choose The Best Dog Obedience Schools |
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Written by Lee Dobbins
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Monday, 30 June 2008 |
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Is your new dog having trouble adapting to your home? If you look through local newspapers and shopping guides, you will see numerous advertisements for dog obedience schools. Are you able to pick the best one out of this group for you and your dog?
by LeeDobbins
Is your new dog having trouble adapting to your home? If you look through local newspapers and shopping guides, you will see numerous advertisements for dog obedience schools. Are you able to pick the best one out of this group for you and your dog?
You will find that there are several different approaches for dog training from using punishment techniques to a more positive, rewards based approach.
Many techniques exist that dog trainers have been using for years. However, recently many long time trainers are converting to a more positive approach.
Another factor is your dog, and it's background. Is it a puppy, or a rescue dog with their inherent concerns? What is your desired outcome from training--basic obedience, as a pet for the family, show, tracking, or any other dog activities?
Once you have established your training goals and you have your dog's personality in mind, make a list of all the local dog obedience schools information that you can find. Then check out their web pages. You can check with other dog owners to see if they have a good dog trainer. Also contact your local veterinarian or kennel for suggestions.
Trainers who use positive methods are your best bet. Always check references of the trainers. Some trainers do work with you and your dog in your home, however your dog will be missing out on important socialization. You may want to observe one of the beginner classes. Do not go if they use any harsh techniques, such as, choke collars.
When you new puppy is still young, you should enroll him in either a puppy kindergarten class or a play group. This is because early socialization is key for your puppy's development. On the other hand, if your new dog is a rescue dog who has developed issues with aggression, you may need to hire a certified animal behaviorist to help you rather than just a dog trainer. Aggression in dogs is an issue never to be taken lightly. It is best to address it immediately.
Although there is a small percentage of dogs that will require a pinch collar for training purposes, a "Gentle Leader" head collar is often just as, if not more, effective for most dogs.
Don't let it come as a shock to you if you find that the instructions for the first class state you shouldn't bring your dog. This is a good thing! Good training, and especially training with a clicker, require "train the trainer" sessions to inform you how to communicate well with your dog, and instructions on utilizing tools for this purpose.
These are some ways to tell if the program is a positive training class:
1. The schools tone will be happy and upbeat.
2. Training is based on rewards for a desired behavior, as opposed to punishment for unwanted behavior.
3. When a dog is misbehaving, sharp noise is typically enough for the dog to realize he's done wrong. Punishment is kept to a minimum and the actions are usually suppressed.
4. Instead of focusing on an undesired behavior, they are are replaced with a desired behaviors like giving the command "heel" so the dog stops and sits right beside you.
5. Patience to let the dog give the desired response is a key part of training.
There are other methods to training your dog that you can use in addition to local dog obedience schools. Hollywood canines get their talent by way of "clicker training", a very effective and efficient means of training dogs. If you want to review other methods, there are plenty of credible websites and training books available also.
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