Posts Tagged ‘dog obedience training’
How To Choose Dog Training Schools
The truth is there are so many dog courses that offer their services to anyone willing to pay them. The problem though is not all schools will meet your standards or your expected guarantees. Here are some points of considerations when trying to choose a good school for training your dog.
Reputation
Reputable has different meanings to different people- for some it is the capacity to yield good results regardless of the means, for others it is the popularity of the school itself which makes it highly recommended. Knowing the school by reputation is a good indicator as to the popularity of the school and the training methods used. It also reflects how many people have trusted on them.
You could ask around to find a school with a good reputation or check local websites. Veterinarians usually have several names of schools and trainers to give you, your dog breeder could also provide you with some references and ASPCA or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals can provide a list of registered names that are sure to use humane methods approved by the organization.
Different Aspects of Training
Any self-respecting training school uses responsible dog training collar methods. The school must have equal concern to your dog as you do, treating your dog one of their own. Beware of schools that employ trainers who still use old training methods such as yelling or hurting the dogs for there exists many of this kind.
A good school should use humane techniques that promote positive training and limits the use of risky negative reinforcement techniques. The former covers praises and the use of dog treats in recognition of the desirable behavior while the negative reinforcement techniques include practices like alpha rolling, choking and yelling.
Sufficient knowledge
The latest training methods has to have a mix of traditional and the latest techniques for the dog. Having extensive orientation in this field would optimize the capacity of your dog to learn since it would be exposed to all possible trainings to which it could respond well.
In researching for training schools, secure information regarding the latest seminars that the trainers attended to and the up-to-date facilities they have. Remember that you would pay hefty amounts to get your dog trained, it is but proper that you and your dog receive proper compensation for your investment.
The school’s exposure to widespread training is another thing that you should keep in mind. There are schools that claim of specialization while others advertise that they have sufficient knowledge on all fields of dog training. Your choice should depend largely on the scope of knowledge the training school has.
Classroom Arrangement
There are two types of classroom set-ups- group classes and private lessons. The main advantage of the group class is that it promotes socialization and good behavior in the presence of other dogs. Also, when the owner trains alongside his dog, the owner could benefit from exposure to other handlers’ mistakes and techniques.
At the same time, these private sessions could not yield these advantages. There is also a good chance that the transfer of learning and obedience to command given by persons other than the trainer is poor.
It is easy to pick any dog training school but choosing the right one for your dog could prove to be a tedious process.
Bringing Home a Puppy or Dog For The First Time
Bringing home a puppy or even an adult dog for the first time is an exhilarating experience. For the puppy or dog it can be a time of extreme anxiety and stress.
So preparing for this exciting event is of the utmost importance, for you and your dog.
Preparing your home for his or her arrival
Deciding what type of character and personality is best suited to your lifestyle.
How much space do you have? This may determine the size of dog you should choose.
These and many other things have to be taken in to consideration before taking that all important step in to the canine world.
One thing is for sure that once you make that decision it is most definitely a commitment for life.
Whether you choose a puppy while foods coumadin avoid to on or a mature dog he or she is for life and is for sure a canine extension to your family.
Considering a dog from a rescue shelter should be high on your list, as this is effectively saving a dogs life.
Whatever your choice is, your new dog or puppy will without question give you in return, unconditional love, loyalty and years and years of fun and enjoyment.
This commitment, however, also comes with a suitcase full of challenges and if it’s your first time, a whole new learning curve.
Here are just a few things you will need to be ready for;
Dog Health and care –
- Vaccinations every year
- Dental Care
- Bathing and Grooming
- Preparing against those summer nasties, Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitoes
- Food, diet and nutrition
- Regular inspections of the ears and nether regions
And of course throughout their lives there will be many other things that will need your attention.
However, on the more fun side of things there are, nowadays, lots of dog activities that you can do
- Agility
- Fun racing
- Lure coursing
- Showing
- Flyball (new), which fast growing and tremendously exciting
- Line Dancing, yes, I said line dancing. This is very popular and great to watch
All of these are very exciting and entertaining and of course will very much help you to build a bond with your dog.
The last thing I will talk about now is the dreaded dog behaviour training.
There are many books, courses and videos on this subject and I have very particular views on this subject.
This and of course the other things I have mentioned, I will be going in to in great detail on this blog. Therefore, my views, advise and recommendations will be well documented.
But, just to cover this subject briefly, you don’t want your new companion peeing on your new rug, eating your brand new 500 dollar Gucci watch or leaving teeth marks in your rear. So behaviour coaching, teaching your canine newcomer some of the family protocols is going to be necessary.
Dogs are like us, they come in all shapes and sizes, intelligent and a mixed bag of characters and personalities
Depending on whether you picked the short straw will determining how big a challenge this is going to be. In my experience it has been my most enjoyable part of a relationship with them.
I have a philosophy which has always worked for me and that is, dogs love routine, food and lots and lots of TLC.
If you give them those three things then you’re not going to have too many problems with your dog.
Hope to see you back soon.


