How To Choose The Best Dog Obedience Schools

A search in your local shoppers guide or newspapers will yield dozens of ads for dog obedience schools that will help your new canine family member fit in with the other animals and people in the house. So how do you choose the one that is right for you?

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?

How do you find good dog obedience schools? First, remember your dog's personality and desirable goals and why you need a dog trainer in the first place. Search local newspapers, shoppers' guides and the internet. Other dog owners will be happy to recommend a wonderful trainer. Local kennel clubs and your vet will also know of many reputable dog training schools.

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.

For socialization, it is important that puppies be put into kindergarten or playgroup program, at the earliest age possible. Although, if you have a rescue dog that is aggressive, it may be necessary to go to an animal behaviorist instead of a trainer. Aggression in dogs isn't something to ignore!

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.

If your dog isn't required for his first training session, don't be shocked -- it's a good thing! Clicker training (or any positive training) needs a training session for owners so you learn to properly use the tools and to communicate effectively with your dog.

Here's how you can tell if a training class is good:

1. The school, as a whole, will have a positive tone.

2. Training is founded on a reward system: a requested behavior is awarded with a goody, accolade, or anything else the dog appreciates.

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. An inappropriate behavior is usually halted by requiring a different behavior that causes the animal to alter his actions, for example, 'lay down' will prevent the dog from jumping on someone.

5. Patience is a key element in any training session.

In addition to local dog obedience schools, there are a large quantity of great books as well as quality websites dedicated to the topic of dog training. To find out more about one of the most effective animal training methods, try performing a quick online search on the term "clicker training." This is the method Hollywood dog trainers use to train dogs to perform on television and film. Now, your dog can learn some of these fancy tricks as well.

Tags: dog obedience schools, dog training schools, dog training, dog obedience, pets, animals, dogs, home

About the Author

Learn how to eliminate bad behaviors in your dog and turn him into a pet that is as good as gold with the dog training techniques at http://www.positivedogtrainingtechniques.com/.

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