ArticleSubject.com » Pets-and-animals » Dog Obedience Schools - How To Pick The Right One For Your Dog

Dog Obedience Schools - How To Pick The Right One For Your Dog

by: LeeDobbins
Total views: 10
Word Count: 641

Anyone with a new dog knows that sometimes they need a little bit of guidance before he can be the perfect pet. But where do you look to find dog obedience schools that are a perfect fit for your pets personality? One place to start is local newspapers and shopping guides where you will probably find a variety of choices.

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.

When considering the appropriate training technique, you must consider the dog. Where did you get him? How old was he when you got him? Did you rescue him, so he may have issues? What are the goals of training: pet, speed, shows, hunting, tracking, or do you plan to enter your dog into the various dog sports?

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.

Schools that train using positive reinforcement are going to yield the best results. Ask friends who they'd recommend. Some trainers will offer to come to make house visits to train your dog, but then he'll be missing out on socialization opportunities with other canines. Locate the times of the beginner class and see if you can sit in just to watch; if you don't like what you see, find someone else you do like!

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.

Some trainers use tools like collars for training. "Gentle Leader" head collars are just about the most-effective collar available; contrary to the belief of many, pinch collars only work on a limited number of dogs.

It is not unusual for you to attend your first session without your dog accompanying you. This is a good indication that the trainer is a pro. Clicker training, a form of non punishment type training, necessitates a 'train the trainer' session so that you can learn the tools you will need to work with your dog successfully, without the distraction of your pet's attendance.

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. Unwanted behavior is dealt with by distracting the dog. It usually only takes a bit of effort to distract the dog and let him know his behavior is unacceptable.

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 dog obedience schools, you will find many good books and websites demonstrating how to properly train your dog. One of the most effective animal training methods used is the "clicker training". The non-human Hollywood stars learn their tricks this way and so can your pet!

Click here to join VC Affiliates - Fantastic revenue share, CPA and Hybrid Structures available!

About the Author

Training your dog to be the perfect pet all boils down to using the right dog training techniques - find out what those are at http://www.positivedogtrainingtechniques.com/.  

More Articles from: Pets and Animals