Dog training is very important and should never be taken for granted. From teaching your pet basic obedience to advanced dog training techniques for sports, a good trainer can make an enormous difference. That is also true for new puppy owners.
Even if you have years of experience with dogs, a professional dog trainer can troubleshoot problems and evaluate your abilities. Group classes offer the added benefit of socializing with your dog.
Pet training is, however, an unregulated industry. There are some non-professional trainers out there. Anyone can print business cards and start charging for their services, regardless of education, background, skillsets, or experience. It is essential to evaluate potential dog trainers before you trust them with your money and your dog. Do not just automatically choose the closest dog training school to you. You should do your research and determine if a potential dog trainer is right for you and your dog.
Things to look for in a dog trainer
- The first thing you need to do is to ask the dog trainer about their methods and training philosophy and ensure you are comfortable with their approach.
- You should look for a trainer who uses recommended methods such as positive reinforcement training. With this type of dog training, you reward your dog for good behaviour and teach alternative behaviours in place of undesired ones. These techniques are often based on the science of animal learning. They strengthen the bond between the dog and the owner and foster a love of learning in your dog.
When choosing the best dog training, it is important to determine what you want a dog trainer to do for you. You should consider whether you are dealing with existing undesirable behaviours such as jumping on people or whether your puppy simply needs basic obedience training – to learn to lie, sit and stay.
You should find out if a particular dog trainer offers private training or dog training classes. Not all dog trainers offer the same dog training services. A class environment with other dogs will provide the added advantage of distraction training and socialization. But sometimes, your pet will learn best when you teach him or her in a one-on-one situation, especially if other dogs overestimate your dog or make him anxious.
You can take your dog for private classes at training schools, out in the wild or at home. For certain needs, this can be ideal. It is important to understand that some dogs are not ready for classrooms or maybe the problem with your dog only happens at your front door. Not all dog trainers offer services outside their facility and you should expect to pay more money for someone to come to your home.
Important questions to ask a potential trainer
Choosing the right dog training professional should involve asking essential questions to know more about the trainer. You should ask a potential dog trainer about his education and any important credentials he may have. You should also ask them to tell you about their past experience with clients like yourself. Ask them to give you a list of references so that you can contact their past clients and inquire more about the trainer.
