Training your pet should be a rewarding experience for the entire household. Too many dogs are sent to shelters because of common behavior problems that are easily fixed through training. A good training class is a fun, social, and educational experience that gives pet parents the tools for keeping their dogs well behaved for a life time.
Canine companions are always learning. Regardless if you are actively teaching him or not, he is constantly observing his environment and taking cues from his owner. If his owner is not teaching him the rules to live by, he will quickly make his own.
This is where training is so beneficial. Training enhances the bond between human and dog, and puts an end to problem behaviors. The information in this article will help pet owners figure out what trainer suits them the best.
The most important thing a dog owner should look for when choosing a trainer is finding a trainer who uses positive reinforcement based methods. In a normal, family setting, trainers will not need to use any methods of intimidation (alpha rolling, scruff holding, correction collars, etc) while training dogs. These methods are best used in extreme behavior modification situations that will not apply to an average pet owner.
The trainer that is chosen should be one who uses reward based training methods. One thing to keep in mind is that rewards do not always have to be in the form of treats. Dogs get just as much gratification from using life rewards. A quick game of fetch, some extra love, or a game of tug.
Along with paying attention to the training methods used, pet parents should also look for a trainer who offers a variety of settings for training. These include group classes, classes divided by age, and private sessions. Some trainers even offer a doggy boot camp, where they take dogs for a week to a month and train with them daily.
Pet parents always need to keep in mind that no two dogs are alike, and each dog may have specific needs that don't fit into a normal class setting. Or, a dog may really need to learn social skills and would benefit greatly from group classes. Dogs also have different needs depending on age. An 8 week old puppy is going to have different needs than a 5 year old dog.
Pet parents also need to be aware of the experience the trainer has. Most states do not require any official certifications to be a dog trainer. Because of this, anyone can say they are a certified dog trainer and come into your home or host classes. A good trainer will have completed an apprenticeship, educational, or vocational program. Upon completing the educational process, getting official certifications is up to the trainer. There are many programs that provide legitimate certifications. There are just as many that do not. Examples of reputable, national certification programs include the Karen Pryor Academy, Animal Behavior College, Association of Pet Dog Trainers, CATCH Canine Trainers Academy, and the San Francisco SPCA. There are many state-wide programs that are just as reputable as well.
It is also important to look for trainers who continue their education. Canine behavior theory evolves as time goes on, and it is recommended to find a trainer who recognizes that.
The above information is a general guide for choosing a trainer. It is important that the owner/trainer relationship be one that has a reasonable amount of chemistry. Pet parents should pick a trainer who they value and enjoy spending time with. It is wise to interview a few different trainers and observe a class before making a final decision. And always remember that enrolling, and actively participating in dog training not only makes a dog a well behaved member of society, but it also keeps dogs out of shelters and in the happy comforts of a home environment.
Copyright © The Pawlour Press, Alisha Smith 2014. All rights reserved
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