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How To Choose The Best Dog Obedience Schools

by: LeeDobbins
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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.

The methods for training your dog are almost too numerous to count, and they range from physical punishment-based methods to methods based on gentle reminders and positive reinforcement.

Many techniques exist that dog trainers have been using for years. However, recently many long time trainers are converting to a more positive approach.

Also, you need to think about your individual dog. What is his life history? Have you had him as a puppy or just recently acquired him as an adult? Also consider your training goals. Do you want him to be more family-friendly, a good hunting or show dog? Beyond basic obedience, consider what you're hoping to get out of training.

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.

Don't let it come as a shock to you if you find that the instructions for the first class state you shouldn't bring your dog. This is a good thing! Good training, and especially training with a clicker, require "train the trainer" sessions to inform you how to communicate well with your dog, and instructions on utilizing tools for this purpose.

These are some ways to tell if the program is a positive training class:

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

2. Training is based on rewards for a desired behavior, as opposed to punishment for unwanted behavior.

3. A slight whisper or shush noise is the only thing necessary to distract the dog and get the message across that his behavior is unacceptable. There isn't much punishment, and unwanted actions will be stopped.

4. Instead of focusing on an undesired behavior, they are are replaced with a desired behaviors like giving the command "heel" so the dog stops and sits right beside you.

5. Training is based on patience so that the dog has sufficient opportunity to obey or display the required response.

There are other methods to training your dog that you can use in addition to local dog obedience schools. Hollywood canines get their talent by way of "clicker training", a very effective and efficient means of training dogs. If you want to review other methods, there are plenty of credible websites and training books available also.

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/.

How To Choose The Best Dog Obedience Schools

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