If you are considering dog training classes, you certainly will not regret the choice after you notice how your dog’s behavior may undergo some quite radical changes. Whether your dog pulls on the leash, jumps on people or plays too rough, a dog trainer may provide helpful insights on how to deal with these problems while training your dog to stay composed despite distractions. There different types of training classes, but the most common ones are puppy classes and basic obedience classes. If this is the first time you are taking your dog to classes, you may be interested in learning a few interesting facts.
The Interesting Facts
Whether you decided to enroll your dog in classes or are still debating on it, learning a few facts about what goes on can help you make an informed decision and prepare you on what to expect. One of the most important factors is choosing a dog trainer who uses gentle training techniques based on positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement focuses on teaching dogs new behaviors through the use of rewards.
It’s More About Training You
You’ll Need to Do Homework Too
Classes Help Teach Impulse Control
The Smaller the Class, the Better
Several More Class Choices
The first thing many dog owners are surprised to learn about when it comes to dog training classes is the fact that the trainer will focus more on training the owner rather than the dog. Indeed, many training mistakes come from the owners who need to learn the correct way to address their dog and manage problems correctly. Unruly dog behaviors indeed may often stem from inconsistencies in training or lack of guidance. The trainer will therefore show you how to train your dog and sometimes this is accomplished by having a demo dog perform the behaviors in front of you. If the trainer doesn’t have a demo dog, she or he may use a dog in class. A good trainer will also make sure she helps you understand the tasks and will assist you if you are having problems.
If this is the first time you are taking your dog to training classes, expect to learn a lot and do some homework too. While training begins in class, you’ll need to keep the training up once at home and on walks too. Don’t assume that if you don’t do your homework nobody will notice; your dog’s behavior will speak volumes. So don’t slack off, all it takes is a few minutes of rehearsal at home! If you have time constraints, try to dedicate just a few minutes each day to training. Dogs prefer brief training sessions rather than longer, tedious ones. And don’t forget to have your other family members train your dog too!
One of the main advantages in taking a dog to training is the fact that he or she will be exposed to other dogs. This means that your dog will have to learn to stay calm and composed despite distractions. This will considerably help owners of dogs who tend to get over excited and out of control upon seeing other dogs.
Dog training classes should not be over booked. The smaller the class the more one-on-one attention dog owners will get. A ratio of 1 trainer per 5 dogs is usually the average. These ratios though may vary depending on the type of training. For instance, classes for reactive dogs should have very low ratios compared to other classes. If you notice a class with a higher-than-normal ratio, the dog trainer should have assistants to help her out.
Classes generally vary between, puppy classes, basic obedience, intermediate obedience and advanced obedience. There can also be “Canine Good Citizen classes” as well as specialized training classes in sports such as agility, rally obedience, canine musical freestyle etc. A basic class generally focuses on teaching owners how to train their dog basic commands such as sit, lie down, heel and stay, whereas in advanced classes dog owners may expect to master fancier commands.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to realize that dogs, regardless of age, are constantly learning from the day they are born. This means that training should become an integral part of your dog’s life. Starting training from early puppy hood will help pave the path towards better behaviors. In older dogs, time, patience and consistency will make them more manageable and better under control. This is what makes dog training so worthy for both dogs and their owners.