Teaching your dog to become a well mannered member of your family requires patience, love and consistency. If you feel like you are out of your element and want some help you should consider dog obedience schools.
Before picking a school try to visit several and observe a class at each one. Take note of the trainers style and qualifications. Ask the other owners how their experiences have been with the school.
Most schools will offer private lessons or classes. You need to decide which format is best for you and your dog. If you have a particularly shy dog a private lesson may be a better alternative than a crowded, rowdy class.
There are many dog trainers around today but not all of them are qualified. You need to make sure that whoever you trust your pet to has the knowledge and experience to take good care of your dog training needs.
It’s also important that whatever trainer you choose has the same outlook on training as you do.
For example, if you feel that rewarding your dog with treats when they’ve completed a task is inappropriate (some people do think that it is wrong to reward with a treat since the dog will expect that every time and may become confused when you stop giving them treats when they do something right) then you want to find a trainer who shares your outlook.
Obedience schools will help you learn to communicate with your dog. It’s as much about teaching you how to behave with your dog as it is about training your dog. You will work hand in hand with the trainer.
It is very important that a hierarchy is established and that your dog understands you are in control. You don’t have to use extreme measures to accomplish this and a good obedience school can teach you simple yet effective methods.
Think of your dog as a child. You teach your kids right and wrong. If you didn’t they wouldn’t be much fun to live with! Your dog is the same. You have to be the one to establish boundaries and, just like a teenager, they will sometimes test your will and push those boundaries.
Dog obedience schools can provide you with the tools you need to deal with these situations when they arise.
If you just don’t feel that you know how best to go about training your dog ask your vet or local animal shelter to recommend a school in your area.