Dog Training Courses - Which Are the Best?
What are the best kinds of dog training courses? It sounds like an easy question, but the answer is not so simple.
First, let's make clear that we are discussing training dogs to fit into the family and not training for obedience competition--that is a different subject.
Next, there is the issue of different trainers swearing by different dog training methods.
How do you know who to listen to when so many dog trainers disagree? Some recommend using food to reward good behaviors.
Others say that food is not a good method because it teaches the dog to rely on bribes, and if the bribe is not available, the dog will not behave.
Still others use clickers, hand signals or different kinds of collars.
Sorting out the right answer for you and your dog can be an overwhelming and confusing process.
Here are some tips that will help.
First, decide on your goals.
Will you be satisfied if you and your dog learn the basic commands to keep him and your family safe? If your dog knows how to stay, sit, stop barking, stop biting and stop jumping when you tell him to, he will probably be able to fit happily into most families.
But if you want him to be able to fetch balls, catch Frisbees or perform other tricks, you and your dog will have to be willing to take your training to the next level.
If you are planning to train your dog by yourself, you will need to honestly evaluate your level of experience and commitment.
Dogs are geniuses at reading body language and can naturally learn a lot of different behaviors.
But most humans are not naturally gifted at training dogs.
So successful obedience training also includes learning how to be a good trainer.
You also need to be able to evaluate your dog's personality.
Keep in mind that no dogs learn from harsh or cruel training methods, so they should not even be considered.
But strong-willed dogs need different approaches to training than sensitive dogs.
Terriers don't benefit from the same training methods that work well for Retrievers.
Dogs with a strong herding instinct learn differently from dogs with a strong tracking instinct.
If you are not sure how to evaluate your dog's personality, find someone with experience who can do it for you.
How do you find someone with the right experience to help you? Ask people you know if they would refer their trainers, and ask why or why not.
Check references.
Visit them in person and observe their dog training methods; watch how they interact with their dogs, and whether the dogs are healthy and confident.
In other words, do some detective work.
People who take the time to find the right kind of dog training courses are rewarded with many happy years with their canine friends.
First, let's make clear that we are discussing training dogs to fit into the family and not training for obedience competition--that is a different subject.
Next, there is the issue of different trainers swearing by different dog training methods.
How do you know who to listen to when so many dog trainers disagree? Some recommend using food to reward good behaviors.
Others say that food is not a good method because it teaches the dog to rely on bribes, and if the bribe is not available, the dog will not behave.
Still others use clickers, hand signals or different kinds of collars.
Sorting out the right answer for you and your dog can be an overwhelming and confusing process.
Here are some tips that will help.
First, decide on your goals.
Will you be satisfied if you and your dog learn the basic commands to keep him and your family safe? If your dog knows how to stay, sit, stop barking, stop biting and stop jumping when you tell him to, he will probably be able to fit happily into most families.
But if you want him to be able to fetch balls, catch Frisbees or perform other tricks, you and your dog will have to be willing to take your training to the next level.
If you are planning to train your dog by yourself, you will need to honestly evaluate your level of experience and commitment.
Dogs are geniuses at reading body language and can naturally learn a lot of different behaviors.
But most humans are not naturally gifted at training dogs.
So successful obedience training also includes learning how to be a good trainer.
You also need to be able to evaluate your dog's personality.
Keep in mind that no dogs learn from harsh or cruel training methods, so they should not even be considered.
But strong-willed dogs need different approaches to training than sensitive dogs.
Terriers don't benefit from the same training methods that work well for Retrievers.
Dogs with a strong herding instinct learn differently from dogs with a strong tracking instinct.
If you are not sure how to evaluate your dog's personality, find someone with experience who can do it for you.
How do you find someone with the right experience to help you? Ask people you know if they would refer their trainers, and ask why or why not.
Check references.
Visit them in person and observe their dog training methods; watch how they interact with their dogs, and whether the dogs are healthy and confident.
In other words, do some detective work.
People who take the time to find the right kind of dog training courses are rewarded with many happy years with their canine friends.
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