New Puppy Training

A search in your local shoppers guide or newspapers will yield dozens of ads for dog obedience schools that will help your new canine family member fit in with the other animals and people in the house. So how do you choose the one that is right for you?

Today, several methods of training dogs are used, they include calm, positive reinforcement techniques, “alpha” dominance, and cruel punishment.

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.

Schools that train using positive reinforcement are going to yield the best results. Ask friends who they’d recommend. Some trainers will offer to come to make house visits to train your dog, but then he’ll be missing out on socialization opportunities with other canines. Locate the times of the beginner class and see if you can sit in just to watch; if you don’t like what you see, find someone else you do like!

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!

In some cases training collars may be appropriate for some dogs. Training instruments like pinch collars may work with a few dogs, but a “Gentle Leader” head collar is far more likely to be productive with most.

If your dog isn’t required for his first training session, don’t be shocked — it’s a good thing! Clicker training (or any positive training) needs a training session for owners so you learn to properly use the tools and to communicate effectively with your dog.

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

1. The all-around atmosphere of the of the whole school will be upbeat and positive.

2. Training is based on offering your dog rewards during training is the key to reaching your desired goals, which along with praise, may include his favorite toy and doggie treats.

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. An inappropriate behavior is usually halted by requiring a different behavior that causes the animal to alter his actions, for example, ‘lay down’ will prevent the dog from jumping on someone.

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

In addition to local dog obedience schools, there are a large quantity of great books as well as quality websites dedicated to the topic of dog training. To find out more about one of the most effective animal training methods, try performing a quick online search on the term “clicker training.” This is the method Hollywood dog trainers use to train dogs to perform on television and film. Now, your dog can learn some of these fancy tricks as well.