What Every New Dog Owner Should Know About Professional Dog Training

If you抮e a new dog owner, then grab a cup of coffee, find a comfy chair, and relax because you are going to want to read this article right away.

In the next few minutes, we抮e going to look at some very important things that need to be considered if you are thinking about hiring a professional dog trainer. First, we抮e going to discuss why professional dog trainers achieve success when the dog owner can't. Next, we抮e going to determine if you need to hire a professional dog trainer. Finally, we're going to finish up with a few tips that will help you train your dog at home and avoid unneccessary expense.

First, let抯 start with understanding why professional dog trainers are successful and dog owners aren't. The simple fact is that they have received training in this area, and have lots of relevant experience. They know exactly what to do and when to do it. They are unrelenting. Meaning, they don't let up until the dog understands what it did wrong and starts to behave correctly. Most dog owners just don't have the patience, or the heart, to keep on their dog. They just give up. The truth is that most times a professional isn't necssary at all. The owner just needs to acquire the proper knowledge, and a little patience.

Still think you need a dog trainer? In a small number of cases, they are necessary. There are 3 typical behaviors that your dog will exhibit that should alert you that a professional may indeed be necessary. That is, if you've tried everything and just can't break these behaviors. First, your dog will walk you. If it's a bigger dog, he'll try to pull you around like a rag doll. Next, he'll totally ignore all of your commands. He may not even look at you when you speak to him. Lastly, he's highly territorial. You won't even be able to get a seat on the couch next to him. Wait a minute! Why is he even on the couch? See what I mean? He'll be totally out of control.

Finally, let抯 talk about what you can do to ensure that you DON'T need to hire a professional. First and foremost, make the training occassion enjoyable. If you are in a good mood, your dog will sense that. If you approach the training session half-heartedly, so will your dog. Keep the training sessions short. Lots of ten to fifteen minute sessions are best. Too many marathon sessions, and your dog will perceive training as punishment. That brings me to my last tip. Training sessions should NEVER involve punishment! There should be no yelling, newspaper swatting, chain jerking, or electric shock. As a matter of fact, these methods should never be used on your dog, even as punishment. Always keep the training session positive.

These are the three critical elements you MUST consider before you hire a professional dog trainer. Understand why professionals are successful, determine behaviors that require them, and employ the tips I discussed, and you will be able to make an informed decision when it comes to hiring a professional dog trainer.