It can be confusing figuring out the best way to train your dog, and there are a lot of options available. How can you decide what the best dog training courses are? There are certain things to look for when determining where or who to take dog training courses with. Here is a list of tips to help you in your search for the best dog training courses for both you and your dog. Tips for selecting effective dog training courses:
1. Ask your local veterinarians, groomers, and shelters who they recommend the most. Someone who is a dog training professional is probably known around the local area, and chances are, the other dog service professionals will know about them.
2. Do an internet search for dog training courses in your area. Some pet stores hold classes, although they are not always the most conducive to learning. National professional organizations, like The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, have membership directories you can browse through. You will also be able to locate any dog kennel clubs in the area that might have training.
3. Once you have a list with a few names on it, its time to begin contacting. Always speak with a trainer directly to ask questions about their experience, how the classes are run, and in what manner they train. You might even ask for references. It is also important to ask a trainer if they are comfortable working with your kind of dog or its issues. Do they mind having your breed in class? Have they worked with it before? If your dog has special issues, you definitely want to get a sense of how they feel about it and how they would deal with it. Is your dog shy or scared or dog aggressive? What are the techniques they will use? You never want to get to a class and find out your dog wont really get the kind of attention and education it needs.
4. Ask to watch. A reputable dog trainer or kennel club will not mind allowing you to watch a class in progress before deciding. You want to make sure you are comfortable with the trainer and the dog training courses themselves. How well is the information conveyed? Is the trainer able to control the class?
5. Group Size: How large a training class is should be a big consideration. You want to know that you will be able to ask questions and receive appropriate attention with your dog. Dog training courses should never be larger than 10-15 dogs, but in small spaces, less than 10 dogs should be in a class. Selecting effective dog training courses requires you to do a little homework to find a training professional with a good reputation. Ultimately, speaking with the dog trainer and watching his dog training courses personally will help you decide if you are comfortable both with the trainer and his style of training.
