Using Dog Training Advice

Dog training advice, like any other advice for that matter, is often freely given. This inherently poses the risk that the advice could very well be inaccurate or incomplete. Even if one buys a training book, course, video or DVD the quality of the information received will vary. One of the ways in which advice can be validated is by applying the technique or training suggested, and then determining for yourself whether it works or not.

Before even applying your new found knowledge, especially if we are talking about dog training, I would strongly suggest that you first evaluate the source. Has the person that you received the advice from got any experience in dog training and have they used this specific tip, trick or technique themselves? All too often advice gets dispensed on hearsay - 'my brother in law's uncle trains dogs and he says. . . ' I would treat advice coming from such sources as suspect and would be very cautious about trying to implement it. Use only advice from reputable sources such as professional dog training schools.

Another validating step that I would take is to check if other reputable sources have the same opinion. Often one finds that there are two or 3 different views on how to achieve the best results with dog training. Each of these views will have a following, some bigger than others. Check if the advice you received is commonly supported before applying.

The amount of investigation and checking out of advice before applying should be proportional to the potential impact that applying the advice might have. I someone suggests you buy toy xyz for your dog because it keeps them busy for days on end and they have so much fun with it, and you buy the toy only to find out that your dog is not in the least interested in it, there is no harm done.

Hobert has been involved in dog training for more than 20 years. For more advice on dog training or labrador training you can simply read some of his articles.