Finding the Right Dog Obedience School for You
The first thing a responsible human should do after adopting a puppy is find a dog obedience school. A puppy’s training should start early to nip any negative behaviors in the bud and ensure a happy, healthy relationship between dog and family. Be sure to choose a school that fits with your natural leadership style so you can successfully continue training at home. Remember that choosing a good dog obedience school will help you both get off on the right foot.
A great first step toward finding a school in your area is soliciting recommendations from other dog owners and veterinarians. Talk to people at your park about their experiences with the companion dog obedience school they used. Ask the staff at your local veterinary clinic if there are any particular schools that they have used personally or that have been recommended by clients. In high population areas, search the internet for local obedience school rankings.
Compile the information into a list of possible companion dog obedience schools and arrange visits to each of them. Speak to the administrators and trainers to get a sense of the methods they employ and the average class size. Many schools will provide client references upon request, and it would be a good idea to contact past clients for more information. Take the time to tour the facilities while you are there- well-kept grounds are good indicators of a quality program.
Do some research into some of the characteristics common to your dog’s breed. Breed and age can determine how successful training attempts will be with your dog, and it is important to know what to expect. Younger dogs often benefit the most from group classes, as they tend to be quick learners and may need some help with socialization. Older dogs or those who have had behavior issues in the past may require more intensive one-on-one training. If you have a breed that is notoriously difficult to train, you may find breed specific classes and training methods.
There is a lot of variation in dog obedience school cost. Group classes are the least expensive option, with a series usually priced from $40-$200 depending on your area. For an hour-long, one-on-one session with a trainer, expect to pay anywhere from $25-$125. If the cost of dog obedience school is prohibitively high, contact local non-profit agencies that may be able to direct to you reduced rate classes.
After you have chosen a school and are heading to your first class, be sure to know what to expect. Schools rarely teach dogs to do tricks, but instead teach good communication between dog and human. Many puppy classes will aid in the housebreaking process, but it is important to continue working with your dog at home to make it stick. Dog obedience school exists to instill the basics of good behavior in your dog, and enable the owner to continue good training practices at home.
If you’d like to learn more about finding and choosing a dog obedience school, visit DogTipsDaily.com now. Dog Tips Daily offers tons of useful tips and how-to’s on raising and caring for a well-adjusted and healthy dog.
