Is Obedience School Right for Your Dog?
Training a new dog is always an adventure, and since no two dogs are alike, you might train one dog in a short period of time with only a bit of guidance, while another dog might require months or even years of arduous, stressful effort on your part. Some dogs take to training very well, and learn quickly, while others can resist and relent against parameters on their behavior.
Some pet owners decide that their dogs would best be served by attending obedience school, but sometimes, the decision to go through with sending your pet to a professional can be a difficult one to make. How can you decide if your dog needs obedience school?
Indicators that Obedience School is Right for You and Your Dog
Breed
It should come as no surprise that some breeds of dog respond better to training than others. Breed is one of many factors that can indicate a need for obedience school (or even more specialized training), and it is definitely something you should take into consideration when enrolling your pup. For example, border collies are highly responsive to training and therefore easier to handle, while basset hounds tend to be a little more challenging to get focused. Learn more about your dog's breed and what it means for you and your pooch here. If your dog is receptive to training, then it is likely you'll be able to handle most training at home, but if you have a dog that is a bit harder to handle, leaving it to the professionals is a good idea.
Temperament and Personality
The way in which your dog interacts with other dogs and humans is also a big factor in training. Friendly dogs are more likely to excel in obedience school, whereas some dogs – especially those who are very anxious or excitable – might benefit more from in-home training, or one-on-one sessions with a professional.
Training Goals and Needs
Some people only want their dogs to be able to do basic tasks, like sitting, staying, behaving when leashed, and so on – this can typically be done at home with the help of a couple good online articles or a simple How To book from the library. Others want to have a complete, professional, but still basic level of training, which are best achieved by sending dogs to obedience schools for a complete, tried-and-true system. Still others need their dogs to be proficiently trained in certain activities, such as hunting dogs or champions competing in high-level competitions. For these individuals, specialized trainers need to be contacted, and dogs often will be sent to live with trainers for weeks or months to complete their intensive and specialized training program.
There is also the possibility that your dog might suffer from some more serious conditions, such as aggression, anxiety, or depression. If your dog has any such conditions, then a professional animal behaviorist should be called to work with you to figure out the best course of action for helping you and your dog achieve your goals.
How to Select an Obedience School
When you've decided to send your dog to obedience school, you'll want to be sure that you're not only getting the best value for your money, but that your dog will be handled in a kind, professional manner. Some things to keep your eyes open for are:
Credentials: Look for trainers and schools that are Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). These individuals have to keep up with the best dog-training methods and will know how to handle all sorts of situations and temperaments.
Age and Facility: How long a school has been in business – and what kind of facility/location they use – can help you figure out how well the school performs. Look for reviews from past customers, and ask about the number of years of dog-training experience each trainer has.
Owner Involvement: Find out if the school will involve you in the training, if you can sit in on classes, and if you are expected to participate. Schools should involve owners, as you will be the one administering commands and your dog must become used to you as an authority figure, not just their trainer.
Feeling: How you feel about the school/trainers is another crucial factor. Make sure you choose a school you like, are comfortable with, and feel safe leaving to care for your dog. You should feel happy with your decision, so hunt for the right school until you find one that is right for you and your dog.
When it's time to find a school, you can use the Animal Behavior College's website to help you find a trustworthy, fun obedience school near you.
Deciding if you're going to use obedience school, and then choosing the right school or trainer, is an important decision for pet owners, and should not be taken lightly. Do some research, talk to some trainers and schools, and get a feel for the world of dog training before you dive in. When made correctly, this is a decision that you and your dog will be thrilled about for years to come, making the lives of you and your pet easier and more enjoyable every day.
