Saturday, November 28, 2009

Choosing a Dog Obedience School

By Monique Coincon

Immediately after bringing a dog into your home, you should consider enrolling her in a dog obedience school. The earlier you and your puppy go through a training program the better, as it will smooth the adjustment and help with the bonding and socialization process. Remember that you will be attending classes with your dog, so choose a school that provides a teaching style and environment that puts you both at ease. Establishing a good relationship with your dog early will set the tone for the rest of your time together, and give you the tools for a long and happy friendship.

To start your search for a companion dog obedience school, talk to friends and neighbors who have attended one of your local schools. Take advantage of your time at the dog park to speak with like-minded individuals and share experiences and expectations. Ask your veterinarian questions about schools in the area at your puppy's first wellness visit. Most obedience schools have websites, so look them up online, and read their client reviews.

When you have narrowed down the possibilities, contact the schools and request an interview. Good schools are typically accommodating in this request and understand the importance of a pet owner's comfort with trainers. Discuss the training methods the school endorses. Ask them for references and speak with the actual trainers who would be working with you and your dog. The facilities are important, so be sure to take a tour during your visit.

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 selected a school and are preparing for your first class, an owner should know what to expect. The typical curriculum at a good dog obedience school will teach housebreaking for young puppies, and basic commands like "Sit" and "Stay." Few teach tricks, especially those geared toward younger dogs, but they will help teach you the communication skills to continue training at home. Dog obedience school can be the first step to establishing trust between dogs and people, which is so important in the end.

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