Chosing A Professional Trainer For Your Dog

The decision to hire a professional trainer is an important one, and you've got to follow up with what your dog learns. Use the following tips to help you select the best trainer and make the most of your dog's education.

1. Why training is important. Your dog needs to learn boundaries and have respect for people and property. He also needs to know how to properly interact with other animals. Professional training is the quickest and most effective method of helping your dog learn and adjust.

2. Where to look for a good trainer. Your vet is a good place to start when looking for a trainer. If you can get a personal recommendation from any trusted source, you've got the best info to go on. You want the training to be successful and to know your dog is well cared for, so check with the Better Business Bureau and other professional sources.

3. What to look for in a trainer. Inspect the grounds, look for educational and industry certificates and get a general feel for the people working at the training facility. Make sure the atmosphere is not militaristic or cruel; no element of force or violence should ever be utilized in training. Also, tell them you are apt to drop in on sessions to pick up a few pointers, but will stay out of sight.

4. The best type of training environment. You might think your dog would benefit more from individual training, but group methods are usually best. This way your dog learns to listen to more than one trainer and can obey while there are distracting things going on around him. It's also very helpful that he learn appropriate socialization skills with other animals. This way, when you take him for a walk he won't drag you down the street when he sees another pooch!

5. The changes you can expect in your dog. You should see immediate results from professional training, not necessarily in your dog's ability to perform tricks, but in his response to commands. He should make direct eye contact whenever you insist that he do something or not do something and you will probably notice a quicker response time. Don't expect too much of him at first though; give the training time to be understood, absorbed and perfected!

6. Reinforcing the training at home. Everyone should be on board with the professional trainer; use the same commands and cues for your dog as what he hears and sees in class. Depending on how often he attends his training sessions, provide him with mini-classes to reinforce and supplement what he is learning. You want to avoid the trainer being the only person your dog behaves for!

7. Preparing your dog for his first class. Once you've selected an appropriate trainer, they will provide you with a list of things you need to bring. Make sure you mark items with your dog's name clearly and try to buy something a little out of the ordinary so it's easy to identify. Avoid feeding your dog right before classes, as the trainers will most likely be using food as reward and you also don't want your dog tired. Don't just drop him off the first few times; hang around to give him a sense of security and to learn a few things yourself.

Your dog will benefit greatly from training, and your family will be able to enjoy the dog more. Take the time to find your dog the best trainer!