As with almost everything in life, there are many schools of thought on how
best to train a dog. One very important thing to remember is that training is an
ongoing, interactive process. You must practice what you've learned outside of
the classes and continue to reinforce throughout the dog's life. If you don't,
you've failed, not your dog.
Traditional methods rely, in varying degrees, on physically making the dog do what you want- using a sharp pull on a choke chain to make them heel or pushing down on their butt to make them sit. The system of reward and punishment is aimed at suppressing undesirable behavior. There are many variations within the basic system. Many traditional ways of training are fine- the idea is to be gentle but firm with your pet. Some schools of thought (and trainers) are more physical, however, and depending on how extreme the method (and trainer) is and how sensitive the dog is, these harsher techniques can lead to aggression or avoidance in the animal. Dogs are individuals, and what may be fine for one dog may seem excessively harsh to another.
A newer approach to animal training focuses on positive reinforcement and training through use of operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a set of principles that describe how an animal learns to survive in its environment through reinforcement. Proponents of this method believe it works because the animal is earning positive reinforcement instead of avoiding punishment or correction. You and your dog are partners in training, leading to a relationship where the dog obeys because he wants to, not out of fear of punishment.
It's up to you to learn about training methods and decide what will work best for you and you dog. Here are some guidelines to help you choose a trainer:
Educate yourself:
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Read books on training, talk to other dog owners, check with the local breed club or the Humane Society, ask your veterinarian's opinion.
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Know about your breed of dog- even if you have a pound puppy, there are certain temperamental characteristics within the different groups- herding dogs will respond differently from toy dogs, for instance. There are also many individual differences within each group, just as there are among humans. Find out how your dog responds & learns best. (comment: You may read that your type of dog requires a firm hand. Firm does not mean harsh. It means being consistent and constant in your training and leadership. Stay away from harsh, physical training. It can break your dog's spirit, make them avoid people and cause some dogs to become aggressive.) Click here to visit a website with one trainer's opinion on how various breeds learn- and their best & worst characteristics.
When you've decided on the method that will work best, check out trainers:
Ask Questions: You will be paying this person to teach you. You may want to contact them for advice when your dog is older. It's important for you to be able to talk to him or her. You have the right to ask questions- if you're uncomfortable talking with the trainer, feel that they're unresponsive or aren't giving clear answers, find someone else
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Ask how the trainer addresses specific issues, such as teaching a dog to come or stopping a dog from digging. If the answer seems harsh or doesn’t make sense to you and you can’t get a clear answer, move on. Reputable trainers are concerned about dogs' welfare. They know that harsh or abusive handling methods are not only unnecessary, but are often counter-productive as well.
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What training equipment is recommended?
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What is the trainer's experience? Inquire about his or her training background, years of experience, and areas of expertise.
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How does he/she keep current on training techniques? Professionals will attend seminars and classes to keep their knowledge up to date.
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Does he/she belong to any professional organizations?
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Does the trainer show a love for dogs? Watch how he or she responds to your pet. What questions do they have for you? How do they handle your pet? A true love for the work and animals should shine through.
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Ask if you can observe a class. If they say no, move on. Written testimonials are not an adequate substitute for talking with the trainer, their clients or observing a class.
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Be cautious of trainers who give "guarantees."
Observe a class:
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Take note of how the dogs are reacting-
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Are they nervous or calm?
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Do they appear to be happy there?
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Do both the owners and dogs seem to be having fun? Does the trainer have a sense of humor?
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Is the trainer nice to both the dogs and the people in the class?
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Is there a lot of yelling going on?
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Look for trainers who treat both people and dogs with respect. A trainer should encourage dialogue and be approachable.
Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. It is up to you to be an educated consumer and find the right situation for you and your pet. If you talk to a trainer and are not comfortable with the answers you get, or do not like what you’ve observed, then look elsewhere.
© City Dog Owner's Group