How to Choose a Dog Training School

The sad truth is, a lot of the dog training schools out there offer services to anyone who is willing to sign the check. The problem with that is you need to find a dog training school that will meet or beat your expectations and standards. When on the hunt for your dog’s training needs, here are a few things to consider:

• Reputation

Popularity and reputation are often confused. Just because a certain dog training school is popular doesn’t mean they have a good reputation. Although popularity is a good place to start, you’ll want to research the overall appeal of the school, training methods used and how many pet owners have trusted them with their training needs. You can find reputable dog training schools through word of mouth, your veterinarian and even on the internet. The ASPCA, Amercian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will most certainly have names of registered, qualified and reputable training organizations to meet your needs.

• Training Methods

Not all methods are good methods. Make sure the school you choose has as much concern for your dog’s safety and health as you do. You’ll want them to treat your canine companion like they would their own. Yelling and painful punishment methods are not acceptable and should not be tolerated. A good school will practice humane techniques to promote positive behavior in your pet. Positive methods include the use of rewarding good dog behavior. Negative techniques include verbal confrontations and painful stimuli to discourage certain behaviors.

• Know Their Stuff

A knowledgeable dog training school can give you examples of methods used many years ago and the latest techniques used today. Having a long history of knowledge in the field ensures your pet will get the necessary mode of training. Some dogs are more receptive to older methods and others grasp on quickly to modern methods. A good trainer is equipped with the knowledge of both and when to use them. Get to know the trainer and any specialized training they have under their belt. Remember, you are paying for this service. You have every right to make sure you and your pet receive everything you pay for.

• Canine Classroom

You’ll find two types of classrooms; individual and group. An obvious advantage of a group classroom is socialization. This promotes a well-behaved pet while around other dogs. Another advantage is the ability for the dog owner to see any potential handling mistakes being made. Individual classrooms offer more dedicated training sessions and devoted attention, but you must also consider that the voice command from you may not be as effective as it is from the trainer. As easy as it is to pick any dog training school, the key lies in making the right choice for you and your pet.