When you get a new dog, one of the first things you should be thinking about is dog training. If you Google the phrase “dog trainer”, you’ll get pages and pages of results. How do you know what sort of training program and trainer you should look into? What would fit best with you and your dog?
Dog training methods come in many different types. Approaches can vary from forceful obedience training to the sort where you are the pack’s “alpha leader” to sympathetic approaches using positive reinforcement.
Until fairly recently, dogs were rarely considered part of the family in the way that we think of them now. In previous decades, a dog was just another animal that received little to no training and when or if it did step out of line, it suffered harsh punishment.
Over time, methods that would be considered inhumane by today’s standards softened. Electronic collars, crude whips, rolled up newspapers and shaking the animal by the scruff were all used to intimidate the animal into behaving. The dog’s reaction to this sort of punishment was always dependent on their personality. Stressed or timid dogs might cower or hide, dominant dogs might get aggressive, either way, most dogs’ reactions to this sort of discipline were rarely positive or constructive.
Most of these methods and approaches are now recognized by today’s trainers as inappropriate and ineffective. The most praised method of training today is the positive reinforcement approach. This approach is not only effective, but will foster a sense of confidence in your animal and his relationship with you.
Though there are basic standards nearly all trainers follow, the specifics on the approach to their training still vary widely. To figure out what sort of training method would fit with your dog, you need to take a closer look at your animal. Does he have a history of abuse or the potential for it? Is he insecure or timid? Dominant or aggressive? Has he had any basic training in the past? Is he well mannered or has his behavior been problematic? What sort of relationship are you looking for with the dog beyond general companion? Is he a family pet? Are you training him for agility, competition, tracking, hunting or any other sport?
With your end goal in mind, check out those Google results again or pick up a phone book. Jot down all the applicable trainers’ information and look them up online if they have a web page. If you know other dog owners, inquire about their dog training experiences and who they worked with. You can also call local veterinarians for trainer recommendations.
You more likely want to look into trainers with positive reinforcement approaches, but to be sure they are what you want, do some background research! Ask for referrals from your prospective dog trainers.
Some trainers will come to your home to help you train your dog. This method not only offers convenience for you, it also allows your dog to learn with out a lot of distractions. Plus where do you want your dog to behave the best?…probably at home.
Be sure to enroll your puppy as early as you can into beginner’s puppy program to make sure you learn about puppy socialization and imprinting. Also, if you know you have a dog that has a history of abuse or seems to have aggression issues, be sure to seek an animal behaviorist instead of just a dog trainer. Issues that may be worked out by the proper professional can blow up if left unresolved.
As we’ve established, the most widely accepted and praised method of training is the positive reinforcement method. Here are a few tips for recognizing a positive reinforcement training class:
- method is reward based, using treats, praise or something the animal values when wanted behavior is exercised by animal
- the general tone of the classes are upbeat
- patience is used, dogs are given time to offer a desired behavior
- unwanted behaviors are cleverly nipped by asking for a wanted behavior (for example, preventing a dog from jumping on someone by asking him to sit)
There are many resources available online and in libraries on how to train your dog and on methods of dog training. However keep in mind that nothing beats having a professional trainer helping you through the process.
