How to Choose Dog Training Classes

Celebrity trainers have helped dog training grow into a massive industry. Their 30-minute segments sometimes make the process seem like magic. But is celebrity status really what matters when it comes to choosing an instructor? No. What does is your gut reaction to their methods.

It’s why you’ll need to visit a few training schools and judge them for yourself. Get recommendations from your veterinarian, pet supply store staff, groomers, neighbours, and family members. Call a few of these schools and ask if you can watch a class in action.

Look for a positive environment

• Watch for continual encouragement and praise from the head instructor and their assistants as each dog/human team navigates through the exercises.

• Expect some joyful chaos, but be sure instructors can keep their classes organized and on track.
• Instructors should demonstrate knowledge of dog behaviour, and understand that not all humans or dogs learn the same way, or at the same speed.
• The instructors should be teaching the humans, who in turn teach their dogs. If any dog/human team is having difficulties with the exercises, a staff member should be taking them aside for individual help.
• Do you see happy faces - both human and canine? That’s usually a tell-tale sign!

Positive training techniques are based on the mantra “reward desirable behaviour; ignore undesirable behaviour.” When a dog does something right, a positive trainer rewards with treats, attention, praise, or play. When the dog does something wrong, the mistake is ignored and any reward witheld. This way, the dog learns that good things happen when he does something right.