The first thing a responsible human should do after adopting a puppy is find a dog obedience school. A puppy's training should start early to nip any negative behaviors in the bud and ensure a happy, healthy relationship between dog and family. Be sure to choose a school that fits with your natural leadership style so you can successfully continue training at home. Remember that choosing a good dog obedience school will help you both get off on the right foot.
A great first step toward finding a school in your area is soliciting recommendations from other dog owners and veterinarians. Talk to people at your park about their experiences with the companion dog obedience school they used. Ask the staff at your local veterinary clinic if there are any particular schools that they have used personally or that have been recommended by clients. In high population areas, search the internet for local obedience school rankings.
When you have narrowed down the possibilities, contact the schools and request an interview. Good schools are typically accommodating in this request and understand the importance of a pet owner's comfort with trainers. Discuss the training methods the school endorses. Ask them for references and speak with the actual trainers who would be working with you and your dog. The facilities are important, so be sure to take a tour during your visit.
Be aware of what to expect when your dog begins classes. The age and breed of your dog may indicate how well they respond to training and which types of classes would benefit them the most. As a rule, puppies do well in-group classes, and groups provide necessary socialization training. If you adopted an older dog or a dog with a history of behavioral problems, finding a trainer who will work with your dog individually may yield the best results. There are classes that cater to specific breeds, and for the difficult to train, this is the best option.
There is a lot of variation in dog obedience school cost. Group classes are the least expensive option, with a series usually priced from $40-$200 depending on your area. For an hour-long, one-on-one session with a trainer, expect to pay anywhere from $25-$125. If the cost of dog obedience school is prohibitively high, contact local non-profit agencies that may be able to direct to you reduced rate classes.
Before beginning a class, make sure that your expectations are reasonable. Most obedience schools do not take time to teach dogs tricks, but focus on establishing an understanding between a dog and their human. For young puppies, obedience school may be the place where housebreaking starts, but reinforcement must continue at home. A good dog obedience school will teach you and your dog the basics of good behavior, and provide a foundation for a long, happy relationship.
If you'd like to learn more about finding and choosing a dog obedience school, head on over to DogTipsDaily.com now. Dog Tips Daily offers tons of helpful tips and information on raising and caring for a well-behaved and healthy dog.
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