Main Home Life Pets Dogs

How to Find the Best Trainer for Your Dog

Are you thinking about dog obedience classes? Do you know what to expect out of it? Do you know what it costs or where to find a good school?

If not, let's take out some of the mystery of finding one to make sure that you and your dog get the best experience you can.

If you have searched the web in this topic, you probably found some sites that are basically search engines within search engines, no real information about dog obedience schools.

Or you might have found some obedience schools that were on the other side of the country. Needless to say, neither one was of much use.

Chances are you have a dog obedience school of some sort in your town. Search the web using keywords such as "dog training" or "dog training classes" as opposed to "dog obedience school." In this way, you'll be widening your search to include local pet shops or even pet groomers who may have someone on staff who specializes in dogs and how to train them.

Before you decide on the best dog trainer, first ask a LOT of questions. These people are going to be molding the mind of your impressionable pup and you want to know that it's a good fit. Ask things like:

• What will the dog be taught?

• What is the success rate?

• Will you be taught how to continue with your dogs new training?

• What are their methods of correction when the dog disobeys?

If you're asking questions over the phone, make sure you follow up with a personal visit to the facility. Ask if you can watch a training session or a video of a session so you get an idea of what your dog will be subjected to.

For the most part, someone who chooses to train dogs for a living is going to be a good person who is capable of communicating with animals. Some dog trainers, however, may have fallen into the job, and may be doing it just to get a paycheck. That being said, never make a final decision on a dog obedience class until you and your dog have had a personal visit with the trainer.

If you have any doubts, look to your pet and see their reaction. If your dog reacts negatively, trust their instincts -- as the saying goes, dogs are extremely good judges of character!

also see-> How nutrition affects your dog's behavior

More about dog training around the Web:

Choosing a group dog training class - Here's very helpful information on how to find them and what to look for, with suggested reading and related resources.

American Dog Trainer's Network - Check out an entire library of articles and features with expert tips on how to choose dog trainers, pet sitters or dog walkers, with advice on house training, and related safety tips.