Methods of training our canine friends have evolved an incredible amount – even in just the last 15 years. Common methods of choke chains, harsh punishments, and forceful leadership that were prevalent, even in the 90’s, have now been replaced by methods that allow our dogs to learn to place trust in us, instead of to fear us. If group dog training classes didn’t work for you in the past, please consider trying them again.
Dog Trainers everywhere differ in their approach to running group classes. This is truly a wonderful thing since dogs are much like people in that they all learn different ways. Believe it or not, there are an astonishing number of ways to teach the same command or trick. What some dogs understand right off the bat may not work for other dogs, or may take a much longer time if the method goes against how your dog’s brain is wired.
Teaching your dog basic obedience commands such as Sit, Stay, Leave It, Come, etc. can be life saving. No matter the age of your dog, it is never too late for him to learn. The old adage of, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” just doesn’t apply.
For example, after learning Stay and Come, one of my students in group class said that his 1.5 year old dog escaped from the yard, and what would have been a 45 minute chase, was only a few minutes because he yelled for her to Stay, which got her attention, then called her to Come. No longer does he need to worry about his dog running into traffic, or having to chase her through the neighborhood!
When you’re thinking about signing your dog up for group classes, here are a few things to take into consideration:
- Your dog does not need to be perfect – Many people are afraid to enroll their dog into group classes for fear that he will bark uncontrollably, that he won’t understand commands, or that he will be too afraid of the situation. Group classes are actually wonderful for dogs like this! By learning new commands in a setting full of other dogs and people, these skills are much more likely to be transferred over in to the “real world.”
- Dogs learn in different ways – Before signing up for classes, make sure you have an understanding of the Trainer’s methods. Try to find a Trainer who not only understands basic obedience training, but who is also skilled in dog behavior and dog psychology. These Trainers can help you better understand your dog and will find the methods that are best suited to your dog’s learning style.
- Class size matters – In order for you and your dog to get the individual attention necessary to make sure you have a firm understanding of the training methods, aim for smaller classes (3-6 dogs as opposed to 7-10). There will still be sufficient distractions in the class for your dog to learn around, but your Trainer will be able to focus more time on each student individually as well.
Your dog will be part of your life for years, whether you have a puppy or an adult. It is never too late for him to receive an education in basic obedience commands. Imagine the holiday season with a well-trained dog, instead of one who jumps on guests, steals food from the table, and runs through the door when people try to come inside! Start soon, and that could be your Christmas present to yourself and your dog this year.
And remember – every dog can learn. Every single one of them.
If you have any questions you would like to ask a Certified Dog Trainer, you can submit them right here at Naptown Buzz. Every week, Elizabeth Wilhelm, Certified Dog Trainer, will tackle one of the submitted questions. For more information about Elizabeth, you may visit her website at www.TrainingKarma.com.