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Animal Training Information
Helpful
Advice from the Dumb Friends League
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When possible, all family members should participate in the dog's training.
By learning to communicate humanely and effectively with their canine friend,
they will develop bonds that will form the basis of the entire relationship.
After you have selected a training program:
Choosing a Dog Trainer
Too many dogs are given up after their normal, easily modifiable behaviors are
allowed to become problems. But it doesn't have to be this way. To prevent your
dog from becoming a sad statistic, take your dog-and your family-to a professional
dog training class. A good training class is a fun, social activity that helps
your dog become a well-behaved, safe, and valued family member. This information
will help you find the dog trainer and class environment that best fits your
budget and needs.
Why is training my dog a necessity?
As a dog owner, one of the first questions you may ask is, Does my new
companion need training? Yes, and so do you! Whether you are intentionally teaching
him or not, your canine friend is always learning-and this is true not just
for puppies but also for older, adult dogs. If you do not teach your pet your
rules, he will invent his own. Training allows caregivers to safely and humanely
control their dog's behavior. Positive training enhances the bond between dog
and owner, and helps ensure that your dog will respond happily to your instructions.
What should I look for in a trainer?
It's essential that the dog trainer you select uses humane training techniques
that encourage appropriate behavior through such positive reinforcement as food,
attention, play, or praise. Look for a trainer who ignores undesirable responses
or withholds rewards until the dog behaves appropriately. Training techniques
should never involve yelling, choking, shaking the scruff, tugging on the leash,
alpha rolling (forcing the dog onto his back), or other actions that frighten
or inflict pain.
Where can I find a trainer?
A recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society, boarding
kennel, or groomer is a good place to start. You can also check the Yellow Pages
under "Pet Training." Don't assume that a trainer's membership in a dog trainer
association qualifies him as a suitable instructor: Not all associations' membership
criteria will meet your expectations. Also, because no government agency regulates
or licenses trainers, it's that much more important to investigate their qualifications
before enrolling in a class. Find out how many years of experience they have,
how they were educated, and what training methods they use. Ask prospective
trainers for several references from clients who completed the classes.
Which class format is best?
In group classes, dogs learn to interact with other dogs, accept handling by
other people, and respond to their owners despite distractions. Owners learn
by observing other people interacting with their dogs and benefit from the camaraderie.
Self-help training, private lessons, and dog-only lessons that exclude the owner
do not provide these important advantages. Another disadvantage of dog-only
lessons is that the dog may respond well for the trainer but may not transfer
what she has learned to you and your family
What should I seek in a group class?
Ask the trainer whether you can observe a class in session before signing up.
Watch for the following:
How much does training cost?
Training costs vary, depending on where you live and the type of instruction
you want. Private lessons may range from $30 to $65 per hour; group lessons
may start at $75 for several weeks of sessions. Some animal shelters offer subsidized
training programs; costs for several weeks of sessions may range from $35 to
$90, depending on whether you adopted your dog from that shelter and the number
of class sessions it provides.
What's the best age for training?
Although "puppyhood" is the best time to train and socialize dogs, older dogs
can learn new tricks, too. In fact, dogs of all ages can benefit from training.
Dogs between 8 and 16 weeks of age should be enrolled in puppy classes. Regular
classes are appropriate for dogs six months or older.
By enrolling and actively participating in a dog training class, you will help
your dog become not just a well-behaved member of your family, but also a safer
member of your community.
Helpful Advice from the Dumb Friends League Humane
Society of Denver ©1999-All Rights Reserved
For More Information
For more information on choosing a dog trainer, consult the resources listed below. Please note that, except for its own materials, The HSUS or the CCHS are not affiliated with any of the references below and their inclusion here does not represent an endorsement.
Organizations:
PETsMART Store
635 Vann Drive
Jackson, Tennessee
731-661-0049
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
P.O. Box 385
Davis, CA 95617
800-PET-DOGSNational Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI)
Attn: Correspondence Secretary
729 Grapevine Hwy., #369
Hurst, TX 76054
(no phone number available)
Publications:
The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Dog Care. 1998. Little, Brown, and Company. The staff of The HSUS, together with dog care and training expert Marion Lane, provide tips and information about every aspect of dog ownership. Available at bookstores and through the online HSUS Marketplace for $24.95. Copyright © 2002 The Humane Society of the United States. All rights reserved.
Information From The Humane Society of the United States-2002 www.hsus.org/ace/11833
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Petfinder & ASPCA Behavior/Training Library
Denver Dumb Friends League Pet: Advice & Training
Association of Pet Dog Trainers
San Francisco SPCA "Dog Behavior Library"
Clicker Training from Karen Pryor
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