Getting your dog well trained

If you are considering getting your dog into training classes then it is important that you find the right dog trainer. Whether you are looking for one to one training or group classes, you will want to be certain that the trainer you ultimately choose is a good fit for you and your dog. Training is a great way for you to bond with a new pet while teaching him to act appropriately. In order to find the trainer who will help you to achieve your goal you must not be afraid to ask questions, in fact you should treat it like interviewing an employee - after all your dog trainer should be working for you. Here are some of the important questions you should ask potential trainers.

What Methods Do They Advocate?
It is important that you fully understand what methods will be used during training. You will want to make sure that you are comfortable with the techniques so it is important that you understand the various options. Some trainers prefer to use a reward based program while others implement consequences or corrections and this is something not all dog owners are happy with.

Do They Have Experience With Your Breed Or Behaviors?
Many breeds of dog tend to exhibit similar tendencies, so it can be useful if you find a dog trainer who is experienced in dealing with your particular breed. The same goes for certain behaviors. It could be that you are looking for general training, but if you are experiencing one particular issue with your dog then it is useful to know that they have handle the issue successfully in the past. Issues might include excessive barking, aggression or abandonment issues.

Will They Help You Continue The Training At Home?
Any good dog trainer will tell you that training needs to be continued in the home after the program is complete. If this does not happen then the training will have been in vain and the dog will soon revert to old behaviors. It is important that you ask what sort of after care and support a trainer offers. Some trainers will do follow up visits at regular intervals.

Do They Offer A Time Frame For Improvement?
Most dog trainers will be wary of answering this question. There is no set time for training a dog. It is an ongoing process that can last for very long time. However, they should be able to give you a rough time frame for basic commands even if they cannot estimate how long it will take to fix more complex behaviors. It is important to remember that the success will depend largely on your ability to follow up on the training at home.