As a dog trainer, I often hear from owners that their dog is not behaving in an acceptable manner. The owner is now exasperated and is ready to throw in the towel instead of trying to figure out a better way to train the pet.
Part of the problem is that dog training looks so easy on television. Terrible behaviors are addressed and corrected in a short amount of time, and the dog seems to be completely exorcised of all past devilish doings.
This is not reality. Dog owners have varying levels of experience, and each dog is an individual. The last dog owned does not resemble the next dog added. Each dog and situation is unique and can possess its own challenges.
Schools of Thought
The average owner does not think that he needs a dog trainer.
Indeed, the majority of dog owners are perfectly capable of teaching their dog boundaries and simple commands like sit, down and stay. Most dogs do not have behavioral problems. Some do, however, and those behaviors can be addressed by a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist. In those cases, training should begin as soon as the dog is current on all vaccinations.
In general, there are two schools of thought on how to properly train a dog.
The first is commonly referred to as the “Old School” method or “Alpha dog technique,” which is established through various forms of physical manipulation. The other is the “New School,” also known as positive reinforcement or treat training.
Old School methods can be seen on shows like the “Dog Whisperer” and were commonly used in American Kennel Club obedience trials. They employ a form of “touch” to correct the dog when it does something wrong. New School methods were developed by animal behaviorists and dog trainers such as Ian Dunbar and are demonstrated by trainers like Victoria Stillwell and Karen Pryor, who use clicker training or shaping exercises with rewards of treats or play for the correct behavior
Before making a decision, owners should do some research to understand what they are paying the trainer to teach. They also should be comfortable with the fact that they are being taught because, ultimately, it’s the human who gets the training.
Training takes commitment from the owner. Training the dog to sit, down and stay in a classroom setting is great. However, the dog will need to get out and about and socialized to ensure that the training works in all environments and under all circumstances.
Socialization means that the dog is familiar with different people, animals, environments and conditions. When a dog is learning new tricks, the owner or handler should be aware that, if the dog is overstimulated, it is not going to absorb the lesson trying to be taught. Therefore, training should begin in a quiet space and, as each trick is learned, the dog should be taken out to keep increasing the difficulty. By teaching the dog tricks and working with it in different situations, the owner and dog are forming a working relationship and a bond.
Where to Go
Classes are offered in many different places, including pet stores like PetsMart, Petco and Pet Valu, through community and recreational centers like the West Shore Recreation Commission, and through privately owned businesses that can be found online or through veterinarian offices. Dog training classes in these settings offer an excellent opportunity to socialize your dog.
Good online sources include the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com), the American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) or Bark Busters (www.barkbusters.com). These sources offer information about both dog trainers and animal behaviorists, as well as group classes or personal, in-home training.
You might also consider specialty and alternative activities and classes such as agility, dock diving, freestyle Frisbee or Rally-O. These are fun, social and a great alternative to the traditional obedience dog training classes.
Ownership of a dog requires training for both the dog and the owner. It is a working relationship that should also be an enjoyable experience. There are tips and resources at a dog owner’s disposal to assist in training the dog, to help bridge any gaps in the relationship and to teach the dog to be a part of the household and under control.
Ideally, training should begin as soon as the dog is brought into the home and vaccinated. If the behavior is more than can be handled, it may be time to contact a professional.
Amy Powell is a dog trainer and Owner of Doggie U, LLC.
