Suppose you’ve had a dog before. You might think you shouldn’t take your dog to a training class. However, all dog owners, regardless of how much experience they may have had with dogs in the past, can benefit from taking their new dog to training classes. Whether you want to learn basic obedience skills or are curious about getting involved in a new sport, training classes are a fun way to connect with your dog and learn something new simultaneously! However, it’s important to remember that dog training is an unregulated industry so when looking for training classes, make sure to inquire about a dog trainer’s experience and their training approaches. You’ll want to find a training class that utilizes positive reinforcement-based techniques. Once you find the right trainer, there are a lot of benefits to taking your dog to training classes.
Expert support
If you are struggling with a specific behavior or having a difficult time connecting with your dog, signing up for a training class can help you to get the skills needed to communicate clearly with your dog. A dog trainer will be able to help you to troubleshoot any issues that you’re having at home with your dog, including potty training, excessive barking, reactivity, or loose leash walking. Dog training classes aren’t just about teaching your dog how to do things. Most importantly, they are about teaching you how to communicate clearly with your dog. Training classes support dog owners in learning the best ways to communicate with their dogs.
Socialization opportunities
If you have a young puppy who you have just brought home, it’s vital to sign that puppy up for training classes. These classes provide the opportunity for your young puppy to start to learn how to manage/experience engaging with other dogs and people. Many dog training facilities will offer puppy-specific classes, designed to not only provide puppy parents with skills to teach their young puppies new behaviors but also provide opportunities for puppies to interact and play with one another safely. This can be a great way to help socialize a young puppy to different dogs and people and to have opportunities to engage with other puppies at similar developmental stages.
Distraction training
One of the big benefits of taking your dog to a training class is the opportunity for your dog to get to practice new skills around distractions. This is an essential skill for dogs and puppies of all ages to work on. It’s one thing for your dog to perform a specific cue or behavior at home where it’s quiet, and you’re alone, but it takes practice for your dog to perform those behaviors around other dogs or people. Taking your dog to class is the perfect opportunity for your dog able to gain those skills and learn how to focus on you and ignore the distractions of other dogs and people. This skill will help you and your dog now and in the future when you’re out walking or if you want to take your dog places.
Decrease frustration
Teaching your dog new skills can be frustrating for you and your dog. Dog training involves bridging language barriers: teaching your dog new skills and behaviors requires developing a shared language. When dogs, people, or both are frustrated, it’s difficult for learning to take place. Working as a dog trainer by taking your dog to classes can help to alleviate or even prevent frustration in the first place, as you’ll gain the language to communicate with your dog directly. Taking your dog to training classes early also allows you to avoid having to re-teach or untrain unwanted behaviors you may accidentally teach if you are inexperienced.
Having fun!
There’s more to dog training classes than just basic manners/obedience. If you want more fun with your dog or try something new together, consider attending an introduction sport class. Dog training classes can help to provide you and your dog an excellent opportunity to bond and spend quality time together. It’s easy to get into a rut in your relationship with your dog by taking it out for the same walk around your neighborhood. Dog training classes can help you to find different ways to engage with your dog and find new ways to have fun together. There are sports for every type of dog and owner ranging from agility to scent work!
Finding a community
Having a dog can be stressful! An unexpected benefit of taking your dog to training classes is meeting other like-minded dog owners in your local area. Joining dog training classes can provide a space for you to bond, commiserate, and connect with other people who may be struggling with the same (very normal) training and behavior issues with their dogs. Connecting with other dog owners can help you to feel less alone or less overwhelmed about your dog’s needs and behavior. The community you gain through training classes is also a great way to learn about other local resources such as groomers, vets, dog walkers, and dog sitters.
