Dogs of all sizes and ages benefit from training. Dog training is an opportunity for dogs and their owners to develop a shared language and learn how to communicate more clearly with one another. Dogs love to learn new things, and dog training can help keep dogs mentally and physically enriched. Dogs who are getting their mental needs met are less likely to engage in boredom-based behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing, or digging. Working with a skilled dog trainer can also help you to learn to work through challenging behaviors you might be experiencing with your dog.
Finding The Right Dog Trainer
There are a wide variety of training options available to dogs and dog owners from puppy classes and basic obedience to advanced competition sport classes. There is a training class or learning opportunity for every sort of dog. The type of training you and your dog want to get involved with will depend on your personal preference, your schedule, and the type of skills you want your dog to learn. Group classes, private lessons, virtual classes, or individual coaching are all options for training depending on your needs and schedule.
Regardless of the kind of training you’re interested in, it’s important to work with an experienced dog trainer who utilizes a positive reinforcement-based framework in their teaching. This means a trainer who doesn’t use fear, punishment, or pain as part of their training. Those outdated training methods have been shown to be harmful to a dog’s ability to learn, and to their relationship with their owner. Training with fear and pain suppresses behavior but doesn’t help dogs to develop new associations with stressors.
Where To Find Dog Trainers
When looking to get involved with any kind of training it’s important to find the right dog trainer. Dog training in the United States is an unregulated industry so any person can call themself a dog trainer regardless of their experience or skills. When looking for dog trainer referrals talk with other dog owners you know and ask where they train their dogs. You can also ask your veterinarian’s office for trainer referrals. Many local human societies also offer a variety of dog training classes for dogs in the community from basic manners to different sports and activities. Another great resource for finding a trainer is the local directory from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and/or the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
Got a Puppy?
If you have a new puppy in the house now is the perfect time to start training. Puppy kindergarten classes can help you get your new puppy off on the right paw. Puppy classes help you to learn how to communicate with your puppy and help build your puppy’s love of learning. Puppy classes are also a great opportunity to also get support with any challenges you may be having at home with your puppy, such as issues with potty training, crate training, or inappropriate chewing. At puppy class, you’ll be able to connect with other puppy owners with puppies of a similar age which can be great for setting up play sessions.
Have a Troubled Dog at Home?
If you are struggling with behavioral issues with your dog like reactivity, separation anxiety, aggression, or destructive behaviors it’s important to start working with a dog trainer right away. It can be difficult and frustrating to have a dog with behavioral issues, but training can help you learn to manage those issues, learn more about why your dog behaves the way they do, and gain skills for supporting your dog. If you share your life with a dog who has behavioral issues, it’s often best to start working individually with an experienced dog trainer. Through individualized training sessions, a trainer will be able to assess your dog’s needs and help create an individualized training plan to help you and your dog begin to work through these challenges.
Got a Bored Dog? Try this Dog Training!
If you have a bored dog around the house, consider signing your dog up for some introductory sport classes! Dog sports like Agility, Dock Diving, Rally, Scent Work, Tricks, and Flyball are all fun sports for dogs and their people to play together. Even if you never want to compete, recreational sports can strengthen the relationship you have with your dog by giving you something fun and new to do together. Getting involved with dog sports is also a good way to increase the exercise that your dog is getting and burn off some of that excess energy.
Consider Online Dog Training
If you have a busy schedule you might want to consider signing up for virtual training sessions with your dog. Virtual training became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic but has continued to be an accessible option for dog owners.
A benefit of dog training is that many virtual classes are asynchronous meaning you can watch the lessons anytime that is convenient for you. They also mean that you can take classes with trainers located outside of your local area. Most online classes have the option for you to be able to send a video of you and your dog practicing skills back to the trainer for review. Virtual training is an option for all kinds of training from basic obedience skills to introductory and advanced dog sport training.
Regardless of if you have a new puppy in the house or are struggling through challenging behavior with your dog every dog can benefit from training. The old saying “can’t teach an old dog new tricks” simply is not true. All dogs can learn new skills, and benefit from opportunities to get more mental and physical enrichment. Regardless of what kind of training you’re interested in exploring with your dog, make sure the trainer you work with comes recommended and utilizes positive reinforcement techniques.
