Which dog training class is right for you and your dog?

Would you like support training your dog? There can be a plethora of information on the internet and so many people offer advice in the park, and while it may be well meaning it’s not necessarily right for you and your dog (your dog is an individual), and there can be different motivations and emotions which drive behaviour.

It can be overwhelming to know what to do and you may feel that you’ve tried lots of different techniques and that none of them are getting the results and relief you need.

You feel worried that your dog may put themselves in danger if they’re running near roads, or that they will jump up at someone and hurt them.

It can be valuable to know that you’re not alone and other people are experiencing the same challenges.

Since covid and before, there have been a rise of dog training classes, advice on social media and books all about the best way to train your dog. It’s important to choose the right class for you, and this is what I’m going to explore in this blog.

Why join a dog training class and how will it help you?

A dog training class can equip you with lots of skills to help you train your dog. Dogs don’t come pre-trained at the adolescent period can be particularly challenging. Your dog may be jumping up at people’s bright white t – shirts leaving muddy paws, scratching at skin with their claws or yanking on the lead making the walk stressful and painful.

By joining a training class you can practice skills around other dogs so your dog can focus when there are distractions around them.

In a study by the Royal Vet College found that 97% of owners in a study on pandemic puppies exhibited at least one problem  behaviour. The main challenges were:

Pulling on the lead (57%)

Jumping up (57%)

Not coming when called (52%)

How do you find the right training class for you?

Firstly, what problem are you experiencing? If your dog is nervous of other dogs then a training environment in a room with other dogs is likely to overwhelm and stress them, rather than help them. Putting a dog into a situation they are scared of can sensitise them (make them more sensitive, not help them overcome their fear).

Here are some elements to find out

·     What topics the class covers

·     The age of the dogs

·     What training methods are used (aversive methods such as jerking and telling off can increase problem behaviours

·     What experience the trainer has

·     How many dogs there will be (so it does not turn into a free for all)

·     If the trainer provides videos

·     If the trainer provides lesson plans

·     Private Facebook groups

You want to get the most out of your time and be sure it helps you and your dog, so think about what is most important to you and what you’d like.

Researching dog training companies

Look at a list of dog trainers in your area.

Ask friends for recommendations.

Look at testimonials.

Think about the accreditations and qualifications the trainer has.

Ensure that the dog training class offers what you’re looking for to help you and your dog.

Look at the business owners reputation

Look at videos they have posted. Think about their education and qualifications – the behaviour and training industry is unregulated meaning anyone can call themselves a trainer.

Don’t feel worried about asking about any membership bodies they are a member of. This can provide a level of security.

Do they have insurance too? This is imperative.

What’s the dog trainer like and have they won any awards?

What’s the coaching style of the trainer?

Do some research on the dog trainer. What is their ethos? Do they use methods that align with your values and how you want to train your dog or do they make you feel uncomfortable? No one can learn well when they are stressed! I’ve known some people to feel shamed and in tears by something a trainer has told them. This isn’t something people should experience.

Does the trainer take into account elements such as any injuries the dog may have or specific needs?

Consider any podcasts they’ve done or look at videos on social media to get an idea of what the person behind the business is like.

Check reviews of the dog training business

Look at Facebook reviews and website reviews. Do the reviews seem like genuine testimonials?

Will the class suit you?

Think about any holidays you have coming up – will you miss any sessions or is this a drop in class rather than a course?

Making a decision for you and your dog

There can be a lot to consider when choosing a dog trainer for you! I hope this blog post has been helpful.

Choose a training class that has a dog trainer who is aligned with your goals for your dog and uses methods that you feel comfortable and happy with using.

Look for trainers who are accredited, qualified, and have worked with dogs and helped them.

If you are looking for a dog training class, here is what mine offers:

·     Videos

·     Worksheets

·     In person sessions with a qualified trainer and behaviourist

·     A certificate

·     A private Facebook group

Are you ready to join? You can book a class here. If you have any questions and would like to book a call you can do so here.