At dog school dogs get the training and guidance to learn appropriate behaviors for living with your family. If the idea of teaching your old (or new) dog some new tricks sounds overwhelming to you, consider this option. Here's what to look for when deciding where to send your pup for some proper dog behavior training.
Who Is She?
Is your pet an intimidating German Sheppard or a teensy poodle? Is she a playful pup or a nervous Nellie? If your dog's size, age or temperament is a concern, check with the Dog School to make sure you can have her separated into an appropriate class environment with dogs that will not frighten her or that will not be frightened by her. You should also investigate how much one-on-one training goes on between the trainer and the dogs. This can make a world of difference in the success of training.
What Do You Want To Teach Her?
Consider your goals for dog school. Do you simply want to teach your dog to sit, stay and fetch or are you hoping for a dog show champion? You may be interested in seeing whether your dog is a good candidate to be a service or military animal. Check the school's classes and credentials before enrolling your dog in any programs so you're not disappointed.
The Practical Stuff
You'll also want to consider location, pricing and class schedules before committing to any Dog School classes. Setting her up in classes that require you to race home from work, throw her in the car and careen through rush hour traffic to get her there on time are a surefire path to failure. Not only will you be stressed, your dog will feel stress too, which doesn't put her in the right frame of mind for training. Choose a few schools that sound interesting and then sit down and compare classes, prices and scheduling to see which works best for you and your family. If price is a concern, look for group classes that take place at a community college or local park for the best value.Even if your dog has already mastered basic behavioral skills and commands, you and she can still benefit from a few classes at a qualified dog school. You'll learn more effective ways to train her and she'll learn how to respond to you well. Taking dog school classes together also offers a wonderful way to spend some time bonding without distractions.
