When it comes to dog training, the process can be a challenge if you do not have a great deal of free time to do the training yourself. Training is not something that should be overlooked, however, because the longer you wait to get started the more difficult it will be. If you want to avoid having an overactive and undisciplined dog that is difficult to control, consider hiring a trainer.
Why Training is Important
Even if you are not intentionally trying to set an example, your dog will still learn from you. In some cases this is a good thing, but it can lead to trouble if you are not careful. For example, many dog owners unwittingly teach their dogs that it is okay to jump up on guests by allowing them to perform this kind of behavior when they are puppies. It is not so cute when a fully-grown dog jumps up on your friends as soon as they walk in the door, but you cannot expect your dog to suddenly forget the behavior you accidentally conditioned him to exhibit. If you do not make an effort to teach your dog which behaviors are acceptable and which are not, he will make up rules of his own. Once he does, it can be difficult to change his habits, so your best bet is to start training your dog as early as possible.
Top Tip: Early training is the key to a well-behaved and manageable dog.
Qualities to Look for in a Trainer
If you do not have the time to train your dog yourself, you should look into hiring a trainer to help you. You should look to find a trainer that is experienced and one that gets along well with your dog.
Look for a trainer that utilizes positive reinforcement-based training methods.
This type of training involves the use of rewards to encourage the repetition of desired behaviors. Avoid any trainer that uses punishment-based techniques as a teaching method. Many studies have shown that positive reinforcement is a much more effective training method than punishment.
In addition to evaluating the trainer’s teaching methods, you also want to be sure that they have a great deal of experience working with different kinds of dogs. Different breeds of dogs have different activity levels and attention spans, so you want to be sure that the trainer can handle your dog. Do not be afraid to ask questions when interviewing a trainer – you want to make sure that your dog will be in good hands and that you get your money’s worth for the training.
Where to Look for a Trainer
Start by doing a local trainer search here on LovePets.
You can also ask friends who are dog owners, local veterinarians and boarding kennels – your groomer may even be able to make a few suggestions. Once you have come up with a few options, see if you can sit in on a trainer's class or set up a meeting with the trainers to see how they gets along with your dog. You want to be sure that the trainer you choose knows what he is doing and that he will take good care of your dog.
Training is incredibly important for dogs and you need to start while your dog is young for the best results. If you are worried that you do not have enough time to train your dog yourself, your next best option may be to hire a trainer. Before you hire a trainer, however, take the time to evaluate your options so that you can find the best fit for your dog.
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