It is no easy
task to find a good trainer for your dog. Probably, it is as difficult as
select a good school for a kid. Here is a brief guide that might be practical.
First step. Get a clear idea what is the
purpose of teaching or training your
dog. In most cases – to have a civilized and socialized pet as a pleasant
companion. The whole educational process will take about 15 – 20 hours of obedience training. You can
find a qualified instructor and most of the work do yourself. Probably, you
think about brilliant sport career for
your dog in IPO, mondioring, agility? In this case you’ll need more than one trainer and spend years on the
training ground.
Second step. If you live, for example, in Canada, or US, or
Australia, you can refer to professional associations of trainers. Such
associations were created in many countries but not everywhere. If there is
none, ask in the kennel club or consult with your breeder. In practice a lot of
people prefer to seek through Internet or ask their friends or those whom they
consider to be a responsible dog owner.
Third step. You need to decide whether your
puppy will attend classes on the training ground or will have “home education”.
Both variants are acceptable. Each of them has its plus and minus. Group lessons
also help to socialize a young dog. However, in some cases first individual
lessons will be preferable. What is important: do not follow anybody’s example.
Be attentive to your dog, watch his/her behavior and choose the way that will
make your unique dog civilized and well trained.
Fourth step. Ask the trainer what methods he/she
apply. Try to see how he/she conducts the training with other dogs.
Fifth step. Ask for a program for your dog:
what skills will be developed, what exercises will be used, what time will it
take. Any trainer with considerable experience can answer your questions.
Sixth step. Better to decide beforehand whether
you will participate in training or the instructor will train your dog by
himself. In my opinion the first variant is preferable as it reinforces
dog-owner mutual understanding. However, the second variant is also rather
popular as a lot of people have no time to come with their dogs to training
ground regularly.
Seventh step. It is very important to have the
psychological contact with the trainer of your dog. Try to find a person with
whom you feel psychologically comfortable.
And – the final step. Look at the dog of the trainer. Would you
like to have a dog with such a behavior? The dog can tell you a lot about his
master and answer many your question.
Good luck !
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