Sound Strategies for Training your Dog
Training improves a dog’s ability to process information, and to learn, remember and reason. Without training, dogs will only follow their own inherited, instinctive behaviors - which don’t always mesh well with civilized society! Improper training, or no training, cripples a dog emotionally - they’ve never been taught how to fit comfortably into their environment or social situation. Instead of a healthy, happy relationship with their family they often suffer from punishment, stress, abandonment or banishment. Investing time and effort to train your dog results in a satisfying relationship for both of you.
Choosing a trainer for your puppy or dog is just as important as choosing a school for your children. Both children and dogs benefit from an enriched, non-coercive learning environment where motivation and achievement are high - in other words, learning should be fun and rewarding for both owner and pet. Although there are many good trainers out there to choose from, some are better than others. There is no licensing required for dog trainers, so it’s “Buyer Beware” for the pet owner, and you’ll need to do a little research to find a competent, knowledgeable person.
Interview prospective trainers carefully before making a commitment. Ask lots of questions and observe a class or two. If you see heavy handed, painful or abusive methods, look elsewhere. Here are some things to ask a prospective trainer:
Does the trainer advocate “quick fixes?” If so, keep looking. Time and patience is key to training and modifying behavior. Methods that aim for a quick fix are often coercive or even brutal.
Find out what the trainer’s philosophy is - what are they in business to do? Answering this question takes some thought. The answer will tell you how seriously the trainer takes his or her work. Good trainers want to help you channel your pet’s natural behavior into a happy, well-mannered family companion - a joy to own and a companion for life.
What types of corrections are used? Why? When are corrections needed? Why? They should be able to give specific and detailed answers. If responses include any references to electric collars, choke or prong collars, or other physical punishment methods, say “Thanks, but no thanks!” Again, learning should be fun. People don’t learn best when frightened or in pain and neither do dogs.
Ask what the trainer has done in the past year in terms of continuing education. A good trainer will attend conferences and workshops and do a lot of reading to keep up with advances in the profession. Most of what we know about how dogs think and learn has been discovered in the last 15 years or so, and new advances are coming all the time. We are just beginning to realize and appreciate how complex some behaviors are and to modify training methods according to new information. If the individual you are interviewing has not kept up with the latest developments in training and behavior, they will not do a good job with your dog.
What professional organizations do they belong to? Ideally the trainer you choose will be a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, an international organization dedicated to promoting humane training practices and educational opportunities. Membership in professional associations and participation in their activities enhances a trainer’s credibility.
Lastly, make sure your trainer is good with people as well as dogs. A good trainer knows how to coach and give feedback. At least as important as training the pet is training you, the owners of the pet, to handle your dog confidently and self-sufficiently. This coaching will teach you how to build a great relationship with your family pet.
Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation when choosing a trainer. Remember, they probably have lots of information to help you through many common behavior problems, including barking, digging, chewing, separation anxiety and many others. Some vets can also do one-on-one behavioral counseling in their office.
