Train Your Dog, Train Yourself
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Train Your Dog, Train Yourself
Finding a good dog trainer isn’t as easy as opening up the phone book and selecting the ad that looks the most appealing. There are many good trainers out there, but not more than mediocre ones in my opinion. If you are searching for a dog trainer there are some things that you should consider before you start your search. First, you should be firmly aware of what your training goals are. Do you want your dog to listen to commands like “sit, stay, lay down, roll over, speak, shake” or is the training you seek a little more advanced like cadaver rescue, herding, agility competition, etc? After you’ve determined what your training goals are, you should start asking around. Friends, family, your veterinarian, professional dog walker and trusted sources should help give you an objective and honest view of their experiences with trainers and can really narrow down your search for a good trainer.
Ok, so you have identified a few well recommended trainers, so now what? Set up some meetings, ask for free consultations and interview each one of them. Yes, this could take a little time, but it’s well worth it. After all, these dogs are your family and you want them to be in good hands. Ask these trainers about their specific qualifications, training techniques and experience. Ask them to share some stories about how they were able to overcome difficult training challenges and whether or not they have solid experience that meet your specific needs. Be sure to select a trainer that works well with people! Ultimately, this trainer needs to help you train your own dog if you want the best results. Be leery of chain store training programs where you won’t get the personalized attention you and your dog need and be especially leery of sending your dog away to be trained in your absence. After you’ve heard enough from the trainers, feel satisfied with the information you’ve received, determined whether or not you can afford their rates, it’s time to make a decision. Remember, dog training is a science, but more importantly and art. Good luck to you, hope this helps!