Perfect Puppy Training Book – Chapter 7 – Obedience Classes (Part 2)

Chapter 7 - Obedience Classes (Part 2)

What to Look for in a Good Obedience Class

Not all obedience classes are alike. It's important to do your research and find a good class with a knowledgeable instructor. You don't want your impressionable puppy to have a bad experience. Here are some tips on how to find the right class for you and your family.

Make sure that the instructor thoroughly understands the science of learning theory and canine behavior. Modern training techniques do not require the use of aversive, physical punishment, or harsh tools. The instructor should be very knowledgeable but able to teach you what he knows without using jargon or confusing terms. He should be a good educator of people as well, not just of dogs.

Ask for the trainer's credentials. If the instructor says that he is a "Master Dog Trainer" or "Certified Trainer," where did he earn that title? Was it from one training school or from a professionally moderated national certification program? If the instructor says that he is a "behaviorist," ask exactly what training and education went into the title. The program for certified applied animal behaviorists (www.animalbehavior.org) is very stringent and requires specific educational and scientific credentials. A dog trainer who specializes in specific behavior issues is not the same as a certified applied animal behaviorist.

Some instructors have personal dogs with many impressive titles that they earned during obedience or agility competitions. This may be important to you if you wish to pursue competition with your puppy. Titles demonstrate that the instructor is good at training his own dogs, but how good is he at training other people to train their dogs? Ask about his students' success rates in the ring.

Ask if the trainer participates in regular continuing education. Does he take classes? Does he tend workshops and conferences in his field? Is he a member of any professional organizations, such as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)?

Because there are so many variables when training a puppy, an ethical dog trainer will not guarantee the results of his training. Puppies have different temperaments. Puppy owners have different levels of commitment and experience. It's impossible to guarantee results when so many factors contribute to training a puppy. For example, if an owner is too busy to do any of the class homework, then his puppy won't keep up with the class. An instructor doesn't go home with class members to guarantee that their puppies are being properly trained. What an instructor can do is guarantee satisfaction with his services. Be wary of those who guarantee that your puppy will learn specific behaviors or attain a certain level of training.

If you have friends with well-behaved dogs, ask them where they got their training. Ask your veterinarian, pet sitter, or groomer for referrals.

A good instructor will welcome you to sit in and observe a class (without your puppy, of course). The class should be well organized. The instructor should be friendly but firm enough to keep the class under control and safe for people and puppies alike.

There should be a good ratio of instructors and assistants to students. That will vary depending on the area and types of dogs in the class, but in general, you should be able to see that each student is getting individualized attention.

Students and puppies should enjoy the classes. Training classes should be fun, not stern boot camp drill exercises. Sure, occasionally owners will get frustrated, but a good instructor will motivate students to encourage their puppies, rather than get angry with them.

Instructors should do a good job of explaining and demonstrating the exercises. Does he leave time for questions? Look for a trainer who treats his clients with respect and courtesy.

A good instructor will send home quality written materials so that students will have a better understanding of the exercises and be able to work on them at home. Do the students receive written handouts or homework? Are they clear and easy to understand?

Take your time to find the right class. Think about the teachers who made a difference in your life. You want a trainer who will make a difference in the life of you and your puppy, together.