Training class can get you off to a great start with your puppy, help you achieve specific training goals, and make it possible to manage a rowdy young dog. The class that works for one goal may not be the class that fits another goal, and the class that fits your neighbor’s dog may not fit your dog. How can you tell which class is best for you and your special canine family member?
Make It Part of the Selection Process
The training your dog will require in order to live happily with the family will be central to your lifestyle in having the dog. That means the best time to start your research into training classes is before you even select a breed.
Search the Internet and dog books to learn about different training philosophies. Ask your veterinarian which training organizations in your community are most reputable. Discuss training with breeders whose dogs you are considering. If you want to adopt a rescue dog, talk to the rescue group about what training they feel works best for their breed.
Most breed books and articles in dog magazines include this information because it’s so important in deciding which breed is best for you. The training style will be your decision to make, and you want to be as informed as possible when you make it.
When you meet people with breeds that interest you and behavior that pleases you, ask about their training. Ask if the type of training they used has a name, and whether they can recommend a local class for that method and that breed.
Contact the local training organization and ask permission to come without a dog (it’s also best not to bring any young children on this field trip) and observe a class. If you like what you see, you’ll want to observe a few times. Ideally try to come when dogs of breeds that interest you are working in training class.
As you watch the class, think about whether you’d enjoy being one of those handlers. Are you comfortable with the way the instructor treats the people and the dogs? Would you be comfortable executing the training maneuvers the handlers are being taught to use? Do the dogs seem to be happy and learning? Is the class an orderly and safe setting for dogs and humans?
If you are considering adding to your family a large dog or a dog of a breed selectively bred for work, formal training becomes essential. Training the dog on your own or from books is not likely to work. Even skilled and experienced trainers take their young dogs to classes to work with them in that setting. Don’t try to skip school.
Plan on starting with puppy class before your dog becomes large and rowdy, and sticking with classes until the dog is at least a year old. You’ll need to attend class weekly with your dog and practice the homework daily in a variety of settings.
If this regimen sounds like fun, great! A dog who will be your training buddy may be ideal for your lifestyle.
If the idea of that much training commitment gives you pause, consider a couch-potato breed. They definitely exist, and are just as attractive and fun-loving as the working-type dogs. You’ll still need to do some basic training and socialization out in the world with any dog, but there’s a big difference in the labor, time commitment and effect on your lifestyle when you live with a working-type dog versus a dog bred for easy-going companionship.
Before You Start Class
The first stop needs to be your veterinarian’s office for a thorough examination and evaluation of the dog’s health status. Before taking your dog to training classes, you and your veterinarian will want to consider these factors:
1. Is the dog carrying an illness potentially contagious to humans or to other dogs? If so, classes need to be postponed until your veterinarian clears the dog.
2. Is the dog stressed physically or mentally and in need of rest before starting training? If a dog isn’t feeling well during training, the dog can form a lifelong negative opinion of training and have the working ability permanently impaired. Give your dog time to rest, recover and heal prior to the start of a training program.
3. Does the dog have a disability that makes conventional training impossible or potentially painful for the dog? If this disability is permanent, you may need to stick to private, individualized training. Training can help this dog cope with disability, so you don’t want to skip it. Rather, you want to find the right training for the dog. Ask your veterinarian’s advice as to the right trainer in your community to help you.
4. Is the dog aggressive toward humans or other dogs? If so, you need at least one lesson with a private behavior specialist or trainer to assess the problem. Possibly with some private lessons you will be able to take the dog to class later. Some dogs who can’t function safely in class will need to stick with private training. Don’t avoid training with these dogs, because they need it most of all. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a reputable behavior specialist to help you with this dog.
5. Is the puppy or dog’s immunization status adequate for classes? Your veterinarian is the one to determine when the dog is sufficiently vaccinated and fit to risk exposure to other dogs in classes.
Putting It All Together
Prior to starting class, you’ll need enough control with your dog to walk through the door using a leash, keeping your dog off the other dogs! If this is a problem, get with a private trainer for some help first.
When you get into a class, having done your homework should make it a good experience for you and your dog. If things start to go wrong, though, and your dog is at risk of being physically or mentally harmed, leave the class. You might or might not be able to get a refund on advance payments, but worry about that later. Your dog’s welfare comes first, and walking away from the lesson fee is cheaper than trying to rehabilitate a damaged dog.
If you have a bad class experience, do not give up on training! Find a better class or private trainer. The communication you establish through training can literally be a life-saver—the life of your dog. Class is an ideal way to develop your dog’s ability to remain under control around other dogs in highly distracting situations, just when control is most crucial.
Training is also key to bonding with your dog and to establishing true, loving leadership. Training molds you into partners with common goals and common language. It takes you on adventures together. Cherish the opportunity to train with your dog.