Start training early for best results.
Having a well-behaved, well-trained dog is the aspiration of almost every dog owner. A dog training school can help achieve this goal. Different types of dog training schools use different methods for training dogs. Not every method works for every dog. Additionally, some dog training schools specialize in training for specific functions that go beyond being a family pet.
Owner Training
The key part of dog training is understanding that the owner needs to be trained along with the dog. Without the hard work, commitment and follow-through of the dog owner, it is impossible to train any type of dog. The dog owner needs to be trained in whichever method the dog training school uses and needs to follow through with the methods. Training a dog takes more hard work from the owner than from the dog because a dog naturally wants to please.
Methods
The most widely used methods of training by dog training schools are correction training, positive reinforcement training and clicker training. Correction training involves having a dog wear a choke collar. When a choke collar is sized and worn properly, a quick yank and release of the chain should remind a dog of the way a mother dog grabs a pup by the scruff of the neck. The yank and release are used to get a dog's attention and to correct improper behavior. When using the yank and release for correction it should be accompanied by a firm "no" from the owner. This method is considered "old school" and modern trainers no longer use it unless absolutely necessary.
Positive reinforcement training is a reward-based method. A dog is taught proper behavior by being rewarded for learning to obey verbal commands. Additionally, some training schools use hand signals with the verbal commands. The reward for obeying commands can be a small treat or praise and positive attention or a combination of the two. Clicker training is a type of positive reinforcement training, the main difference being that along with rewarding good behavior, a clicker is used to mark the behavior.
Functions
The function of a basic dog training school is to teach a dog to obey commands and be well-mannered. Some basic commands covered in an obedience-focused dog training school are sit, stay, heel, down and off. An obedience school will also cover potential problem behaviors and methods of dealing with these behaviors. Specialized schools teach skills necessary to become a therapy dog, a search and rescue dog or a hunting dog. Other dog training schools focus on proper dog show behavior and preparation for agility competitions.
Communication
Dog training schools can also differ in the way trainers communicate with the dogs and the owners. Some trainers get along great with dogs but do not communicate well with the dog owners. The trainer, dog and dog owner are all involved in the training process, and it is crucial that all three communicate well. Additionally, there should be some time during each class session devoted to questions and answers, and the trainer should be able to respond to the questions in an easy-to-understand and informative manner. Another aspect of communication involves hand-outs. Hand-outs usually review what was covered in class and can act as a reminder to the dog owner of what should be worked on at home.
Considerations
Many dog training schools encourage the dog owner to sit in on a class before selecting a school. This is an ideal way to view how the school operates and can help determine if the school is a good match for the dog and his owner. The size of the training room and number of dogs per class should be considered. The room should be spacious enough that each dog has at least 3 feet of clear space on both sides. Also, to get the most benefit from the instruction with enough individual attention when needed, there should be a maximum of six dogs per trainer. One more thing to consider is whether or not the training school promotes involvement of the entire family. When training a dog, if the whole family is not working together, the dog can get confused by different responses from different family members. Some dog training schools offer individual sessions along with group sessions; others offer to board and train the dog during the stay. This is not as effective because the owner is not being trained along with the dog.
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