Best Puppy and Dog Training Schools
Are Dog Training Classes, Books, Videos, Free Online Schools Better?
Aug 21, 2009
Whether it’s a new puppy or an adult dog in need of socializing and obedience skills, dog training classes are one of the best ways to teach a young or an old dog new tricks. Although there's a lot to be learned from dog training books, videos, and even free online materials, classes are usually the best way to go for untrained dogs and first time dog owners.
Obedience and Dog Training Classes
For new dog owners, a dog training class can be a great way to learn about dog psychology, socialize a young dog with other puppies, and drill a dog on obedience skills and training. Dogs' minds don't work like human minds, and it can be a good experience to expose both owner and dog to dog training classes where basic obedience and puppy "troubleshooting" are taught for beginners.
Classes also offer the opportunity to socialize a young dog so that he or she will grow up well-adjusted and continue to be friendly around other dogs. Puppies that grow up isolated from other canines don't know how to react around puppies and dogs, and can become nervous or aggressive. A training class is a good way to introduce a dog to others in a safe, controlled environment.
Many first-time dog owners find it easier to learn from a weekly dog training class than from a book, video, or other resource because the dog's learning relies less on the owner's discipline and they can get help and ask questions from a professional dog trainer.
Pros and Cons of Dog Training Books, Videos, Online
Obedience classes are by no means the only effective way to train a dog. There is a booming business in educational materials that teach about dog training, though each comes with its benefits and disadvantages:
- Dog training schools are best for the beginner or first time dog owner because it's easier to learn hand signals and the best tone of voice for commands from an expert who is available to demonstrate, correct mistakes, and answer questions.
- Dog training books often delve further into dog psychology, and can help explain the "why" behind some of the best practices used in dog training schools. Books are a great way to learn more in addition to taking classes, especially for dogs that behave perfectly in class but still have behavior problems at home. The best dog trainers and books discuss the difference between a dog learning commands or tricks, as opposed to a dog who respects his or her owner as pack leader.
- Dog training videos and free online dog training lessons can substitute for a class, if it's impossible to attend a nearby obedience school, but it's sometimes hard to mimic hand signals perfectly and it's all but impossible to ask questions of online or video instructors.
How to Find the Best Dog Training Schools
The best way to find a good dog training school is by word of mouth. Ask other dog owners, friends who have recently taken classes, or the dog walker that passes on the street. Pet supply stores, breeders, and animal shelters can often recommend a good trainer in the area, but take these referrals with a grain of salt, since they may be getting paid to advertise a particular school's services.
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