THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR PUPPY OR OLDER DOG
By Lotte Griffiths
Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant (ABC of SA™)
So you have decided to take your young puppy or older dog to a socialization or obedience school … Congratulations. This is probably one of the most valuable things you can ever do for your friend – provided of course you chose the right group/school.
Having practiced as a professional dog training instructor and animal behaviour consultant for a number of years, it always astounds me how few owners ask me about what qualifications I have, enabling me to provide them with appropriate training instructions and sound behavioural advice.
While there may well be a number well-intentioned and even knowledgeable QBE (qualified by experience) persons offering their services as dog trainers and/or behaviourists, it is an unfortunate fact that, legally, anyone whatsoever can offer training and behavioural services, even if their qualifications and/or experience to do so is highly dubious. What makes this state of affairs so disturbing is that inappropriate advice given to pet owners can cause severe behavioural problems which, in turn, may lead to serious or even fatal injuries to anyone the dog comes into contact with.
Therefore the very first job you have to do when looking for the right school for your puppy or dog is to:
ASK FOR THE INSTRUCTORS’ OR BEHAVIOUR CONSULTANT’S QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING METHODS:
Next, you need to consider the training methods used by the school or dog training club. Sadly there are still a number of schools that use out-dated and extremely harsh or abusive training methods to train the dogs … and their human clients … despite the fact that there are far more effective, humane and enjoyable training methods available.
Ask your prospective training school what methods they use and then go and observe a session before you sign up! If the school will not allow this, I strongly suggest you look for another school.
When you arrive at the prospective school or puppy group, take time to observe the people and their puppies/dogs. Do they look as if they are enjoying themselves or are there a lot of shouting, pulling and jerking on the dogs … if it is the latter, leave immediately and join another school or puppy group.
ENVIRONMENT:
Finally you have to consider matters such as the overall environment, convenience and safety, for example (and to mention just a few):
õ Are the grounds clean and well kept?
õ Is there shade?
õ Is there water freely available?
õ Is the area secure or could your dog potentially escape from the training area and injure him/herself or others?
õ Is there adequate and secure parking?
õ What are the toilet facilities?
õ If you are elderly or disabled, does the school cater for your problem (e.g. seating, etc.)
Then, and only when you are completely satisfied that this is the correct training or socialization environment for you and your dog/puppy, sign-up and ENJOY YOUR TRAINING! While I do realise that we these days are leading very busy lives, with many commitment to both family, work and leisure activities and some may feel that having to attend training and socialization classes is somewhat of a nuisance, it is worth remembering that apart from making your dog/puppy far easier to manage, the trust and close bond that will develop between you and your dog/puppy will last for a life-time and make your dog a far better companion and a valued member of your family.
Having practiced as a professional dog training instructor and animal behaviour consultant for a number of years, it always astounds me how few owners ask me about what qualifications I have, enabling me to provide them with appropriate training instructions and sound behavioural advice.
While there may well be a number well-intentioned and even knowledgeable QBE (qualified by experience) persons offering their services as dog trainers and/or behaviourists, it is an unfortunate fact that, legally, anyone whatsoever can offer training and behavioural services, even if their qualifications and/or experience to do so is highly dubious. What makes this state of affairs so disturbing is that inappropriate advice given to pet owners can cause severe behavioural problems which, in turn, may lead to serious or even fatal injuries to anyone the dog comes into contact with.
Therefore the very first job you have to do when looking for the right school for your puppy or dog is to:
ASK FOR THE INSTRUCTORS’ OR BEHAVIOUR CONSULTANT’S QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING METHODS:
Next, you need to consider the training methods used by the school or dog training club. Sadly there are still a number of schools that use out-dated and extremely harsh or abusive training methods to train the dogs … and their human clients … despite the fact that there are far more effective, humane and enjoyable training methods available.
Ask your prospective training school what methods they use and then go and observe a session before you sign up! If the school will not allow this, I strongly suggest you look for another school.
When you arrive at the prospective school or puppy group, take time to observe the people and their puppies/dogs. Do they look as if they are enjoying themselves or are there a lot of shouting, pulling and jerking on the dogs … if it is the latter, leave immediately and join another school or puppy group.
ENVIRONMENT:
Finally you have to consider matters such as the overall environment, convenience and safety, for example (and to mention just a few):
õ Are the grounds clean and well kept?
õ Is there shade?
õ Is there water freely available?
õ Is the area secure or could your dog potentially escape from the training area and injure him/herself or others?
õ Is there adequate and secure parking?
õ What are the toilet facilities?
õ If you are elderly or disabled, does the school cater for your problem (e.g. seating, etc.)
Then, and only when you are completely satisfied that this is the correct training or socialization environment for you and your dog/puppy, sign-up and ENJOY YOUR TRAINING! While I do realise that we these days are leading very busy lives, with many commitment to both family, work and leisure activities and some may feel that having to attend training and socialization classes is somewhat of a nuisance, it is worth remembering that apart from making your dog/puppy far easier to manage, the trust and close bond that will develop between you and your dog/puppy will last for a life-time and make your dog a far better companion and a valued member of your family.
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