Now that the kids are going back to school, it’s a perfect time to school your pup as well. It’s the ideal time to teach your pup how to stop jumping on new people, how to walk without pulling on the leash, or just become better socialized. Here are some back-to-school training tips for your dog so the whole family can learn something new this school year. Continue reading for information and tips on what to look for in your local obedience class and how to find a professional dog trainer who will not only teach your pet, but also show you how to continue training at home.
Finding the Right Obedience Classes
When checking out obedience classes, here are some suggested guidelines to help you decide which class and instructor are best for you and your pup. First, find a trainer who listens. An instructor who actively listens to the clients and dogs in the class is a sign that the trainer cares and is attentive to everyone involved. Any trainer who forces an animal to interact with strangers – both human and canine – when it doesn’t feel comfortable should be on the “pass” list. Second, look for a class that uses consistent positive reinforcement for good behavior. Lavish praise and the occasional treat teach a dog that behaving appropriately gets rewards. Dogs learn more quickly, stay calm, and are more mentally involved when pet parents and trainers use positive reinforcement instead of punishment for bad behavior.
Thirdly, make sure your trainer/class allows you to use the treats your dog likes, rather than something they are trying to sell that your dog may not want to eat. Fourthly, be sure the trainer gives clear and consistent instructions. Listen to the trainer teach other clients and pets to ensure that all instructions are clear and consistent. If you’re confused by what the trainer is showing, how is your pet to understand and perform to expectations? Lastly, it’s essential that training goes beyond the classroom and involves your family. Ask if the trainer/class allows all members of your family to participate in the pet training. Without consistency from each family member in class and at home, your dog can pick up mixed signals that hinder any positive results.
Keep an Eye out for Red Flags
While you’re participating in a class, watch the trainer and class for any signs of impatience or rough handling. It takes time for all dogs to learn appropriate behavior. Leash-pulling, loud, angry voices, and finger wagging should earn a “pass” from concerned pet parents. Additionally, be careful of trainers who equate treats with bribery. If using treats gets your pup to do what you want, why not use them? Some dogs, just like their human counterparts, take more incentive than others to learn, and a trainer who doesn’t recognize those differences is not paying attention to long-term training goals.
Training Should Continue at Home
Search for a class/trainer that instructs you, as the pet parent, how to carry on with consistent training at home. Once you leave the classroom, teaching must continue in a safe, familiar setting to let your pup know that appropriate behavior is expected at all times, not just in one room with one particular person. As mentioned before, a trainer who allows you to bring your family to training sessions will ensure training is continuous even after class.
Research your Dog Trainers
Dog trainers come with all levels of knowledge and different qualifications. As a responsible pet parent, actively interviewing your prospective trainer and watching several of their training periods should be paramount on your list of “must-haves.” It’s essential to look for trainers with excellent recommendations from veterinarians, other dog trainers, rescues, shelters, and animal experts in your community. Don’t be afraid to ask for references, and make sure to diligently check them before scheduling any classes or handing out any money. From personal experience, I would not recommend allowing my dogs to go to any trainer where I am not able to watch the training at any time, participate in the classes, and learn what is needed to teach my dog.
Be Aware of Trainer Certifications & Credentials
Many reputable dog trainers receive accreditation and certifications through national and international agencies such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and the International Association of Canine Professionals.
These organizations provide education, certification programs, and monitor trainer behavior. Clients can report problems to the accredited agency.
According to the APDT website:
“Be aware that not all certifications are the same.” Some trainers are ‘certified’ by the school through which they took their educational program, whereas others are certified through independent certifying bodies that are not affiliated with any particular school or program.
Meaning that a ‘certified trainer’ could be someone who simply took a two-week course on training, or someone who has studied dog training and behavior extensively for years and was independently tested on their knowledge and skills. It’s important to note that the term ‘certification’ is widely misused in the field, and most certifications are certificate programs. This does not mean that certificate programs are bad and many of them are quite good, but the dog owner should be aware of the trainer’s educational background and know that the term means many different things in this field.”
Distinguishing Veterinary Behaviorists and Trainers
If your dog needs more than obedience training — such as for aggression, anxiety, or more serious behavioral issues — consider seeing a veterinary behaviorist. These are licensed veterinarians with specialized training in behavioral medicine. They’ve studied topics like sociobiology, psychology of learning, behavioral genetics and physiology, psychopharmacology, ethology, and behavioral endocrinology.
A vet behaviorist can assess whether a medical issue is contributing to behavioral problems and can integrate medication with behavior modification programs.
According to the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists:
“Specialists… take detailed behavioral and medical histories, weed out irrelevant information, and base treatment plans on pertinent behavioral and medical information… This skill is essential and often overlooked when working with behavior problems.”
Ask your local veterinarian for a referral, or check veterinary behaviorist websites for names and accreditations.
Be Back to School Ready
Whether your pup is heading off to obedience school or just adjusting to the quieter days while the kids are back in class, setting up a thoughtful routine and finding the right trainer can make all the difference. From choosing a positive, experienced instructor to knowing when to seek out a veterinary behaviorist, these back-to-school training tips for your dog are all about creating a supportive environment for learning and growth. Just like kids thrive with structure and encouragement, so do our furry family members — and with the proper guidance, your dog will be top of the class in no time.
For all your pet sitting and dog walking needs this school year, contact VIP Pets for their professional touch.