A Guide to tracking down a good dog training club
By David the Dogman
How do you find the RIGHT Dog Training Club?
To find a good training club is not as easy as it might
appear. One of the most important things to remember is that
just because a club is two minutes away from your home, it
does not necessarily mean it is the right one for you.
Yes! But where can I go?
The Federation of Dog Trainers and Canine Behaviourists
(FDTCB) can step in to make your decision easier. All
Federation Members have been vetted and their training
practices are continually scrutinised, to ensure that the
training methods that they use are not unkind. Members train
by using primarily the rewards and play training method, none
use a choke chain, spike, prong or electric collar.
Federation Members will be able to help you understand your
dog, giving the reasons behind its behaviour. Plus furnishing
you with the skills to modify the behaviour that you do not
like, such as chewing, biting, barking and pulling on the
lead. Most vets are more aware how important puppy social
classes are and work with local training clubs.
Most clubs offer starter courses, usually of 8 or 10 weeks
duration, a fee is payable before you start. All clubs should
insist on seeing vaccination certificates as well. Always ask
if you can watch a class before you join. If you are told NO,
then do not consider paying for something you have not seen.
It is worthwhile watching not only the class you will be
joining, but also the higher class to see what can be achieved.
What should you expect to see at a training club?
Expect to see friendly people and happy dogs.
DO NOT expect to see people shouting at their dogs all the
time, hitting them or continually checking them on a check
chain, shouting ´heel, heel´ at the top of their voices.
Expect to see dogs being taught the recall (to come back when
called). In a happy manner, being praised and played with, not
being yanked in on a lead, or the owner calling them in a
threatening manner, and the dogs coming back hesitantly.
Listen to the Trainers
Are they telling people to praise their dogs? Are they
encouraging and imparting information at the same time? Is the
whole class involved and interested, or are they bored and
talking amongst themselves.
Some bad clubs have a bully type person as a so-called
trainer. This person stands in the middle with everyone
walking around them, shouting all the time and humiliating the
person that gets it wrong. This is not repeat NOT training,
and you and your dog will learn nothing. Your trainer should
be able to advise you numerous things such as toilet training,
tips on chewing. But if you have a specific behavioural
problem you might need an in-depth consultation and the
training club is not the place for this. Speak to your trainer
about a private session in your home, if they cannot help you,
they will know someone that can.
ABOVE ALL REMEMBER THAT YOUR DOG IS FOR LIFE AND ITS TRAINING
SHOULD BE AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE. A WELL TRAINED DOG IS A JOY
TO OWN, AN UNTRAINED ONE QUICKLY BECOMES A MENACE AND A BURDEN.
Finally, do not attend a club that insists on putting a check
chain on your puppy. With the right type of training it should
not be necessary.
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Copyright © 1997 by David Klein. Do you have any problems with
your pet? Then why not send your problem to DAVID THE DOGMAN.
David is a Canine Behaviourist who works and lives in Marbella,
Spain. Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located at:
http://www.thedogman.net. David has his own radio and TV shows,
and writes for many newspapers and magazines. David has been
working with dogs for many years and started his career in
Israel, working on the Border Police. He has been involved in
all forms of training, including air sea rescue, air scent
work, and has trained dogs for finding drugs. David has
devoted the past 10 years to studying behaviour and the very
passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check chains,
or any form of aggression.
David The Dogman is available for private consultations in your
home, for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388
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