Have you ever gone home to see your puppy make your whole living room his personal fire hydrant? How about leaving for work trying to cover the freshly gnawed side of your shoe? Do you have friends who took rabies shots before deciding to ever visit you again? If this is you then it might be time to call in dog training experts into your abode.
People who want to take personal charge of their pet’s training but either don’t know how or have no time have come to rely on the services of in home dog training companies. Certified trainers are dispatched to do what needs to be done and the dog owners can sit back and watch their canine’s progress in the comfort and privacy of their homes. Before you decide to engage in hiring the dog trainer, here are five important questions you need to ask.
How high up the obedience ladder is your dog? If your pet knows the basic commands down, then you should consider training him yourself. The owner is always the best person to teach his own. However, if you really don’t know the first thing about dog training or have no chance to do so, then have the professionals take a look at what can be done to Fido as soon as possible.
Where are all the good trainers? The best trainers are those whose work speaks for itself. Talk to your friends and neighbors who have used a professional’s services in training their pet. If they don’t know anybody, they should know somebody who comes highly recommended. Check the yellow pages or surf through the internet for companies or individuals that offer the training your dog need (basic obedience training or specific behavior modification). Research on their rates and find one that gives you the best value for your money.
What are the qualities of a good trainer? The most important of all is his manner of teaching and handling the dog. There should be no kicking, yelling, rough handling at all in his part. You are putting your pet in his hands so it is your right to ask for records and referrals he should have which you can check for yourself. While no official government licenses are available for animal training are available; veterinary/animal schools give certification to graduates who have taken the necessary courses to be professional trainers. The International Association of Canine Professional offer CDT and CDTA certification, if your trainer has this then chances are he is well equipped to teach canines.
Which should I choose: individual or group classes? Individual classes are always advisable because your pet gets the complete focus of the teacher. However, group classes are a good alternative also because your dog will get to develop his social skills as he interacts with others of his own kind. It will also be easier on the pocket to share the trainer’s rates and other fees. Make sure that the group of dogs your pet is included in are healthy and vaccinated.
When should the training commence? As soon as possible! It is best to train puppies while they are still 8 weeks old. However, with patience and perseverance, even dogs can learn obedience commands at any age. If you are ready and your dog is present then anything is possible. Through in home dog training, a well trained dog is not only possible, it is expected.
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