Links and Information
How to Choose a Dog Trainer
Adapted from: Clicking with your dog by Peggy Tillman
First decide what you want to get from a class. Then begin your search to find an instructor and class that will fulfil your needs and fit you and your dog. You should not only choose a training class because it is closest to you. Ring and visit a number of training classes to see which is most suitable for you.
Remember: Training is not about winning or dominating your dog. It’s about you both winning. You win by having a well-mannered canine friend. Your dog wins by understanding what makes you happy and getting a reward. You both gain a great deal from the training process. You learn to communicate and bond with your dog. Your dog learns to control the consequence of his actions.
What to ask before you observe a class:
- Do they require or encourage the use of choke chains, half check or electric collar? These are all used for correcting a dog and used in correction based training classes. Avoid this type of class.
- What are their teaching philosophies/learning theories? What are they aiming for you to learn and what backup help and materials are available?
- How many dogs do they have in each class? Are puppies and adult dogs in the same class or different classes? Puppies need to have more time socializing than adult dogs and the rate they learn is very different.
- Can you observe the class? A good training class should encourage you to come and watch, at any time – either with or without your dog.
- What style of training is taught—conventional, or clicker training? Do they ask what you want to get from the class? (essential training, agility, off-lead control, help with specific problems etc)
- Do they encourage the entire family to come and work with your dog? Dog training affects everyone in the family. A dog is smart enough to learn from everyone, and everyone needs to know how to participate in the training.
Whilst observing a class:
- Does the instructor tell the handlers how to correct their dogs (using water sprayers, pulling hard on the lead, shouting, man-handling the dog), or do they show how to get the skills without resorting to such corrections? There are other ways to show a dog what you want without punishments they do not understand. Dogs may require consequence to their actions but it should be delivered in a way that is understandable to the dog.
- Does the instructor encourage the handlers to use a variety of rewards – range of food treats, toys, playing? Or do they believe that the dog should do as it is told just because the handler says so?
- Do the handlers ask questions? Are they answered by the instructor – either in class, or separately at the end of the class?
- Are the handlers marching round, all doing everything at the same time? Or are they assisted with problems and allowed to work at the dogs natural learning pace. Dogs differ hugely in the pace they learn. Dog training should be non-competitive.
- Is the instructor critical of the handlers, or using positive methods to show them how to succeed? Are the dogs happy, or nervous (barking, yawning, licking)? Some dogs may be less happy in a training class, but are appropriate methods being used to help the dog – greater distance from other dogs and things to engage the dogs mind with so it is less stressed in the environment?
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 Are the handlers relaxed, smiling and comfortable? Talk to some at the end of the class and get feedback from them about the lesson.
- Does the instructor see the dogs as adversarial? Do they explain the dog’s actions as stubborn, sneaky or deceitful? Or do they explain how the dog is behaving in terms that help the handlers understand what is “normal” dog behaviour, and how it should be perceived?
Once you have answers to these questions, you should be able to decide whether the training class will fit what you require.
Dog training should be informative & enjoyable for both of you – it should not be something to be dreaded each week!
LINKS
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Animals Worldwide
Are you an animal lover and a compassionate tourist? Animals Worldwide aims to stop animal cruelty in many of the world's major tourist destinations.
www.animalsworldwide.org
Karen Pryor: Clicker Training
Karen Pryor is considered a leading expert on clicking training.
www.clickertraining.com
RSPCA
Charity working to promote kindness and prevent cruelty to animals
www.rspca.org.uk
UK Small Business Directory
A website which acts as a directory for small businesses
www.uksmallbusinessdirectory.co.uk
The Kennel Club
Follow this link for more information on KC Good Citizen tests (Puppy, Bronze, Silver & Gold), as well as all other services provided by the Kennel Club
www.thekennelclub.org
Dorwest Herbs
Fantastic supplier of high quality veterinary herbal medicine and dietary supplements
www.dorwest.com
Anglian Meat Products
For information on frozen raw meats suitable for dogs and cats
Natural Frozen Pet Foods - Prize Choice - The Natural Food for Healthy Animals
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