Dog Training

If you have a new dog that you will be introducing to your family and friends, you need to make sure that you are taking special care in training them to be a part of the household. In fact, if you want the best results, you should consider hiring a professional dog trainer or taking dog training classes near you. Training programs offer a number of different essential benefits. Learn about the benefits of dog training and more in the information provided for you below.

1. Dog Training Leads to Better-Controlled Behavior

Commands are a great way to help your pet get acclimated to his or her new family. When you teach them basic commands like sit, stay, come, lie down, and so forth, you are giving yourself and the dog the chance to change negative behavior into positive behavior.

And you can give them treats for each trick they do in order to demonstrate that this is the type of behavior that you want and they can benefit from. These commands are not only essential to keep the dog controlled, but they can also help to keep them safe from harm.

Once you have the basic commands under your belt, you can start to experiment with taking your pet to public places and getting them used to different surroundings. The commands can be used as cues to go back to good and important behaviors if need be. 

2. Dog Training Leads to Safety for Pets & People

As mentioned before, dog training can help with safety too. When you get or have a dog, you want to feel confident in introducing them to other people, right? Dog training, when done properly with the help of a professional, can ensure that your dog (and you) feel safe and comfortable in public places or with other people. This is especially important when you are dealing with children. 

A professional trainer for dogs can walk you through exercises that you can do with your dog to become more comfortable with groups or single individuals. They will also explain certain triggers that may be dangerous in these scenarios.

Even the most essential commands like sit and stay can help in this arena. For instance, if your dog gets frightened or loose while out in public, you can use the right commands to ensure they return to your side. Without an understanding of core commands on their part (or certain behaviors/triggers on your part), you could face trouble. 

The main takeaway is that if you want to be absolutely sure that your dog can handle other people (and people can handle your dog) do not skip training. 

3. Dog Training Leads to Improved Understanding Between You & Your Dog

Many professionals in the pet training industry recommend that the dog owner be involved in the obedience training process. By taking the dog to obedience training and participating in classes and drills, the owner will have the opportunity to spend more quality time with their pets in order to build a solid relationship.

This quality time is essential for both the dog and trainer since it allows for more familiarity (especially with a new pet) and gives the owner a chance to better understand their pet's body language so that they can anticipate their actions.

4. Dog Training Leads to Improved Family Relationships With the Pet

Though the obedience training may be taught to only one member of a family, the owner is responsible for sharing this information with their partner, parents, and/or any member of the family who will be involved in the life. This allows for more bonding among all members of the family.

However, it's important that everyone respect the guidelines of the trainer when dealing with the dog in order to ensure that they stick.  

How to Find a Dog Training School Near You

Finding dog training classes is an easy process regardless of where you live. Large pet store chains like PetSmart and Petco offer classes on a regular basis to puppies as well as older dogs.

These classes typically take place in-store, but Petco dog training online is in the process of being developed as well. Both of these pet store chains allow you to find the closest stores with training classes in the links above. 

If you are wondering, "How long is a dog training course?" the typical length is about 6 weeks for most programs. Each week, you usually meet for a one-hour session with your dog, the trainer, and (possibly) other "students." 

As for dog training prices, these vary based on the trainer/school you choose and the course you select. For example, Petco's level 1 course for puppies or adult dogs starts at $129. Meanwhile, PetSmart's Fundamental Package for puppies starts at $199. This same package can be purchased for older dogs who are just beginners in training.

Note that prices may be higher for private classes and private trainers. So before making a decision, be sure to consider the costs, the locations, and online reviews for multiple options.