Obedience Training For Dogs And Puppies

Obedience training is important to both dogs and puppies for several reasons. Probably the most important reason is that a well-behaved and obedient dog is always a great companion and will be welcome almost anywhere that you want to take it. In addition a dog or puppy that has attended an obedience training session is also more aware of the hierarchy within your environment and is less likely to try to be the dominant member of the family. Dogs that think they are “in control” can become unruly, unhappy, and even aggressive towards other pets and people within the family. They need to feel that you are the leader and have the situation in control. This certainly doesn’t indicate that you need to be aggressive or mean to the dog, rather it means the dog must understand that you are owner, and he or she is the dog. Obedience training can help you and your dog clearly understand this relationship through activities, exercises and positive learning experience that help develop the bond between you and your dog. Last, but not least, obedience training for dogs and puppies provides wonderful socialization opportunities that will make your dog less aggressive towards other animals and more comfortable in new settings and situations.

What Happens At Obedience Training?

Since dog and puppy obedience training is slightly different, each one will be discussed separately. Puppy obedience training, often called puppy kindergarten, usually starts when the puppy has had all of it shots and is at least 10 weeks of age. Many vets recommend waiting even a bit longer before exposing your puppy to many other dogs that may have diseases that can be passed from one dog to the other.

Generally to puppy obedience classes you will be required to pre-register and bring proof of vaccination. This is simply the document provided by your vet when he or she completed the vaccinations. Some training classes will want the final shot record whereas others will accept a second vaccination confirmation. You will be required to pre-pay for the classes and depending on the policy there may or may not be a refund option.

On the first class you will be required to bring the puppy on a collar and lead or leash. The instructor will usually provide some “play time” or socialization time for the puppies as well as get you started working on the “come” command. He or she will let you know if you need to bring any additional supplies such as tiny treats or a clicker. Each class will build on the material learned in the last class, and you will need to work with the puppy daily to instill the commands in the positive manner used in the class. Be sure to ask questions if you have any concerns or are uncertain what the instructor is indicating. Some instructors will also offer private lessons if you are trying to teach your puppy a particular command or are having a specific behavior problem.

Adult dog obedience classes are somewhat similar, although you usually do not bring the dog on the first class. This allows the instructor to group the class by size of dog and type of training required. Some instructors may do this in a pre-class meeting with each participant, with or without the dog. This is done to prevent classes of being very unbalanced, such as 1 German Shepherd dog placed in a class with 5 miniature breeds. The instructor will try to group dogs in a way that provides balance and minimizes any potential danger to dogs in the class. If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs be sure to talk to the instructor in advance and plan to muzzle your dog during the classes.

For some adult dogs that are very dog aggressive it may be possible to have private or individual training sessions to help with obedience issues. Be sure to meet with the instructor and even plan to sit in and watch a class or two before you decide which obedience training method you prefer.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies - the upscale source for dog beds & dog feeders

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