THE KENNEL CLUB - DOG TRAINING
DOG TRAINING - GETTING STARTED http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/454
How to get started with adult dog training
Dog owners have an obligation to their dog and to their community to ensure that their pet is a happy, socialised, well trained animal.
There are lots of schools of thought on dog training and it is important that you find the right approach for you and your dog.
However, attending dog training classes will help you to ensure that you meet the ethical and moral responsibilities that come with dog ownership, as well as helping your dog to have a happy relationship with you and the wider community.
Finding a dog training club
Dog training classes are great places to help train and socialise your dog, as well as to meet other dog owners and share your different dog experiences.
All dogs will benefit from training classes, whether they are pets or going on to develop skills in different canine activities.
Training clubs that run the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme – the largest dog training programme in the UK – are a great place to start as these clubs will cover every aspect of dog ownership, from Puppy Foundation level through to Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme can provide you with a list of classes in your local area.
Telephone 020 7518 1011 or email gcds@thekennelclub.org.uk to find out more.
Before enrolling with a dog training club it can be beneficial to attend a session without your dog and decide whether this is the right environment for you and your dog. Things you may wish to consider include:
•Do you like what you see – are the trainers friendly, are people happy and enjoying training their dogs?
•Are the dogs happily focused on their human family?
•Are the instructors giving lots of encouragement and information to everyone?
•Are the instructors maintaining a controlled, safe environment for all?
•Are instructors treating everyone fairly and meeting the needs of the whole group?
When you have selected your training club you will need to enrol in their training programme which will help you to enjoy and happy and rewarding relationship with your dog.
Remember that dog training classes are a great way to socialise your dog but play with other dogs should only be allowed (as a reward) if your dog is happy to respond immediately to your command.
Some training tips
•Always be consistent to avoid confusing your dog.
•Be patient. If you find yourself getting annoyed with your dog during training, stop what you are doing, walk away and do something different. Try training later on in a different frame of mind.
•Train for short spells on a regular basis. This will help to keep your dog interested.
•Your dog needs to know its name so that you can gain its attention. This is essential learning for the dog before you can expect it to respond to commands and signals.
•Start as you mean to go on. Do not allow your dog to develop bad habits.
•Dogs respond to body movements and different voice tones, which can all be used in training.
•Understand your dog and learn to anticipate its next move.
•Handle and stroke your dog gently every day with constant praise so that it gets used to being handled.
•Play adds an extra dimension to a dog’s life and can make training fun.
•Remember that a trained dog is a happy dog so persevere!