Obedience school isn't just for your pet.
Your pet has to learn the basic behaviors and you need to learn how to command these behaviors.
It might be hard work at first, but the bond between you and your pet will be much stronger if you can eliminate the bad behaviors and establish yourself as the pack leader.
WHEN TO START Most people agree that your puppy should receive at least some of his initial shots, if not all of them, before taking him to group obedience lessons with other dogs around.
A good time to starting thinking about obedience school is around ten weeks old.
This is a good time for them to learn about socialization with other dogs.
But even older dogs can benefit from obedience school too.
HOW TO PICK A CLASS Do some research online and call around to local schools.
See if you can find reviews from past participants.
Make sure they will be accommodating for your particular dog.
Consider if you want a large class for socialization or if you need more one on one attention.
Think about what commands and behaviors you hope to teach your dog.
Most schools will cover the basics: sit, stay, heel, etc.
Others can help stop bad behavior too like biting, scratching and jumping.
Be sure to ask for a price quote if cost is an issue.
HOMEWORK Practice makes perfect, for you and your pet.
Make sure you and your dog practice at home so that they really learn the behavior well.
Use treats as rewards for performing a command, but be careful not to overfeed your pet with too many treats.
Be consistent in your commands so that it is easier for your dog to remember them.
And practice in ten to fifteen minute intervals only.
You don't want to work each other too hard and get frustrated.
So keep it short and sweet.
POPULAR EXAMPLES Cesar Milan: Host of the television show The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan has many ideas about how to establish yourself as the "pack leader" and create a better understanding among humans and their dogs.
He believes that it is not enough to love a dog; you have to enforce order so that they know the appropriate way to behave in a loving, happy home.
American Kennel Club: The American Kennel Club has many different levels of obedience training, from the basics all the way to show dogs.
They even have the Canine Good Citizenship classes for dogs that want to volunteer in their community as therapy dogs.
Your pet has to learn the basic behaviors and you need to learn how to command these behaviors.
It might be hard work at first, but the bond between you and your pet will be much stronger if you can eliminate the bad behaviors and establish yourself as the pack leader.
WHEN TO START Most people agree that your puppy should receive at least some of his initial shots, if not all of them, before taking him to group obedience lessons with other dogs around.
A good time to starting thinking about obedience school is around ten weeks old.
This is a good time for them to learn about socialization with other dogs.
But even older dogs can benefit from obedience school too.
HOW TO PICK A CLASS Do some research online and call around to local schools.
See if you can find reviews from past participants.
Make sure they will be accommodating for your particular dog.
Consider if you want a large class for socialization or if you need more one on one attention.
Think about what commands and behaviors you hope to teach your dog.
Most schools will cover the basics: sit, stay, heel, etc.
Others can help stop bad behavior too like biting, scratching and jumping.
Be sure to ask for a price quote if cost is an issue.
HOMEWORK Practice makes perfect, for you and your pet.
Make sure you and your dog practice at home so that they really learn the behavior well.
Use treats as rewards for performing a command, but be careful not to overfeed your pet with too many treats.
Be consistent in your commands so that it is easier for your dog to remember them.
And practice in ten to fifteen minute intervals only.
You don't want to work each other too hard and get frustrated.
So keep it short and sweet.
POPULAR EXAMPLES Cesar Milan: Host of the television show The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan has many ideas about how to establish yourself as the "pack leader" and create a better understanding among humans and their dogs.
He believes that it is not enough to love a dog; you have to enforce order so that they know the appropriate way to behave in a loving, happy home.
American Kennel Club: The American Kennel Club has many different levels of obedience training, from the basics all the way to show dogs.
They even have the Canine Good Citizenship classes for dogs that want to volunteer in their community as therapy dogs.
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