So, you have decided to own a dog. Congratulations on your decision to gain a loving companion. Now you need to make sure that they are properly trained so that your time together is enjoyable. If you are a first-time dog owner, you might be looking at training classes with a local kennel club, veterinarian, or other professional dog trainer. If you can’t find a suitable trainer that suits your schedule of budget, you may want to consider an online dog training course.
With the internet, many people have earned advanced degrees or learned new skills using an online course. Technology has advanced to the point where people can have online discussions with their classmates and professor in real time, just as they would with a brick and mortar environment. Students can even earn Master’s degrees going to online schools.
The same is true with finding a school that offers online programs to teach dogs different skills. There are many courses available, from puppy training to guard dog lessons. The way that the lessons are offered varies as well. Some have a set schedule of release dates when the next lesson is available for viewing. Others have a series on links with the lessons that you download as you master one skill and move to another. Some offer videos and books with online support.
Online Training Methods
Which online dog training course delivery method you prefer is based on your learning style and that of your dog. People learn information in different ways, and schools that offer a variety of methods of delivery is a good indicator that the institution is one to work with.
Another indicator of which method will work best for you is the answer to the question of why you want to take an online course to begin with. If you have a hectic schedule or work strange hours, a video course may be the way to go. If, you prefer to learn at your own pace, a course that offers all the steps with a forum for questions may be beneficial.
A puppy that is skittish or overzealous may benefit from the quiet environment of home training. While socialization is a good idea, waiting until the pet is calmer and under control may make the event less stressful on everyone. An online video offering that provides the ability to ask questions while you train your puppy helps you feel more in control.
Finding a Good Course
The way to research a good online dog training course is similar to the way you would research a local trainer. You will want to research the background of the school and the trainer offering the course. It is important to make sure they have real-life experience that is explained in detail on their website and is verified via an online search. Testimonials and references should be available so that you can make sure that you will be able to learn the necessary skills.
The training methods used are also important to understand. Some trainers are more aggressive than others are, and less-reputable instructors may even suggest you hurt your pet. While various schools of thought are acceptable, there is a difference between correction and punishment. If the terms they use on their site are unfamiliar to you, look them up. Understand exactly what is offered before subscribing to their course.
Support is also important in a good online dog training course. Forums that allow you to ask questions between sessions helps to ensure you understand the lessons as they progress. The forum needs to be monitored by professionals who answer questions promptly. The answers should be thorough, and the administrators should be patient and make sure the owners understand the answers.
Content is a crucial element for a good course. A systematic video guide of each segment on the lesson will make sure that you see how the dog is supposed to react and understand any hand signals that are used in conjunction with the command. A segmented video allows the owner to rewind a particular section until human and canine comprehend what needs to be done.
Top Online Dog Training Courses
Here are some of the dog training courses that can be found online:
e-Training for Dogs this site offers a wide array of courses for owners and those in the animal care fields. The courses are all taught by professionals and range from puppy training to show dogs.
Secrets to Dog Training
This course helps with unwanted behaviors for owners who are upset with the way their dog acts around others. It is comprehensive and reasonably priced and also offers a free video sample to observe some of the techniques before you buy the program.
There are many reasons why you may want to use an online dog training course. Just make sure that the program is reputable, you can have your questions answered, and the training sessions are broken down in segments that are easy for you to understand. This way, you don’t waste your time and money on something that isn’t beneficial to you or your pet.