New dog owners have many questions regarding their puppies. How do I get them to pee outside and not on my expensive carpet? How do I get them not to play so rough with the kids? Can I walk with them without being dragged down the street? One solution is to hire a professional dog trainer. However, many wonder if professional dog training is necessary for their puppies, or if it would be possible to train them on their own.
Benefits of professional trainers
Trainers do not work with the dog alone. They work with the dog and the owner, so that they can use the commands and continue working with the pet outside of the training sessions. Training sessions can be one-on-one or in a class, such as with basic obedience training classes or puppy classes. Hiring a trainer can be beneficial for the puppy and its human partner because their experience can help the pair navigate any rough spots that occur during training.
New owners may be nervous or unsure of themselves during training. They do not know what they are doing and are uncertain if they will be able to get the dog to obey the new commands. Dogs are very sensitive to the emotions of those around them. In the wild, this sensitivity helps them to survive. In a domestic setting, the puppy will sense the insecurity and take advantage of it. They may do this by ignoring the owner or trying to assert their own dominance.
A professional exhibits the attitude that they are the alpha, and the dog will pick up on that confidence as a signal that they are to obey. The trainer can also help the owner learn how to be confident and firm with their pet so that the pack order is established. These sessions are to instruct the human as much as they teach the canine.
If the person has never trained a dog before, they may become easily frustrated if the puppy doesn’t respond to commands right away. All animals learn at a different pace, and training takes time and patience. Experts who have trained many dogs know that it is possible to train any dog, and they will have the patience necessary to help the puppy grasp the new command. This patience will help the owner understand that it isn’t an impossible task, and this will help improve the puppy-human relationship.
Professional dog training disadvantages
It is not always possible, or advantageous, to hire a professional trainer. Classes have many students, and if a puppy is shy or hyper they may not learn well with so many distractions. Classes are also held at specific times every week, and this may not suit the owner’s schedule.
In-home sessions with a trainer are possible. The puppy may be more comfortable in its own environment and learn better during training sessions. A one-on-one session also eliminates the distraction of other dogs and the time constraints. Training sessions can be expensive, however, and personal sessions can cost upwards of $50 an hour. This isn’t always possible if the owner is on a tight budget.
People and animals need to learn in a manner that helps them and at a pace that is suited to their individual needs. Professional dog training is a great idea, but not mandatory. It is up to the owner to decide if this is the best method to teach their dog basic techniques.
How to select the right professional
If hiring a professional trainer is what is best for the owner and dog, careful research is required before selecting a trainer. It is important to look at the different methods of training that are available locally and study up on them. Some trainers are more aggressive in their technique than others, and it is vital to learn a technique that the owner is comfortable with. Every kennel club, veterinarian and pet shelter has information on techniques and can recommend possible trainers.
When reviewing a trainer’s information, look at their background, training method and success with that method. Many local trainers have a website that contains their bio, a link to published work, and references or testimonials. Check each thoroughly and don’t skimp on this step. A few hours of work now will save time and money later.
Talk to the trainer and see if it is possible to sit in on a class. Watch how the students and trainer work and react to one another. If this is a large class, see how the professional maintains control. All of these factors will be good indicators of whether or not this trainer is the one to hire.
Professional dog training for puppies is great idea for first-time owners. Owners learn how to care for their new friend and can find answers to their many questions. Sometimes free sessions are also available, especially through local animal shelters, allowing the owner to find the help they need at a price they can afford.