The Pet Connection’s Pet Talk
Training your pet in a way that fits you
You've gotten everything you need to start your training: crate, training collar, leash, designated area to train and who's in charge of the training.
Now it's time to decide what type of training is best for you and your dog! Are you looking to train in a group setting? Are you looking to have a trainer come to you or are you looking to send your dog off to a professional trainer? Do you have what it takes to fry your hand at training? Have you thought about what method of training you want to do? Clicker Training, Behavior Training, Electronic Training or possible another type of
First give it some thought as to what it is that you are trying to accomplish by having a trained dog. Does your dog have behavioral issues, like jumping on people, digging holes in the yard, running out doors and gates or barking? Are you looking to train for a protection dog, a dog to guard your family and belongings? Are you looking to train a companion dog, someone that you can take out with you and travel, a dog that is well behaved in public. Have you ever thought of using this dog as a therapy dog or service dog? Are you looking for an all around good retriever hunting dog, a dog that will honor and do blind retrieves? The possibilities are endless to how and what training is available and what your dog can learn.
As a behaviorist I've trained several dogs over the vast several years. I've trained and titled dogs for HRC (Hunting Retriever Club) and put a HR (Hunting Retriever) title on my AKC/UKC dual registered Golden Retriever Buckshot. This training required off lead hunting on land and water. Using hand signals and verbal commands with control. You and your dog will be tested against written standards and you will be testing in simulated hunting conditions. Rain, snow or heat, this is just like you were actually on a hunting trip. Trials consisted of Started, Seasoned and Finish classes. Each hunt test will consist of different hunting scenarios and you must pass the test for that class to receive your title. Check out HRC.ORG for more information on their hunt tests or to see if there is a HRC in your area. This type of training definitely takes your training to the next level. You'll experience whistle commands and hand signals like you've never seen before.
I titled Nadine, an AKC/UKC dual registered Golden Retriever in an AKC Competition class putting a CD (Companion Dog) title on her, 3 shows, with 3 passes. I was told that this was a great accomplishment, not many people had done this. This showed basic obedience on lead and off lead, using hand and verbal commands and having your dog under control. This competition highlighted your heeling, sitting, down and come training and how well your dog listened to your commands. If you are interested in competing in a sanctioned AKC show, check to see that your dog is a registered AKC breed and can show proof of such.
I was a Delta Society Pet Partners Team with my dog Hunter. Hunter was a mix Golden Retriever rescued off the streets. We were certified for complex facilities as a Pet Partners Team.
Hunter and I tested for the Delta Society in Ft. Collins, Colorado. This is a volunteer program you can do with not only your dog, but cat, rabbit, horse or other listed species. As a Pet Partners Team, I underwent the Pet Partners Handler Course where I learned my responsibilities and expectations as a Pet Partner. To become a Pet Partners Team, I not only had to complete and pass the course but my dog Hunter was also tested. Hunter's veterinarian had to certify that Hunter was healthy and could participate in the program. After Hunter's health screening we signed up for and had to attend the Team Evaluation. This is where all the training that Hunter and I had done was put to the test and he passed with flying colors. Note: Having a Therapy Dog is different than having a Service Dog, so know the difference. A therapy dog is a dog trained to provide comfort/affection to people in hospitals or nursing facilities, where a service dog performs a type of service, or task (mobility or seeing eye) as an example, these dogs are trained for people with disabilities. If you have an emotional support animal, this differs from a therapy and service animal. An ESA or Emotional Support Animal must legally be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist.
Over the years with the rescue, I've taken and certified many a rescue with AKC CGC (American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizenship). CGC program was designed to promote responsible dog ownership. CGC has always been open to anyone who's dog can pass AKC 10 Essential Skills Test. These 10 steps are taken from the Akc.org website, Test 1: Accepting a friendly Stranger, Test 2: Sitting Politely for Petting, Test 3: Appearance and Grooming, Test 4: Out for a Walk (Walking on Loose Lead), Test 5: Walking Through a Crowd, 6: Sit and Down on Command and Staying in place, Test 7: Coming When Called, Test 8: Reaction to Another Dog, Test 9: Reaction to Distraction and Test 10: Supervised Separation. What's required to pass each of these tests are found the AKC website, 10 Essential Skills for Every Dog. When I am training a new rescue or working with a new client, this is the goals that I set forth. I will teach you the basics and with the knowledge you can move forward to getting your dog's CGC.
Now it's time to train! Choosing a trainer, always check around, like anything there are good trainers and there are bad trainers. Ask for references, look online for reviews, check with family and friends to see if they know of any reputable trainers. If you are looking to attending a group training class, go and watch one of the classes before you sign up, talk to some of the pet parents. Your dog must want to attend training, if you have to drag him or her into a group class then maybe that's not for your dog. Maybe your dog would do better with less distractions being taught at home with a trainer coming in. If you la-low that you don't have the time or the patients to do the training yourself, then sending your dog off to a trainer might be the answer. Again, do your research and know everything there is about that trainer, go to their training site and talk to people who have had their dogs trained with that trainer. When looking for a trainer, I'd suggest looking for someone who's well educated in speaking the language of dogs, someone who uses positive reinforcement, bad dog/good dog training and above all else has patients to not only train your dog, but patients to train you. I'd look for someone with experience and I'd look for someone with a passion not only for dogs but a passion for training.
I've learned from experience that if I'm working with a pet parent on training their own pet, there's no guarantees. As a pet parent, you have to be dedicated and consistent with your training, that all falls on you, I can only give you the guidance and experience of my knowledge to help you train your dog. If l am coming to your home, I like to set up a consultation first, visit with you and your pet. Find out what problems you are having and what you want from your training sessions- Then I train at your home for 6 weeks, coming to your home once a week with a lesson plan. The great thing about me training with you at your home, unlike a group class, if you miss that class then you have missed out. Where training at your home, if something should arise, you need to be
away for that training class, we can always reschedule for the next day or extend our 6 weeks, it's a win, win for both you and your dog. If you are paying a trainer to take and train your dog, then absolutely, you need to know what you are getting for your money, so ask questions. What will my dog be able to do after their training? Get it in writing also if dropping your dog off with a trainer, know what it is that you are paying for.
I can't tell you how awesome and wonderful it is to have a well mannered, well-behaved dog. A companion that you can take anywhere with you and be confident that they will remain by your side, will respond to verbal commands and be a joy for many years to come. No matter what the age or breed of dog, every dog deserves to understand what it is we are trying to tell them. Remember that everyday is a "TRAINING DAY", that every time you give your dog a command you are training! Follow it up with positive reinforcements and lots of GOOD DOGS. Through training you can accomplish anything, they have so much to share with us and once you've learned to recognize their language and learn how to communicate back with your 4 legged family member, it's nothing but Waggin Tails from now on.
Please Don't LITTER, spay and Neuter