A PARTING WORD

Training is learning the language that allows us to communicate with our dogs.  Once that you and your dog can communicate you will open a new and wonderful world for both of you.  But training does more than this, we live in a heavily populated environment and we have the moral responsibility to teach our dogs (and our children) to live in this world in a congenial manner.

But now the question is: How do I train my dog?

Well, there are several methods, lets look at them.

A-    Do your own training: There are a myriad of pamphlets, books DVD’s etc. to guide you through the training process.   The problem is that no single source will give you all the information that you will need.  This method requires a lot reading and runs the risks of frustration and training errors that will result in bad habits that will require re-training.

Remember that to correct a bad habit is more difficult than to do the correct                                training from the start.

B- The second method is to take your dog to a group class.  This solution provides the               advantage of having an experienced trainer available plus socializing your dog (and you too).  The disadvantages are that depending on the number of dogs in the class, you will not get much one-on-one training.  Also you will have to travel to the class site.

C- The third method is the private trainer.  This solution will probably be more expensive that those previously described but the extra money is worth it.

      With this solution you have two options, you can go to the trainers place or he (she) can come to your place.  The alternative of the trainer coming to you is better because the trainer can see the environment and the problems that can arise.

      If you decide to go with a private trainer be sure that you like his or her approach and discuss his or her training methodology.

      If you do not feel comfortable look for someone else.