FAQ on Dog Training
A disobediant, stubborn or rambunctious dog can cause many problems. Embarrassment, uncomfortableness and frustration are just a few. Many people who find themselves in this predicament consider taking their dog to a professional trainer. Training also needs to continued in the home. Training for your dog can make a world of difference in your happiness and theirs.
Q: Where can I find professional training?
A: Most large cities and even some small ones have training facilities for dogs. Just do a search on the Internet or check the yellow pages. You can also ask a local vet for any suggestions.
Q: How much does it cost and how long do sessions last?
A: Prices vary greatly, and they are usually charged as a lump fee at the beginning of the class. Each session runs one to two hours.
Q: Will professional dog training be effective when at home?
A: It is important to continue practicing the methods that your dog trainer taught you at home and after the class has ended. If used correctly, the training will be permanent even at home.
Q: Can I train my dog myself?
A: Yes, it is very possible to train your dog at home without professional help. However, the easiest and best time to train is when the dog is a puppy and has not started to develop bad habits. It is important to do research to learn how to train a puppy properly.
Q: Should I use choke or prong collars during training?
A: No, choke and/or prong collars have not proven to be effective in training you dog and can cause physical and emotional harm to the dog. You want the dog to feel safe around you and trust you, not associate you with pain. This will only make your dog uncomfortable, not well-behaved.
Q: How do I correct biting?
A: To correct biting, do not use physical punishment. Instead, redirect the biting to another toy, and reward the dog when it begins playing with the toy. You can also stop playing and ignore the dog if it bites too hard, giving a loud yip to imitate an injured playmate. The dog will soon learn that biting too hard makes the playing stop, and will be more careful so it can continue to play.
Q: How do keep my dog from chewing on things?
A: Provide the dog with a lot of alternative, safe things to chew on. Redirect its attention and reward the dog for chewing on the right toy. To some extent, you will need to manage the chewing (especially for puppies) by keeping an eye on them and putting them in dog-friendly environments.
Q: How do I housetrain my puppy?
A: Housetraining is a complicated thing that should be researched. First, you will need to crate-train your puppy so that it learns that it is uncomfortable to go to the bathroom in its own space. After it is crate-trained, let it run free in the house but keep an eye on it. If it shows signs that it needs to use the bathroom, take the dog outside and praise the dog when it goes outside. You will need to repeat this several times and over the course of several weeks.