The Benefits of Professional Dog Training
Hiring a professional dog trainer can be more efficient and effective than trying to train your dog yourself. Dog trainers have expertise and experience in animal behavior and training techniques that most owners lack. They can help troubleshoot specific behavioral issues that you may be struggling with on your own.
According to Very Important Paws, professional training helps owners build better communication skills with their dogs so they are more likely to end up with a well-trained dog that remains in the home. Trainers understand how to motivate dogs and reinforce desired behaviors in ways that an owner may not think of.
Additionally, a trainer’s outside perspective can help identify the root causes of unwanted behaviors. They can evaluate your dog’s temperament and environment to customize an effective training plan. Working one-on-one with an expert sets you and your dog up for training success.
How to Choose a Dog Trainer
When looking for someone to train your dog, it’s important to find an experienced professional who uses positive reinforcement methods. According to the American Kennel Club, there are several things to look for when choosing a dog trainer:
Look for certifications. Many dog trainers will have certifications from respected organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the Karen Pryor Academy. Trainers with these certifications have passed testing on dog training methods and theory (Source: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/finding-choosing-a-dog-trainer/).
Ask for references. A quality dog trainer will be happy to provide references from past clients. Follow up with these references to find out if they were satisfied with the trainer’s methods, results, and professionalism.
Observe a training session. Many dog trainers will allow you to observe one of their group classes or training sessions before committing. This allows you to see their methods in action and get a feel for how they interact with the dogs. Look for positive reinforcement techniques and clear communication (Source: https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/How_to_Choose_a_Trainer_AVSAB.pdf).
Types of Dog Training Methods
There are several different types of dog training methods. The most common include:
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement rewards desired behaviors to increase their frequency. For example, giving your dog a treat when they follow a command. This method relies on giving the dog something they want when they display the target behavior. Positive reinforcement has been shown to be an effective training method that promotes a strong human-animal bond.
Negative Reinforcement
Negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant stimulus to also increase a desired behavior. For instance, releasing the pressure on a choke collar when the dog follows a command. This method can be prone to abuse and is being used less frequently in modern training.
Dominance-based
Dominance training relies on the outdated theory that dogs are trying to achieve higher pack status. Harsh corrections are used to establish the human as the alpha. This method has fallen out of favor due to its risks of fear, anxiety and aggression in dogs.
Scientific/Force-Free
Force-free training utilizes proven scientific principles to shape behavior without fear, pain or intimidation. Commands are taught through positive reinforcement and problem behaviors are redirected. Many professional training organizations now promote this methodology.
Private Lessons vs Group Classes
When deciding between private lessons and group classes for dog training, it’s important to evaluate your dog’s unique needs and temperament. Private lessons allow for more customized training, as the trainer can focus entirely on you and your dog without any distractions. This works well for dogs that need individual attention to address behaviors like anxiety, fearfulness, or aggression. The trainer can design a program tailored to your dog’s specific issues.
Group classes provide the benefit of socializing your dog with new people and dogs in a controlled setting. For dogs that need to work on polite greetings, not jumping on people, ignoring distractions, and listening to commands around other dogs, group classes are great practice. The group format also costs less than private lessons. If your dog is friendly and you want to strengthen basic obedience, group classes are a good option.
Often a combination of private lessons and group classes works best. Private lessons can establish a strong foundation of training skills, which group classes can help proof in a social environment. Evaluate your dog’s temperament and needs, and don’t be afraid to try both options to determine the best fit.
In-Home vs Send-Away Training
In-home training allows you to work with a trainer conveniently at your own home. The trainer will come to your house and instruct you on how to train your dog through private lessons. This enables you to actively participate in the training process. It also avoids the stress of separation that can happen with send-away programs. However, the training is less intensive than send-away options since it occurs in shorter, intermittent sessions.
Send-away training, also known as board-and-train, provides an intensive 2-4 week immersion experience for your dog at a professional facility. Your dog will live full-time with the trainer, allowing for consistent reinforcement of commands and behaviors with limited distractions. This intensive approach can achieve faster results than in-home lessons. However, the separation can be stressful for dogs prone to separation anxiety. Some facilities allow owners to visit and participate periodically. Make sure to thoroughly check reviews and qualifications when selecting a send-away program.
If your dog experiences severe separation anxiety, in-home training may be the better choice to avoid the stress of a send-away program. An in-home trainer can provide customized guidance based on your dog’s unique needs. However, send-away programs may help extremely energetic dogs learn to settle better on their own. Evaluate your specific circumstances to determine the best training approach for your dog.
What to Expect from Training
When you enroll your dog in a training program, whether it’s private lessons or group classes, there are some common elements you can expect. The time commitment and cost range for training can vary depending on the program, but the curriculum will likely cover similar components.
Most training programs will last 4-8 weeks, with weekly sessions ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. Private lessons generally cost $30-120 per session, while group classes range from $100-300 total. The curriculum typically focuses on basic obedience skills like sit, stay, come, down, heel, and loose leash walking. More advanced programs may cover tricks, agility, or behavior issues.
Each session builds on the last, starting with the basics and gradually increasing difficulty. The trainer will demonstrate new behaviors, have owners practice with their dogs, and provide feedback. Expect a combination of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice at most training programs.
Proofing and Generalization
Once your dog learns a new behavior, it’s crucial to practice it in many different situations before expecting the dog to demonstrate it reliably. This is called “proofing” the behavior. For example, you may initially train your dog to sit inside your home with no distractions. However, your dog needs to proof this behavior outside, with people around, in new places, when excited, and in many other contexts.
Generalization of trained behaviors takes time and consistent practice. Plan to train your dog in many different locations and settings, not just in your home and backyard. Take your dog to new places as much as possible during the training process to practice behaviors. The more diverse situations your dog can perform cues in, the better generalized the training will become.
Be patient during the proofing and generalization process. Your dog won’t immediately understand that a behavior needs to be performed everywhere. With professional guidance and consistency from you, your dog will learn to proof behaviors and generalize their training over time.
Maintaining Training
Keeping your dog’s training fresh is crucial for ensuring good behavior in the long run. According to Sadies Rules K9 Training, the keys to maintaining training are:
- Practice daily – Set aside time each day for short training sessions to reinforce behaviors. Consistency is key.
- Use reinforcement – Continue rewarding your dog with treats, praise or play when they demonstrate good behavior. This strengthens the behaviors.
- Be consistent – Everyone in the household should follow the same rules and commands. Consistency prevents confusion.
- Gradually increase criteria – Over time, expect your dog to demonstrate behaviors for longer durations or in more distracting environments. Raise criteria slowly.
As the Dog Guy advises, daily maintenance tasks involve structured motion, like practicing obedience commands during walks, and structured non-motion, like rewarding calmness and self-control during down time at home. Keep training a part of your regular routine.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
All dog owners will likely encounter some common dog behavior problems at one point or another. While frustrating, many of these issues can be corrected with proper training techniques and consistency. Here are some of the most common problems and potential solutions:
Barking
Excessive or nuisance barking is one of the most commonly reported behavior issues, but there are ways to curb excessive vocalization. Start by determining the cause – attention-seeking, boredom, anxiety, or responding to external triggers. Then implement solutions such as more exercise, toys/puzzles when left alone, desensitization to triggers, or training an alternative behavior using positive reinforcement. Citations: (Source 1, Source 2)
Chewing
Puppies explore objects in their environment by putting items in their mouths, but inappropriate chewing can extend into adulthood. Offer plenty of toys and chews to satisfy your dog’s needs. If chewing is anxiety-related, address the root cause through training, exercise and management. Use deterrent sprays on off-limit items and keep shoes/belongings out of reach. (Source 2)
Jumping Up
Dogs jump out of excitement, but this behavior should be curtailed for safety and manners. Turn your back and ignore your dog when he jumps. Only give attention when all four paws are on the floor. Consistency is key – everyone must follow this rule when greeting your dog. You can also train an alternative behavior, like a “sit.” (Source 1)
Aggression
This covers a range of behaviors meant to intimidate or harm a person or animal. It’s critical to determine the trigger and context. Mild aggression may be managed through desensitization and counterconditioning techniques. More serious aggression requires professional intervention. Never punish aggressive behavior as this can make it worse. Consult a veterinary behaviorist for medication options and individualized behavior modification plans. (Source 3)
When to Hire a Trainer
There are several situations where it is highly recommended to hire a professional dog trainer rather than attempting to train on your own:
Puppies need early socialization and training during their critical development period. According to the ASPCA, the first 16 weeks of a puppy’s life are vital for proper socialization with people, dogs, sights, sounds, etc. Hiring a trainer during this time can set your puppy up for success by teaching good manners and preventing problem behaviors (Source).
Adopted dogs often come with unknown histories, so having a trainer assess the dog’s skills and temperament can provide key insights. A trainer can customize the training approach based on each dog’s unique needs and prevent potential issues (Source).
For modifying challenging behaviors like aggression, separation anxiety, excessive barking, etc., professional guidance is highly recommended. Trainers have the skills and experience to humanely modify problematic habits.
Some specialized skills like competitive sports, detection work, or service tasks require expert training most owners cannot provide themselves. Hiring a qualified trainer increases the chances of success.