There are a number of factors you need to think about when selecting a dog trainer. There is a wide range of training techniques and you need to find a trainer who employs ones you are comfortable with. After all you see the trainer for an hour or two per week and then have to follow up the training on your own Dog trainers Houston tx.
When you are first looking for a dog trainer think about how you do and want to treat your dog. Do you prefer positive reinforcement with lots of rewards and making the dog part of the family? Or do you prefer to teach your dog through asserting your position as leader and growling? The trainer you decide on should follow the same principles if you are to get along and learn from them.
Ring up a few schools and ask them that basic question. You will also want to ask if they use any training devices such as a clicker. Are you happy with that? Do you think your dog will respond to that?
Once you have narrowed down the number of trainers and training schools your next step will be to visit them. Do this when they are running a class. Have a look at the dogs and owners. You want to see the dogs looking happy with their tails held high. They should also be alert and keenly watching their owners. The owners themselves should be smiling and happy and engaged. Have a chat with a few to get the real story about the training.
What rewards does your dog respond to? Is he a food addict or would he prefer a game of fetch or a good rub down. Then find out if the dog trainer is willing to vary their reward system to meet your dog. Not all dogs are the same. Like people they learn in different ways and a good trainer will know this and adapt accordingly.
Most training schools cater for puppies, providing basic obedience and socialisation. But what if you have an older dog. There is a range of issues that you might want training assistance with. These can include getting your dog to walk to heel, excessive barking and coping with strangers. Or your dog may be good at the basic obedience and you are looking for more of a challenge. Here you can investigate tricks training, agility or fly ball to name a few. So see how much experience your potential dog trainer has in these areas.
The final thing you will want to consider in your choice of dog trainer is what do they expect of you. If you work full time you might not be happy with a trainer who expects you to put in an hour a day with your dog. Your dog might not like that either. A well experienced trainer should generally ask you to do two to three 5 minute sessions a day, on most days. Most people should be able to fit that into their schedules. But remember you and your dog are only going to get out what you are willing to put into your training. Short sharp fun sessions are the best.
So look at the personality of you and your dog and find a trainer to match. The trainer should be there to assist and support you. If you are intimidated by them imagine how your dog feels.