Is Dog Obedience School for You?

Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know what to expect out of it? Do you know what it costs or where to find a good school?

If not, let me help take out some of the mystery of finding one to make sure you and your dog get the best experience you can.

If you have searched the web in this topic, you probably found some sites that are basically search engines within search engines, no real information about dog obedience schools. Or you might have found some obedience schools that were on the other side of the country. Needless to say, neither one was of much use.

Chances are you have a dog obedience school of some sort in your town, unless you've got a population of less than 20,000. In that event, you might need to opt for dog training videos or books, and I will go over some good resources for that later.

The first thing I want you to do is look for someone with proven experience. You can start in the yellow pages and look under "Dog Training" as opposed to "dog obedience school."

Ask a LOT of questions. These people are going to be molding the mind of your impressionable pup and you want to know that it's a good fit.

Ask things like:

What will the dog be taught? What is the success rate? What happens if you're not satisfied Will you be taught how to continue with your dogs new training? What are their methods of correction when the dog disobeys? Visit the facility too. Check it out. Meet the trainers and see how they act with people and dogs.

Ask if you can watch a training session or a video of a session so you get an idea of what your dog will be subjected to.

Don't make a final decision on a dog obedience school until your dog has met the trainers. Dogs are extremely good judges of character.

For the most part, someone in this line of work is going to be a good person and a dog lover. Some, however, will be doing it just to get a paycheck and may not have your pal's best interest in mind.

If your dog doesn't like them... take another route.

You might want to consider the local 4-H club. 4-H is where I learned how to train my own dog as a child. It isn't a dog obedience school in the traditional sense. It teaches kids how to train their dogs, or a friend's dog. It's a youth education program and it provides many facets of education, one of which is often dog training.

Read more about dog training videos, if you would like an alternative to dog obedience school.

About the Author...

Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at http://www.Dog-Gifts-and-Toys-for-Dog-Lovers .com.

Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.

---

Crate Training Your Puppy or Dog

Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy... Read More

How to Paint Your Cat

Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More

Online Guide For Training A Dog

Guide for training a dogSo you can use a guide... Read More

Canine Distemper

What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More

Tips for Overcoming Boredom and Routine Stress

There are many ways in which you can prepare for,... Read More

Does The World Need More Cats?

Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More

Protecting The Family Pet

Ever since the beginning of time there has always been... Read More

Terrorizing Your Cat with iRobot Vacuum System

Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More

Glow Light Tetra - A Lovely and Peaceful Member of Your Community Tank

Brings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a... Read More

Breed Specific Legislation: Is Your Pit Bull Next?

Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More

5 Things to Know about Animal Rescue Groups

Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a... Read More

Feeding Your Pet Stingray - The Essentials of Maintaining a Varied Diet

Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a... Read More

The One-Minute Horse Training Manager

If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More

Who Let The Dogs Out? Pointers For In Home Dog Training

Who let the dogs out?Remember this song which gave birth... Read More

Five Cat Food Factors That Discourage Feline UTD

One of the most common causes of Feline Urinary Tract... Read More

Is There Taurine In Your Dogs Food?

Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More

Do You Have a Dog Day Care Business Plan?

If you are considering opening a dog day care, then... Read More

Shock Collars: Teaching Your Dog Basic Obedience and Breaking Bad Habits

Shock CollarsAre you at a loss as to whether or... Read More

Why Dont I Understand My Dog?

I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More

Breeding Piranhas

Piranhas are unique creatures that have gained popularity not just... Read More

What You Need to Know Before Adopting an Older Dog

Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More

Must-Have Know-How On Your Dogs Meal-Times

One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More

How Many Dogs Are Too Many?

I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More

Your First Cichlid Aquarium

So you're thinking about trying cichlids. A good choice. In... Read More

Chances Of A Lost Pet Being Recovered Increase

Every day we are looking for ways to make our... Read More

The Top 3 Tricks Horse Owners Can Use To Unspoil A Barn Spoiled Horse

It's been weeks since you went riding. Now you have... Read More

Achieving Dog Training Success With The 18 Donts Rules

A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More

Dogs, Cats, Horses?We Love Them All!

We have a long history with domesticated animals and even... Read More

Dog Beds for Larger Dogs

Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and... Read More

How To Keep Your Cat Healthy - Your Guide to Cat Diseases and Conditions, and How to Cure Them

Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes... Read More

Saving Ginger From Being Put To Sleep ? Part 2

The Story Continues... Following the first of many visits to... Read More

Pampering Your Favorite Puppy

I was doing some research on dog health when I... Read More

Boxers Make Great Family Dogs

A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More