Dog Training Courses - How to find a good course (Part 1)

If you are reading this, it probably means that your dog gives you some trouble. Or, you are a new dog owner and need information on how to raise your dog. In both cases, congratulations! I think it is awesome if someone wants information on dog training courses and to learn more about dogs, especially if it is in the interest of a beloved animal!

Compared to hiring a professional dog trainer, who will cost you around $50,00 an hour and will usually need to work at least for eight or more sessions with you and your dog, dog training courses are an excellent alternative. Also, you might need some guidance or reference for the time when your dog trainer is not around, which really is most of the time. In this blog I want to give you some tips to help you with finding good dog training courses that are worth their money! Do not worry, this is not a promotional site that will promote any dog training courses in particular. What I will do however is to point out elements that should be included in the course you want to buy.

So let's get started. When looking for dog training courses, check if the following points form a part of the course:

Dog behaviour problems:
One of the main parts of any dog training courses should consist of dog behaviour problems and how to resolve them. All major behaviour problems should be addressed. Aggression, being one of the most common topics, should be treated in detail, with all of its variations: food aggression, aggression towards strangers, children, other dogs or animals. Also, other annoying behaviour that I want to read about include nipping, chewing, digging, destroying things, pulling on the leash, constant barking, jumping up on you or other people, dominant or bullying behaviour, coprophagia (eating his own or other dogs' excrements), separation anxiety and, of course, barking.

Dog obedience training:
Another main part should include step-by-step instructions on how to teach your dog basic commands like sit, heel, stay, come, lie down, leave, and advanced commands like catch food, crawl, shake hands, jump, climb ladders or rollover.
Dogs are pack animals, and since a lot of dog behaviour and obedience issues have to do with weak leadership, try to find out if there is information on how to establish yourself as a a strong leader that feeds, protects and loves his dog without having to intimidate and yell at your dog.

Dog Psychology:
Some knowledge in this area can make all the difference, believe me! Many dog owners do not have a clue about what goes on in the brains of their dogs. Many communication problems and misunderstandings between master and dog resulting in obedience and behaviour problems could be avoided with some information on how dogs think, why they behave in a certain way, what they can understand and cannot understand, and how to make them understand you. Achieving this will enable you to make your dog learn new things and enjoy the process instead of generating stress for you and your dog. In my opinion, dog training courses that do not focus on training for both the owner and the dog are of no use, so be careful to check the contents of the course you would like to purchase.

In the next post of this blog you will find more information on other topics that I would like to see included in a good course. In the meantime, if you want to read more about dog training courses and other related issues, click here.