Choosing A Training Class For Your Dog

I just read an excellent article in the Honolulu Star Bulletin about choosing a training class for your dog. It's by the Hawaiian Humane Society and covers all the points I think are important.

I recommend you take special note of this one -

"Don't be bullied into doing something you feel is not in your dog's best interest. You have the right to stop a trainer who, in your opinion, is causing your dog harm or distress."

If you've read my book 'Dog Training Blueprint To Success' you'll know how wholeheartedly I endorse that statement. I've seen some truly *dreadful* so called dog trainers in my time, ones that I wouldn't want coming anywhere near a dog of mine.

I think we all tend to assume that if someone calls themselves a dog trainer then they automatically know what they're doing around dogs.

If you're unwell you go to the doctor, right? If you're going to sue someone, you hire a lawyer, right? If you've got toothache you go to the dentist, right?

If you need to get your dog trained you take it to the nearest dog training class, right? Well....maybe. But not necessarily. Go along as a spectator first just to get a feel for the trainer and his methods. Would you feel comfortable doing what he's advocating?

Do the other dogs there look happy? Are they responding to what's being asked of them? If not, what is the trainer doing about it?

I don't want to scare you off using group training classes because some of them are excellent. But don't go into one wearing blinkers and leaving your brain at home. Use your common sense and if you don't think what's going on is right for you or your dog then don't just meekly go through with it. Vote with your feet and get the hell out of there before any lasting harm is done!

Recommended reading "Dog Training Blueprint To Success".

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