Training your dog is one of the most important factors that will determine the future success that you and your pet will have together. Remember, this puppy or dog is a member of your family. You would send your child to school, so that he/she becomes a responsible member of the community. In the same way, you should have control of your companion so that they will get along with other people, other pets, and enable you to provide safety measures for themselves.

There is several manners in which dog training can occur. Whichever method you decide upon, based on your disposable income and time constraints, is certainly a good choice compared to not partaking in the training experience. You can listen to audiotapes, watch videotapes, read some books, which accent the convenience and cost, but fall short it being as effective as having a well trained professional give advice and truly see what type of “student” your pet is. Group classes can provide some economy, and there is benefit from learning from mistakes of others. Be careful to assure that you have a competent trainer, and that the class is not too big. Adult education classes are a good source for this, or perhaps check out the local dog club, Humane Society, or rescue group.

The last choice tends to be a good choice, but be careful in choosing. The private trainer should be someone that is truly a professional it what they do. Try and stay away from hobbyist trainers. Someone dedicated that this is their sole source of income, tend to be better equipped to deal with all training challenges thrust upon them. Dr. Paul advises to stay away from the experience that you drop the pet off, and pick them up several weeks down line all trained. Yes, the dog is trained by the trainer, but you have not had the bonding experience you need and you are not adequately trained. Far better, is the private trainer, that comes or meets you so that you and your pet can learn together to form an effective team wherein your pet will become a responsible dog in the community.  BUYER BEWARE: Many times a company  will send a seller of the training package. Beware of this technique, as you may get a different person training you and your dog. This in itself may not be bad, however if you don’t like this trainer, can you get out of the contract? Dealing with someone that can offer you individual lessons, may be helpful to assuring that you approve of the training techniques and service.