by Monique Coincon

Immediately after bringing a dog into your home, you should consider enrolling her in a dog obedience school. The earlier you and your puppy go through a training program the better, as it will smooth the adjustment and help with the bonding and socialization process. Remember that you will be attending classes with your dog, so choose a school that provides a teaching style and environment that puts you both at ease. Establishing a good relationship with your dog early will set the tone for the rest of your time together, and give you the tools for a long and happy friendship.

To start your search for a companion dog obedience school, talk to friends and neighbors who have attended one of your local schools. Take advantage of your time at the dog park to speak with like-minded individuals and share experiences and expectations. Ask your veterinarian questions about schools in the area at your puppy’s first wellness visit. Most obedience schools have websites, so look them up online, and read their client reviews.

After you have narrowed down the possibilities to a few schools, schedule visits. Most will allow prospective clients to come in and speak to the trainers. Use this time to get a sense of their training methods and whether or not you would feel comfortable continuing this style of training at home. Talk to them about their average class size and take a walk through the grounds. You and your dog will be spending hours there, so it is important that you feel comfortable.

Be aware of what to expect when your dog begins classes. The age and breed of your dog may indicate how well they respond to training and which types of classes would benefit them the most. As a rule, puppies do well in-group classes, and groups provide necessary socialization training. If you adopted an older dog or a dog with a history of behavioral problems, finding a trainer who will work with your dog individually may yield the best results. There are classes that cater to specific breeds, and for the difficult to train, this is the best option.

There is a lot of variation in dog obedience school cost. Group classes are the least expensive option, with a series usually priced from $40-$200 depending on your area. For an hour-long, one-on-one session with a trainer, expect to pay anywhere from $25-$125. If the cost of dog obedience school is prohibitively high, contact local non-profit agencies that may be able to direct to you reduced rate classes.

After you have chosen a school and are heading to your first class, be sure to know what to expect. Schools rarely teach dogs to do tricks, but instead teach good communication between dog and human. Many puppy classes will aid in the housebreaking process, but it is important to continue working with your dog at home to make it stick. Dog obedience school exists to instill the basics of good behavior in your dog, and enable the owner to continue good training practices at home.

About the Author:
If you’d like more information on finding and choosing a dog obedience school, head on over to DogTipsDaily.com now. Dog Tips Daily has lots of helpful tips and information on raising and caring for a well-behaved and happy dog.

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