Choosing a Suitable Dog Training Class

There are many factors to consider when choosing a training club for your dog, including the following;

Location and Site

This is very important, most dog owners would agree that they do not want to spend a long time travelling to a dog club to complete a thirty to sixty minute class. Fortunately most towns and cities have one if not more clubs.

Classes themselves can take place inside or outside. Village halls are common sites for inside training classes; they are cheap to hire and are not subject to poor weather conditions, with ample parking and easy access. The main disadvantage is obviously space and that they can get quite noisy as there are lots of people and dogs in a confined space.

Clubs that meet outside often do so on private land such as sports grounds. They are evidently restricted by the weather and the site is often not secure so straying is obviously a possibility. In addition you are also restricted to training in daylight hours which can be difficult in winter. The main advantage is that there is a lot more space.

Some clubs are lucky enough to meet in covered horse ménages which obviously tick all the boxes as they are protected from the weather, have lots of space and often have electricity so can run classes in the evening.
 

Class Size

Individual training classes are often available on request through training clubs however group training can be a lot more sociable and enjoyable for both dog and owner, as well as being cheaper. The average size for a class is approximately 6-8 dogs. Any more and the dogs tend to get restless as they spend a lot of time waiting for each person in the class to perform individual exercises in between the group exercises.

Class Categories and Length

Classes are often divided up according to the dog’s age and ability. Most clubs have a puppy/socialisation class for new members then an intake, intermediate and finally an advanced class. Each discipline will vary in content but obedience is normally the foundation of the classes.

Generally speaking, the older more advanced dogs will have a longer training session as they are able to concentrate for longer. Puppy classes usually last for approximately thirty to forty minutes with the older dogs working for anything up to an hour and a half.

Cost

Most clubs are run by volunteers and only charge a few pounds for training classes in order to cover the rent on the premises, equipment and insurance. Some also charge a small membership fee payable annually. On average you should expect to pay approximately £5 per class but the initially puppy/socialisation classes can be a bit more expensive, charging a fixed rate for a six to ten week course.
 

Instructor's Experience and Attitude

Many instructors are now members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) founded by John Fisher the animal psychologist. All members of the APDT are assessed according to strict codes of practise and have to agree to abide by kind and fair principles of training. This however is a voluntary organisation and some perfectly good dog trainers may simply not be registered.

Instructors should be kind and patient and easy to talk to. They should be up to date with modern techniques and open to new ideas and preferably have a lot of practical experience.
 

Training Methods

Reward based training should be the centre of any dog training, the harsh methods of the 80’s where dogs often wore choke chains and were smacked on the nose if they were naughty should be a thing of the past. Dogs learn quicker if rewarded for good behaviour. The reward can be anything that motivates your dog; a tickle on the tummy, a treat or even its favourite toy.

Targets and Tests

Tests are often a compulsory element of dog training which require a pass in order to move up to the next class as they ensure that all the dogs are working at a similar level. Many people are often nervous about training tests but it is important to remember if you fail then your dog just needs a little more training and that there is always next time! Many obedience classes now run the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme where the dogs not only have to perform set exercises but the owners are also tested on their general knowledge about responsibility of ownership.

Vaccinations and Health

It is routine for dog clubs to check the vaccination status of your dog when you register with the club and even to ask for proof of yearly boosters. This is to ensure that all dogs are healthy and that they do not pose a health risk to one another.

Happy training!