General Business Listings:
Businesses listed below are not TAILS411 members or sponsors and therefore have not been vetted by TAILS Foundation Inc. If your business is listed below and you would like to become a member or sponsor, please Contact Us today! Camp K-9 208-773-3203
Faithful K9 Trainer, LLC 208-667-6700 Good Dog Walkin' 208-292-4867 Gracious K-9 208-880-4809 Happy Dogs 4 Life 208-625-1291 Highland Dog Training LLC 208-691-9009 Innovative K9 Solutions 208-457-3215 Legacy Canine Boarding & Training, LLC 208-773-3770 Method K9, LLC 208-964-4806 North Idaho School of Dog Obedience 208-772-6303 North Idaho K9 208-929-6377 Northwest Canine Coaching 208-610-1831 Pawsitive Difference, LLC 208-771-2114 *PLUS 501c3 Non-Profit Organization Performance K9 208-964-9261 Petco Dog Training 208-772-7588 Sasquatch Dogs 208-755-9407 Sit Means Sit Dog Training 208-779-2275 Triple A Dog Training & Consulting, LLC 307-254-8356 |
Choosing a Dog Trainer
Too many dogs are given up after their normal, easily modifiable behaviors are allowed to become problems. But it doesn't have to be this way. To prevent your dog from becoming a sad statistic, take your dog—and your family—to a professional dog training class. A good training class is a fun, social activity that helps your dog become a well-behaved, safe, and valued family member. This information will help you find the dog trainer and class environment that best fits your budget and needs. Why training is a necessity Whether you are intentionally teaching him or not, your canine friend is always learning—and this is true not just for puppies but also for older, adult dogs. If you do not teach your pet your rules, he will invent his own. Training allows caregivers to safely and humanely control their dog's behavior. Positive training enhances the bond between dog and owner, and helps ensure that your dog will respond happily to your instructions. What to look for in a trainer It's essential that the dog trainer you select uses humane training techniques that encourage appropriate behavior through such positive reinforcement as food, attention, play, or praise. Look for a trainer who ignores undesirable responses or withholds rewards until the dog behaves appropriately. Training techniques should never involve yelling, choking, shaking the scruff, tugging on the leash, alpha rolling (forcing the dog onto his back), or other actions that frighten or inflict pain. Where to find a trainer A recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society, boarding kennel, or groomer is a good place to start. You can also search online or check the Yellow Pages under "Pet Training." Don't assume that a trainer's membership in a dog trainer association qualifies him as a suitable instructor: Not all associations' membership criteria will meet your expectations. Also, because no government agency regulates or licenses trainers, it's that much more important to investigate their qualifications before enrolling in a class. Find out how many years of experience they have, how they were educated, and what training methods they use. Ask prospective trainers for several references from clients who completed the classes. Which class format is best? In group classes, dogs learn to interact with other dogs, accept handling by other people, and respond to their owners despite distractions. Owners learn by observing other people interacting with their dogs and benefit from the camaraderie. Self-help training, private lessons, and dog-only lessons that exclude the owner do not provide these important advantages. Another disadvantage of dog-only lessons is that the dog may respond well for the trainer but may not transfer what she has learned to you and your family. When possible, all family members should participate in the dog's training. By learning to communicate humanely and effectively with their canine friend, they will develop bonds that will form the basis of the entire relationship. Group classes Ask the trainer whether you can observe a class in session before signing up. Watch for the following:
The cost of a trainer Training costs vary, depending on where you live and the type of instruction you want. Private lessons are usually priced per session; many group lessons are priced for several weeks of sessions. Some animal shelters offer subsidized training programs; the price of several weeks of sessions may depend on whether you adopted your dog from that shelter and the number of class sessions it provides. The best age for training Although "puppyhood" is the best time to train and socialize dogs, older dogs can learn new tricks, too. In fact, dogs of all ages can benefit from training. Dogs between 8 and 16 weeks of age should be enrolled in puppy classes. Regular classes are appropriate for dogs 6 months or older. Before you go When you have selected a training program:
By enrolling and actively participating in a dog training class, you will help your dog become not just a well-behaved member of your family, but also a safer member of your community. The Humane Society of the United States http://www.humanesociety.org/ |
