At what age should my dog start training?
The best time to start a puppy
is at 10 weeks.
It will start in a Puppy Kindergarten class where
it will learn basic commands, proper household and family
behavior and will be 'socialized' with other puppies.
What about "In-Kennel Training"?
"In Kennel Training"
is where you board a dog with the trainer, and he or she trains
the dog.
The
problem is the dog gets used to obeying someone else!
We used to do this , and had the
owner pick-up the dog for the weekend with a "homework"
assignment. The problem is the owner is without training help,
and often doesn't put in the time required to transfer the
lessons. We dropped this type of training as ineffective, and too
expensive for the results obtained.
When is a dog too old to be trained?
The real answer is when
it dies.
With modern training techniques it is always possible to
learn new and proper behaviors. However the longer you wait, the
more the dog will have to "unlearn" and the harder it
will be to accomplish your goals. As long as the dog is healthy,
it is never too late!
What about the training at pet supply centers?
Usually the "Trainers" at such centers are new to training, in order to keep costs down. ; Be sure to check the trainer's experience level before enrolling.
What about inclement weather?
To insure that you "Get the word", we use the Wake County schools' call! If they don't have school, Puckerbrush will be closed; However if their classes are only delayed, ours will start on time due to our later starting time. Our class schedules will be extended so that you will get all the "Training Days" you pay for.
How do I know if I am getting a good trainer?
One of the best
indicators, is whether the trainer is training his/her own dogs
[beware of "trainers' that don't own a dog].
Records of
obedience/agility titles are good indicators; also check on
whether the trainer attends professional seminars; there are new
techniques and better training methods being invented all the
time. Also the trainer should exhibit a calm demeanor to both the
students and their dogs. How long has he/she been training? and
how many hours per week?
What about 'Prong Collars'
Prong collars, carefully used, can be very helpful as they get the dog's attention with a slight pinching motion, whereas choke chains can strangle a dog when improperly used. Prong collars distribute the pressure equally around the dog's neck, rather than concentrating it in one spot. Both need to be properly fitted, and both have correct, and wrong ways of being put on the dog.