This past weekend we adopted 5 year old Griffin and are signing up for classes! While we provide many lessons online, it’s still a good idea to meet in person with trainer and expose your dog to learning in a distracting situation such as obedience classes.

Timing is everything! I want to start this week, but all of the classes start in August or September! While I am capable of training at home, I like a class setting and I benefit from third person feedback. Diane, my trainer of choice, starts her next class in September, so how do I find a good trainer?

1. Word of mouth is the best way to find a reliable trainer to match what you want. I have already asked Diane who she trusts and am looking into those classes until Diane starts back up.
2. Find the training style you trust, and visit the certifying agency. For instance, I want to use clicker training with Griffin and want to do it correctly. So I went to Karen Pryor’s Clicker Training web site and did a search in my state.
3. Search the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Professional level members have some sort of certification and have taken a test. Beware though, just because they have certification doesn’t mean you will agree with their practices.

For all trainers, ask for references and NEVER do anything with or to your dog that doesn’t feel right. It is much better to feel like a fool in class than to do something that may damage your dog physically or mentally. If it doesn’t feel right, walk away and find another trainer!

dog training classes, how to, trainers Hide

Several months ago I was looking for a new activity to do with my 14 year old, deaf dog with hip dysplasia. So we started dancing!

The sport of Canine Freestyle is great because we can move at Kalee’s pace and do moves on the flat. Quite honestly, her recent deafness is the biggest challenge since you aren’t supposed to use hand signals when competing. We aren’t at the competition level – yet – but I’ll contact the World Canine Freestyle Organization to check on rules for deaf dogs before we get there.

I’ll let you know what they say!

canine freestyle, dancing dog, dog training classes, geriatric care in dogs Hide