How I Trained My Dog Classes

Let me tell you about my journey training Cooper. It wasn't easy, and I made plenty of mistakes along the way, but I learned a lot.

I learned this the hard way, but at least Cooper is okay now.

it’s a sad fact that many of the behaviors that lead to so many dogs being left in shelters — house-soiling, chewing, barking, and the like — are completely preventable and often treatable.

Live classes are a great way to get your dog the help they need.

Unlike books or videos, live classes also give you an opportunity to work with a trainer in person — helping to spot problem behaviors and provide immediate advice.

I wish I had known this sooner.

the best way to find a class is through word of mouth.

If you’re unsure if a class is right for you and your dog, ask if you can sit in on a class and watch the instructor in action.

There are a few things you should look out for when determining if the trainer will be a good match..

I wish I had known this sooner.

first, the trainer uses treats, praise, and games to teach.

I learned this the hard way, but at least Cooper is okay now.

next, see if there’s a cap on the number of students.

Finally, ensure the training space is clean, orderly, and large enough to give the dogs some “personal space.” Cramming dogs into a small room together can make them over-excited or stressed.

When teaching, the trainer should clearly demonstrate and explain the exercises.

You may not get much one-on-one attention from the trainer in a group class, especially if it’s very large.

If you have a specific problem you want to work on you may be better off with private sessions.

Dog training classes are a great way for most pet parents to teach their dogs how to be friendly and well-behaved.

With the right research, you can ensure your dog has a positive, fun experience..

Watching Cooper go through this was heartbreaking.

want to learn more about training.

This was definitely a learning experience for me. Cooper depends on me to keep him safe, and I'm trying to do better every day.