By Rachel Lawler
Hills Howler Edition: February 2019
Taking your new family member to dog training classes for the first time can be an overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be! There are a few things that you can do to be prepared and ready to take on all that dog training classes and its environment can throw at you.
1. Load Up That Treat Pouch
When we are asking our new puppy or dog to focus for an hour in a class, we need to make it worthwhile for them. Dog training class should be the time when the best treats come out, whether it is bbq chicken, sausage, cabanossi or cheese. Bring out the food that makes them want to jump through hoops to get it!
2. Reward Generously
For most puppies and young dogs coming to our classes, it is the first time they have been around this many people and dogs. Make sure you take that into consideration and reward generously for positive behaviour.
3. Give Your Dog Plenty of Room from Other Dogs in Class
Not all dogs are comfortable with being close to other dogs, especially when they are on lead. When you are in class, make sure you give other dogs space and save play time with friends for after class. If you can see that your puppy or dog is not comfortable in a certain situation, do not feel that you need to stay. Move into a different position in the class or put yourself on the outskirts.
4. Practice at Home
It’s true when people say that the class is actually for the human, not the dog! When you are at home, work on the skills your instructor has shown you in class. It is much easier for your dog to learn new things in a comfortable, less distracting environment. Once they have nailed it there, you will notice that they will perform the behaviours much easier when you are out and about.
5. Pick Your Instructor’s Brain
Ask questions! Your instructor is always willing to listen to questions you may have and answer appropriately. There are some very knowledgeable people at the club who can give you their opinion about problems you may be having as well as about progressing in obedience or even other avenues of dog training.
