One of the most stressful decisions to make after bringing a puppy home is choosing a dog obedience school. Good training early can make the difference between a happy, healthy relationship with your dog and a lifelong struggle with behavioral issues. When choosing a school, be sure to pick one that is in line with your own natural style of training, as much of the instruction is geared toward humans as well as their dogs. The first few weeks with a new dog are crucial to the bonding process, and a good dog obedience school will lay a foundation you will build upon for years to come.

A great first step toward finding a school in your area is soliciting recommendations from other dog owners and veterinarians. Talk to people at your park about their experiences with the companion dog obedience school they used. Ask the staff at your local veterinary clinic if there are any particular schools that they have used personally or that have been recommended by clients. In high population areas, search the internet for local obedience school rankings.

Compile the information into a list of possible companion dog obedience schools and arrange visits to each of them. Speak to the administrators and trainers to get a sense of the methods they employ and the average class size. Many schools will provide client references upon request, and it would be a good idea to contact past clients for more information. Take the time to tour the facilities while you are there- well-kept grounds are good indicators of a quality program.

Be aware of what to expect when your dog begins classes. The age and breed of your dog may indicate how well they respond to training and which types of classes would benefit them the most. As a rule, puppies do well in-group classes, and groups provide necessary socialization training. If you adopted an older dog or a dog with a history of behavioral problems, finding a trainer who will work with your dog individually may yield the best results. There are classes that cater to specific breeds, and for the difficult to train, this is the best option.

There is a lot of variation in dog obedience school cost. Group classes are the least expensive option, with a series usually priced from $40-$200 depending on your area. For an hour-long, one-on-one session with a trainer, expect to pay anywhere from $25-$125. If the cost of dog obedience school is prohibitively high, contact local non-profit agencies that may be able to direct to you reduced rate classes.

Before beginning a class, make sure that your expectations are reasonable. Most obedience schools do not take time to teach dogs tricks, but focus on establishing an understanding between a dog and their human. For young puppies, obedience school may be the place where housebreaking starts, but reinforcement must continue at home. A good dog obedience school will teach you and your dog the basics of good behavior, and provide a foundation for a long, happy relationship.

If you’d like to learn more about finding and choosing a dog obedience school, visit DogTipsDaily.com today. Dog Tips Daily offers tons of helpful tips and how-to’s on raising and caring for a well-behaved and happy dog.