Training Methods
You can train your dog yourself if you're up to it. If you can't or just don't have time, you can get a dog trainer or an instructor. Dog trainers are people who train dogs while dog obedience instructors are people who teach a dog owner how to train their dog. There are a lot of them, and each will have their own method or technique.
Any method can work for one trainer, but fail for another. It all depends on how the dog takes it. Because there are so many different techniques, styles, and methods, choosing an instructor may be difficult. It's important to understand the different methods so that you can make a reasonable decision.
Compulsive Training
Compulsive training is a correction-based training style that's sometimes uses forceful corrections in order to get the dog to behave. It is often used on already dominant and aggressive dogs, rarely the type of training technique for a family dog, and many dog owners don't like this method because of it's roughness.
Inductive Training
Inductive training is exactly the opposite of compulsive training. Instead of being forced to do something, the dog is induced or motivated with treats, or toys. Depending upon the instructor there are few or no corrections used. Inductive training works very well for most puppies, non-aggressive dogs, and owners who dislike corrections of any kind.
But unfortunately inductive training is not always the right technique, because intelligent dogs that have dominate personalities will take advantage of the lack of corrections or discipline. They will then set their own rules, which may not be agreeable to you and they might end up not learning much.
In The Middle
The majority of trainers and instructors use a training method that is in the middle. An inductive method is used when possible, while corrections are used when needed but not used with force. Obviously, the range can be vast with some trainers leaning more toward corrections, and others using as few as possible.
Any method can work for one trainer, but fail for another. It all depends on how the dog takes it. Because there are so many different techniques, styles, and methods, choosing an instructor may be difficult. It's important to understand the different methods so that you can make a reasonable decision.
Compulsive Training
Compulsive training is a correction-based training style that's sometimes uses forceful corrections in order to get the dog to behave. It is often used on already dominant and aggressive dogs, rarely the type of training technique for a family dog, and many dog owners don't like this method because of it's roughness.
Inductive Training
Inductive training is exactly the opposite of compulsive training. Instead of being forced to do something, the dog is induced or motivated with treats, or toys. Depending upon the instructor there are few or no corrections used. Inductive training works very well for most puppies, non-aggressive dogs, and owners who dislike corrections of any kind.
But unfortunately inductive training is not always the right technique, because intelligent dogs that have dominate personalities will take advantage of the lack of corrections or discipline. They will then set their own rules, which may not be agreeable to you and they might end up not learning much.
In The Middle
The majority of trainers and instructors use a training method that is in the middle. An inductive method is used when possible, while corrections are used when needed but not used with force. Obviously, the range can be vast with some trainers leaning more toward corrections, and others using as few as possible.
Finding a Trainer
Check in the newspaper, online, call your vet, neighbor, local pet store, or groomer and ask who they recommend. Make notes about each, writing what the people like and dislike about the trainer? You will want someone with experience, know about your breed of dog, are familiar with their personalities and temperaments, and of course know how to train them.
Once you have a list for dog trainers, ask each one questions, such as:
How long have you been teaching classes?
What do you think of my breed of dog?
What training methods do you use?
Can I observe your classes? (There should be no reason why you can't attend someone's class to observe. If they says no, cross them off your list.)
If you're not sure if you're comfortable, don't be afraid to keep asking questions. You must be sure that both you and your dog will be comfortable with your decision.