Finding the right Dog School for your pet

​As  kids get settled back in schools and start their learning routines, it may be time to consider teaching Fido a few new tricks.  

The slogan, “a mind is a terrible thing to waste,” can be applied to pets as well as people.


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​We all respond favorably to the ability to communicate. As pet owners, we can benefit from teaching our dogs to understand what we ask of them. 

If commands like “sit, stay, heel and come” make an evening walk in the neighborhood more pleasant for dog owners, it probably makes it more enjoyable for your dog, too. Plus, many unwanted behaviors like jumping on guests and separation anxiety may be improved with proper training techniques.

​Additionally, spending one-on-one time with your dog is a fun way to bond with your pet, socialize your new pup, get some exercise for the both of you and make new friends with people you already have something in common with—the love of an animal.

Unfortunately, according to the American Kennel Club, dog training is an unregulated industry. Anybody can print business cards and charge for his or her services, regardless of background, education, or experience. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate potential trainers before trusting them with your hard-earned money and your precious pet.

Don’t simply pick the closest training school. Do your research to determine if a potential trainer is the right fit for you and your dog.

Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing a class or trainer:

• Speak with the trainer to get a feel for personality and people skills. It’s not enough to read the brochure or website. In truth, dog trainers teach people, and the dog’s owner trains the pet, so you need to feel comfortable being his or her student.
• Just like you were selecting a school or day care for your child, get references from other dog owners and visit the class to see first-hand if the participants (human and canine) seen to be enjoying the experience. Like a school field trip, everyone should look forward to attending and to having a good time.
• Certification with an organization like the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers is not mandatory for trainers, but it shows dedication to the profession and an interest in continuing education. 
• If you have a special problem with your dog that needs attention, ask if the trainer offers private lessons to help you address that behavior. 

Once you have found the best school for your pet, be sure to maximize the experience by practicing all the methods you've learned. 

Do your homework to get off to a good start. Learn the trainer’s philosophy and methods. Dogs, like people, respond to praise and positive reinforcement. Those training techniques are based on the science of animal learning and have the bonus of strengthening the dog-owner bond and fostering a love of learning in dogs.

Looking to be “teacher’s pet?” Set a few minutes aside each day for you and your dog to practice what you learned in class. Repetition and practice are key to success.

Now, off to school and have fun!
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Shelia Huffman, Contributor/MHC Board 
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Shelia recently moved to the Greenwood community of Midland from Dallas where she was a staff writer for White Rock Lake Weekly and a columnist for Bubblelife Media.  A retired travel agent and event planner, she has  been an animal activist her entire life.  Shelia  has a daughter and son-in-law in Midland, a grandson in Dallas and a granddaughter at Texas Tech. She lists cooking and writing about food, and,  of course, playing with her Terrier Mix rescue, Penelope, as some of her favorite things.