Dog training—how to choose the right class

Dog training has come on leaps and bounds since the days of Barbara Woodhouse and her disciplinarian methods. These days dog training is all about motivating your dog to behave in the way you want it to by using reward-based methods.

Finding out about dog training classes in your area is relatively easy. Ask fellow dog owners, your vet or consult the Association of Pet Dog Trainers' list of trainers

So before you decide on a dog training class, ask yourself these questions...

• Do you want one-to-one dog training or a class?

Training classes are a good way of socialising your dog as well as training him or her, but if you have a particular problem to solve, a one-to-one session with a trainer or behaviourist may be more useful.

• What do you hope to achieve?

Do you simply want to teach your dog some manners and obedience or are you looking for a puppy socialisation class? If your dog is already obedience-trained, do you want him to learn agility or teach him heelwork to music? There are all kinds of dog training classes to choose from.

• Does the training class offer reward-based training?

Punitive dog training is no longer recommended, so avoid any dog training classes or trainers that use equipment like choke/check chains, tight slip collars or punishment. Dogs learn best by motivational training that encourages them to do things for a reward (e.g. a toy, praise or food).

• Do other dog owners and their dogs look happy?

Dog training should be fun. So visit a dog training class and see whether the people and dogs look happy and relaxed. Lots of barking dogs could mean the dogs are stressed or the trainer is not in control of the class.

• Do you like the instructor?

Dog training instructors should be approachable. Do they appear friendly and caring? It's far easier to work with an instructor that offers encouragement to you and your dog than feel you're being told off continually.

And finally...

Always remember that dog training should be kind, fair and effective.