Dog Training

For specific disciplines please see the Fun Dog Activities section for information on Obedience, Agility, Working Trials, Field Trials, Gundogs, Heelwork to Music and Flyball.

For basic dog training go to Train Your Dog.  I would strongly recommend any one who has just got a dog or puppy for the first time to attend dog training classes.  Not only is it great for socializing your dog, it is important for you to learn how to be a responsible dog owner.  Ask yourself one question; "Will my dog come back to me when I call him, regardless of what distractions (chasing rabbits etc) are around him?".  If the answer is no then this is why you need to go to dog training.

You will often find that your dog or puppy will obey your commands at home, but then as soon as you go to dog training classes or to the local park he seems to forget everything he has been taught.  This is quite normal and part of the dogs learning process.  In the same way as it is harder to get your dog to sit when he is 20 m away compared to at your side, it is harder to get your dog to sit when there are distractions or he is in a new environment.

A common misconception is that dog training classes will involve an instructor turning your mischievous mutt into Lassie the 2nd.  Sadly many owners are disappointed to find out that, in truth, dog training is actually Handler training. 

Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or giant Rottweiler, dog training classes will benefit you and your dog.  It is often smaller dogs that have the worst behaviour problems, because their owners don't appreciate the need to train them.  Large or small, all dogs are happier dogs if they understand where the boundaries are.

So how do you find good training classes?

Your local vets should have a list of dog training classes and dog clubs in your local area, along with any puppy socialisation classes. 

If you have an independent pet shop near you then ask the owner whether they can recommend anywhere, as they are likely to give you the run down on all local dog training classes and dog clubs.

Whether you walk your dog in the forest or local park, ask other dog owners you meet whether they can recommend good dog training classes.  Depending on how well behaved their dog is gives you a good indication of how much weight to give their recommendations.

There are various methods of training dogs and it is worth checking before attending a dog training class, which method they use.  Some recommended dog training classes are listed below;

Writtle Dog Training Centre
Writtle Dog Training Centre is run by experienced instructors who have qualified with the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers. If you live near Chelmsford in Essex and are interested in training your puppy or dog, then we would love to hear from you. All levels are welcome!
http://www.writtledogtraining.co.uk/

British Dog Training
Tom is based in Romford in Essex and has worked as a professional dog trainer for 8 years. As well as running weekly training classes for pet dog owners, Tom also instructs for the British Rottweiler Association. For owners who have more serious problems than a dog that pulls on their leash, Tom offers private one to one dog training sessions. This is ideal for any owner who feels that a class situation would not be suitable for their dog, or who have tried going to training classes but still have issues.
http://www.britishdogtraining.net/

The Harrow Dog Training Centre
Helen Withey MBIPDT Adv, KCAI is a full-time Dog Trainer and Behaviourist. Helen runs The Harrow Dog Training Centre, which is based in Brockdish, Norfolk near Diss.
http://www.norfolkdogtraining.co.uk

If you would like to recommend a dog training class or trainer please contact us.  Include the name, description of the club or trainer and a website link if appropriate.  We will give you credit for the recommendation so please include your name as you would like it to be displayed.

Clicker Training

Some people think that clicker training involves using a clicker to get their dog to perform an exercise.  In fact, the clicker is used to let the dog know when it has performed an exercise correctly.  To find out more about the correct method of clicker training I would recommend reading the book below by Karen Pryor.

If you are not really a book person, then a great alternative is a DVD by the charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, called Train Your Dog The Hearing Dogs Way.

Obedience Training for the Pet Dog

Do not be fooled by the television programmes that show a dog transformed within 30 minutes.  Training a dog involves time and effort on an ongoing basis.  Even the dogs you see doing obedience at Crufts will still be training every day. 

Please take a look at the Fun Dog Activities section of the website for things you can do with your dog.  Even if you aren't looking to train your dog to competition standard, a lot of the exercises in the various disciplines are great fun to teach your dog.  Also have a look at the Book Reviews section if you would like to know which books will help you train your dog and correct behaviour problems.