School's Out for Summer!

Or is it? Summer is a great time to take classes with your dog! If you have a new dog or a puppy, a  basic obedience class can help you get started on the right paw, teaching YOU and your dog how to interact with each other, as well as learning commands, tricks or just meeting new friends. Already done the basics? There's a ton of other things you can do with your dog. Classes in FlyBall, Rally, Obedience, Agility, Good Citizen Training...etc. All kinds of fun that you can do with your dog!

More advanced classes will help strengthen the bond you already have with your dog. Your dog will be having fun, learning something new is a great boredom buster. Plus the added benefits of excersise and positive social interaction are invaluable.

Things to look for:

The Classroom. While this can vary due to the training being done, you want to make sure it's clean, well lit and safe. Safe meaning there's nothing your dog can get into, eat, or destroy. It should  be enclosed, with no gaps or holes your dog can squeeze through, especially doing off leash work. If the class is held near a road this is especially important.

Health. Your trainer should require vaccinations. I know, I know. No one likes going to the vet and spending a hundred bucks every year for shots. It's important though, and since you're going to be around a bunch of other dogs, your dog needs to be protected. Parvo, Distemper, Kennel Cough and other diseases ARE out there. Other dogs where YOU LIVE get them. Talk with your vet about what vaccinations your pet needs. Tell them about classes or competitions you'll be doing. If you choose to titer your pet instead of vaccinating, check with your trainer to make sure this is acceptable. Please note that titering for Rabies is not legally accepted instead of vaccintation.

Also, if your dog isn't feeling well, stay home! Let your trainer know that you're missing class and why. Chances are, even with correct vaccination, you may have picked up a bug that you could share with the whole class!

Check It Out! A good trainer will invite you out to watch a class (please come without your dog) or at least out to visit the training area. This way you can see what you're getting into, if the training style feels comfortable, what the area is like and what the trainer is like, as well as how they handle dogs. If you visit and don't like it don't sign up for the class. If something doesn't feel right, ask the trainer, even if it means calling them later. If you don't feel comfortable talking to them, definetly don't sign up for the class!

A good dog trainer will be teaching  you how to teach your dog. If the trainer takes the dog, does all the work and you never do anything, what happens when you go home? Is your dog going to respond to you? Probably not. While having someone else train your dog might seem nice, it doesn't really help  you at all. Find a trainer that not only is there to train dogs, but to make sure you're doing it right too.

Breaks? Find out if you'll be getting a break. Some classes run for a full hour, some have a short break halfway through. There are drawbacks and benefits to both. If your class does not have a scheduled break, make sure that you are able to leave the classroom for a few minutes. Most dogs (and their owners!) need a break, a pee break, a drink break, a sit down and chill out break.

Haiku and I just started a basic adult obedience class last night. We don't have breaks, but we can leave anytime for a drink or potty break. The trainer made sure to let me and the owner of another young dog know that we could break whenever our dogs attention span wavered. She knew that young dogs get bored easily and much quicker than the older members of the class.

Gear. Find out what you'll need to bring. Basic supplies include a well fitting collar, usually a 6 foot lead (no retractable!), a toy and treats for rewards (make sure to bring the BEST TOY EVER and Extra Nommy treats), poop bags, and water for you and your dog. If your class is held outside, consider bringing sunscreen (for you and your dog) as well as a blanket for breaks.

Follow the Rules. Always. If your trainer has a rule, follow it. If you don't agree and won't follow a rule, you shouldn't be taking a class. Most rules are things like: Have your dog leashed before getting out of the car. Don't let dogs interact without your full attention. Don't yell at your dog. Pick up your own poop. Etc.

Not sure where to go, what to do or how to find training classes? Ask your vet, groomer or pet store. They should have a trainer or two they reccommend. Don't forget to ask your neighbors or other dog owners. They'll tell who and where to go, or not go.

I hope this inspires you to go out and take some doggie classes this summer! Once Haiku and I get through the basics, we plan to try some Agility and maybe FlyBall. We'll keep you posted!