We know your pet isn’t just a companion; she or he is an integral and important part of your family. So when it comes to training, in particular a new dog or puppy, we’re here to help you find the right trainer and training program.
Choosing the right training program or trainer for your young pet can make a world of difference. That’s why you’ll need to be sure to choose the best possible trainer and facility. To help, we’ve put together these some simple steps to help you and your family.
STEP 1:
Before you pick a trainer, ask yourself:
- What type of training does my pet need? All puppies benefit from obedience training. But depending on breed, and energy level, you may want to enroll you pet in agility, protection, tracking, hunting, search and rescue, therapy, hunting, herding, or flyball training, as well.
- How involved do I want to be in the training process? Options include individual (one-on-one) sessions and group classes, as well as obedience schools where you send your pet to get trained.
- What is my budget? According to Angie’s List, the cost of dog training can vary widely, depending on if the trainer charges by the hour or has a package of multiple sessions.
STEP 2:
Ask around. Talk to your vet about reputable trainers. Ask family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers where they trained their pets. Breeders, animal clubs or local animal shelters may also have recommendations.
STEP 3:
Once you have several recommendations, do your research. Search online, or by phone, to find out where the trainer or facility is located, when sessions are offered, types of training offered, fees, policies for cancellation, and any other questions you might have.
STEP 4:
Narrow your choices. Meet with the trainers. Better yet, visit their classes. Take notes during the class to help you remember your impressions.
STEP 5:
Evaluate your experience. At each class you attended, was the trainer helpful, courteous and knowledgeable? If you talked with the trainer, did they listen to your questions and answer them clearly? Did the trainer take the time to explain his/her methods?
BENEFIT BONUS
- Trust yourself. Follow your reactions when deciding whether this trainer is the right one for your pet. If you aren’t comfortable with the trainer or their methods, find another instructor.
- Get covered. Be sure you’ve got the best pet insurance plan possible. If you haven’t gotten your pet plan yet, no problem. We are happy to help with any questions you’ve got. We’ve done the research and are here to help! To chat with one of our team members, you can call us at (888) 890-1944 or e-mail us at info@directbenefits.com.
Training is critical to your dog’s psychological health and positive interaction skills. It also helps integrate your family with your pet and establishes boundaries; all of which contribute to your pet’s well being - and to the health and happiness of your family.
Of note: The information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always check with a veterinarian you trust before making any major healthcare decisions for your pet family.