K9 Coaches:  Questions usually asked!

Contact Us:
 Lisa_K9Coaches@hotmail.com
216-390-2754

 

Should I take a class or private lessons?
This decision depends on you and your dog. There are pros and cons to both.

Classes:

Pros:

  • Allows for some socialization opportunities for your dog with other dogs and humans.

  • Often less expensive than private lessons.

  • Helps you realize there are others in the same situation as you.  (Your dog is not the only one who knocks visitors over when they arrive)

  • Helps your dog practice in a controlled environment with distractions and generalize to different situations.

  • Scheduled on the same night every week.

  • You learn items at a slower pace, maybe 1 or 2 new things each time.

  • You have the next class to ask questions about material covered the previous week, or things that come up between classes.

Cons:

  • Most classes are not a place for dogs who are aggressive or reactive towards people or other dogs (unless the class is specifically for those types of temperaments).

  • There is less one-on-one attention from the instructor.

  • A lot more distracting to both people and dogs in the class.

  • May be difficult for some to attend all 6 weeks.

  • Classes do not necessarily cover specific issues you would like to address, but there is usually room for some customizing.


In-Home / Private Sessions:

Pros:

  • Sessions are customized to you and your dog’s needs.

  • You get one-on-one coaching the entire time.

  • You work on issues that are predominately happening in the home and around the house.

  • Less stressful for you and your dog without the distraction of other dogs, people and unfamiliar surroundings.

  • Better for dogs who are aggressive / reactive towards other dogs and people.

  • Allows for more convenient scheduling of sessions.

Cons:

  • Usually more expensive than classes.

  • Doesn't offer distractions such as other dogs or humans.

  • You learn items at a faster pace, since you have a set amount of time to cover items you want.

  • The weather may interfere with some lessons that need to take place outdoors, such as loose leash walking.

 

Do I have to use food to reward my dog?


 No, food is not a requirement to train your dog.  However, food is used most often in training because it motivates most dogs to focus on you and learn.  When used properly, food can be a great tool to help teach your dog anything!  Your dog decides what is motivating.  So experiment with your dog and have a variety of rewards you can use not only to keep your dog interested in learning but also to keep your dog guessing what he’s going to get for good behavior today.

 


How old does my dog have to be to begin training?

 

The earlier you begin training your dog the better.  This is especially true if you have a puppy. Puppies are little information sponges when they are between the ages of 7 -16 weeks.  They learn very quickly when they are this young.  It is also better to start training early in age to prevent bad habits from developing.  However, make sure you puppy has had at least two vaccines prior to class to protect them from outside elements.

It is a myth that you should wait until your dog is at least 6 months old.  In fact, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to prevent and correct undesired habits such as jumping up, inappropriate chewing, house soiling and barking.

If you have an adolescent or older dog, don’t worry.  Dogs can learn basic manners, rules and tricks at any age.  It is even possible to train your geriatric dog.  Just expect the process to be a little slower and be ready to adjust your training methods based on your geriatric dog’s physical capabilities.

 

 

What do I have to do to make my dog listen?

 

Motivation...Motivation...Motivation!    Find what motivates your dog and use those things to reward him for good behavior.  Make a list of food rewards, toys and games that your dog loves.  Your dog will begin to respond to you more often and quicker when he is rewarded for doing so.  Think about what motivates you. Would you go to work if you didn’t get a pay check?

 

Also, don't just give attention or interaction when undesired behaviors are happening!  Even negative attention is attention to a dog, so focus on giving attention when the dog is doing something favorable and ignoring when they are doing something less favorable (at least within reason!).


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This site was last updated 11/13/09