Very few dog owners have a perfectly behaved dog (though many will tell you that they do!), but because we love our pups we are willing to put up with a lot. There are so many trainers out there and different styles and techniques it can be quite overwhelming to decide how to best train your dog. This article will outline the steps you need to take to find the best training solution for you and your dog.

Does your dog need training?

The first step is to determine that you and your dog are actually in need of a trainer. Whether you have never owned a dog before and have no clue what you are doing or have owned many dogs in your lifetime but are just stuck and unsure how to fix a specific issue, it is probably in your best interest to seek out a trainer. Also, if your dog has any aggressive tendencies (towards other dogs or humans) you would be wise to seek a behaviorist to avoid the headaches, including lawsuits, which can follow a dog bite.

Once you have determined that it is time to find a trainer the next step is picking out which type of training is best for your family and your dog. Below is a guide to make your decision a breeze between the 3 main training options.

Group Classes

Group classes, which most often are held at your local pet store or group training facility, typically consist of one trainer and a group of anywhere between 3-15 dogs and their owners in the group. Often basic commands are covered and treats are used as positive reinforcement.

Group classes will be a good match for you if:

1. You are generally happy with your dogs behavior or have a new puppy and want to teach her the basic “sit”, “stay”, “lay down” and “come”

2. You would simply like to meet other dog owners and introduce your pup to other dogs

3. You are looking for a very affordable training option

4. You are having problems getting your dog to listen to you with distractions around so it could provide a great opportunity to practice (though it could also turn into an hour of your dog ignoring you and trying to get to the other dogs the whole time!)

Group classes will not be a good match for you if:

1. All of your dogs behavior problems are taking place inside of your home

2. Your dog is aggressive with other dogs/people or it is unsafe for your dog to leave your home

3. Your dog needs more work than the basic commands and socialization

4. Your dog has “issues” that you feel are unique to your dog and require personal attention

5. You have a ton of questions about your dogs behavior (one trainer in a large group class may not have the time to answer all of the questions you have about your pup)

In-Home Training

In-home training is another popular option. This is when a trainer comes to your home and works one-on-one with you and your dog, providing a more customized and personal training experience. Trainers that provide in home training may use a variety of techniques from positive reinforcement using treats, clicker training or pack theory training.

In-home training will be a great option for you if:

1. You have already taken your dog to group classes and he knows the basic commands, but you are still unhappy with his behavior in and around your home

2. You have a ton of questions about your dogs behavior and want answers specific to your pooch

3. You are having “pack” issues and fights between your dogs (these generally are the worst in your home so having a trainer work with you there is very important)

4. You want your training to be somewhat customize to any special needs you or your dog may have

5. Your dog has serious anxiety or aggression issues and he can not leave the house easily

In-home training is not for you if:

1. You are not looking to spend a lot of money (having a trainer come out to your house is not usually cheap)

2. You do not want a stranger coming into your home

3. You just want the absolute basics – why pay more for what you can learn in a group class that costs half the price?

Training at a Boarding Facility

“Board and train” or “doggie boot camp” is your other option when sorting through trainers. This consists of sending your dog away to a facility to get trained for up to a month and is typically used in the most extreme cases.

Board and train may be your best bet if:

1. You do not have the time/interest to deal with training your dog

2. Your dog has serious behavior problems and you are scared to deal with them yourself (like aggression)

3. You are going away on vacation and would like to take advantage of the time by getting your dog trained

Avoid board and train if:

1. You have problems getting your dog to listen to you (he will come back knowing more and listening to the trainer but will still not listen to YOU)

2. You are not looking to shell out big bucks for training- it’s not cheap!

3. You can’t stand the thought of being apart from your pooch or do not trust anyone else with him

After going through the list and determining which option fits your needs best it is time to find a trainer. Go to www.adopt.com for a list of trainers near you…and be sure to ask them lots of questions to be sure you agree with their methods and trust them before signing up!

To chat with other dog owners about training or ask/give more advice check out our training chat forum!