Continued Training

Today I met a new prospective client that got me thinking about how few people continue to enroll their dog in training classes. This lady had two dogs; an older certified therapy dog that had done almost 10 years of dog training classes and a brand new 2 year old shelter terrier. She told me an amazing story about how her older dog was a rescue from ARF and was reactive. After a year or so of private training she started basic group classes. She took classes at several different facilities, wanting to offer her dog a variety of experiences and distractions. After a year of basic classes, she moved on to advanced. Then she began sampling tricks classes, freestyle dance, agility and toying with the idea of having her dog become a certified therapy dog. It took many years of work, but he did become certified, which is amazing since he was originally a reactive dog.

Turns out she kept hearing my name mentioned and sought to learn more about me. Even though she has obviously had many relationships with trainers older than myself, she enrolled in one of my group classes today with her new dog. I feel so privileged to work with a dedicated owner that sees training as a life-long endeavour. I hope that I will exceed her expectations and that she will continue on with me and take all the classes I offer.

Which brings me back to the fact that an owner that views training classes as a life-time "thing" is rare. Many of my clients take a 6 week course and then venture out on their own. A good percentage do a second 6 week course, but not many go on to do anything more after 12 weeks of training.

In Oregon, when I taught flyball, I did have some of my prior clients take a few flyball courses. I noticed the same pattern. Some did the 8 weeks and decided it was "too much work," or "not for them." A very small bunch kept rolling on with classes until we stopped offering them due to me moving. One person made the commitment to find another group to practice with after I left (and that person is one of my best friends!).

I know that the majority of the dogs that just did the basic 6 weeks, never went on to take classes from another trainer because I pet sat many of them, or we stayed in contact. The point is, that never were the people unsatisfied with my training classes, they just didn't see a point in learning more when they were happy with what their dog had accomplished thus far. However, there are many reasons why it is a fantastic idea to keep doing classes!

1. Classes keep your dog sharp on his skills.
A dog/owner team that has to practice each week isn't going to fall into the trap of getting lazy and forgetting commands.

2. Keeps dogs socialized around dogs.
When dogs are around dogs regularly in a class setting versus a dog park setting, it teaches them that they can simply be around other dogs without having to engage with them. I have done a ton of classes and activities with my own dogs. As a result, they know that dogs are cool and that they can say hello when I tell them they can and that otherwise it is more rewarding to focus on me. A truly socialized dog doesn't mob dogs and want to "say hi," to them all, but instead acknowledges their presence and gets back to work.

3. Keeps dog social with people.
A bonus with training is that all dogs are accompanied by their owners! These owners come from all walks of life and range in age, ethnicity, frame, and personality. When exposed to strangers in a positive environment, dogs become more accepting of strange people in general. While an owner of an exuberant lab may find this unnecessary as her dog loves everyone as it is, an owner of a meek chihuahua or shy aussie greatly benefit from having these "dog people" on hand during class to help overcome any fear of strangers their dog may have. The owner of the happy lab will get practice on polite people greetings though!

4. It is fun!
Taking classes with you dog is fun. It is an opportunity to bond with your dog and teach her new things. I know I personally loved the time I used to spend herding sheep with my two. Even the hour drive there and back was enjoyable since it gave me a break from everyday life. When I took obedience classes with Lucy, I always enjoyed showing off her skills when I had worked especially hard on something.

5. Classes are mentally stimulating and tiring for your dog.
Ever heard the phrase, "A good dog is a tired dog."? Well, I can say that is true. Obedience classes require a dog to focus and learn, thus using up mental energy. There is quite a bit of literature out there that suggests mental stimulation is actually more tiring than physical exercise. 1 hour of class can have a dog beat for the night, whereas 1 hour at the park and your dog is wanting more a few hours later!

6. You can make great friends and connections.
A lot of my clients hit it off and become friends thanks to dog class. I have even had people become "clients" of one and other. One client met her future realtor via dog class, another got information from an owner about their dog breeder and later got a puppy from said breeder. I personally have made some great friends as well!

7. You will have an awesome dog.
If you continue to take classes your dog will be, well, awesome! You will be the envy of the neighborhood and your friends. Prepare yourself to hear comments like, "Wow, I wish my dog was that well behaved!" and "Hey, can you train my dog to be like yours?" You may also find places welcoming your nice dog that may not otherwise be dog friendly.

8. You will be really happy.
In the end, if your dog is happy, you are happy. Having a well behaved dog puts a smile on my face almost everyday.

It is a joy to have my dogs around and know that I can take them most anywhere, trust them with baby toys, trust them with other dogs etc. They have stayed at hotels, gone on long trips, ridden Amtrak, Lucy has been to Costco and some other stores and even a few restaurants. Flyball tournaments and agility trials go off without a hitch. I have taken them to BBQs, swim parties, and get togethers with no problems. They can run on the beach off-leash, hike and go to work with me. Having well trained dogs is awesome.

I hope that you all can see the wonderful possibilities that come with having a well trained dog. My classes are not limited to just basic and intermediate. I also offer classes at a local park and do private training. I have several classes that I am just waiting for interest in to start that offers more for the advanced dogs. I will post a description in another post.