If you are getting a dog to become part of your family, you need to enroll it in dog obedience classes. Even if the dog has spent some time with you, it still needs some brushing up on its manners. The Port Coquitlam Dog obedience classes offers an opportunity to build foundational skills that won’t only benefit your pet but you and the entire household.
There are many training classes in Port Coquitlam, but before you check them out, you need to know a few things. In this article, we will share essential information concerning how to prepare your furry friend for the class and what you should expect during lessons.
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How to Prepare for the Class
The first class you will attend will be an orientation for humans only. It gives you the opportunity to learn about what the training offers, without being distracted by a room filled with puppies in a strange environment. Before your pup attends its first class, you must ensure that it is vaccinated and certified to be healthy. You can check out this website to learn about vaccination for dogs.
You need to visit a vet for physical examinations and vaccinations because some training schools in Port Coquitlam will require you to submit the vaccination records during registration. Also, the trainer may recommend some supplies that will help you and your pup benefit from each session. These supplies include the following:
- Clicker
- Treat bag
- Dog collar that has tags for identification
- A leash that is non-retractable
- Treats
However, you should note that some dogs prefer a certain variety of treats. So you may want to come along with different varieties until you find the one your furry friend prefers. Also, some dogs prefer praise or toys to food.
What Will Your Dog Learn in an Obedience Class?
If your puppy is around 8 weeks to 6 months, you can enroll it in a kindergarten class for puppies. Classes for puppies in Port Coquitlam focus on helping them socialize. They will also receive an introduction to obedience skills. But as soon as they become 6 months old, they will learn more about obedience.
Obedience classes are more than learning the commands, “sit” or “stay”. It is necessary to teach your pup good manners, but the classes will help it learn how to interact with other pets and humans. In addition, you will learn how to train your puppy with the assistance of the trainer. If you observe additional behaviors at home, some trainers are open to discussing them with you.
Furthermore, when your dog learns in a group training session, it learns how to pay attention to commands in the midst of distractions. It also learns how to be attentive when you are not present. It is common to find 5 to 10 dogs and their owners in a class, which is an ideal number. It ensures that you and your furry friend get the required attention from the trainer.
At the basic level, your dog is required to develop the following skills:
- Leash walking
- Polite greetings
- Leave it
- Heel
- Come
- Stay
- Down
- Sit
- Name recognition
Private vs Group Class – Which is Better for Your Pup?
In some cases, some dogs may not fare well in a group. For instance, if your dog is reactive, private lessons or a very small class may be suitable for it. Also, if it barks excessively and the trainer can’t calm it down, then you should consider a private session.
Shy dogs may do well in group classes if you are patient enough to make them feel comfortable. Therefore, you need to discuss with the trainer so they can consider the dog’s body language and signals and come up with a suitable training option. You can learn more about Port Coquitlam dog training by visiting two or three training centers in the area, so you can know your options.
Conclusion
If you are an experienced dog owner, you may think that a class is not necessary because you may already have what it takes to teach your pup. But your dog will gain a lot from attending obedience classes. It will learn how to socialize and practice manners and skills whether you are there or not.
