Dog Training in and Around Springfield, MO

Jan 20

Written By Collin

Dog training can conjure up a lot of different images: from learning “sit” and “stay” to advanced problem solving and agility work. Taking your dog “to the trainer” has a lot more tied up in it than we often suspect. Training not only benefits the dog; it helps ensure his welfare. It will help protect him from danger and give him a strong bond with you. The better behaved your dog is, the more places he can go with you and with less stress on both of you. Training will help you better understand your dog and his needs, making you a better owner.

Our dogs bring us joy, companionship, love, and a sense of pride. A little instruction rewards both owner and dog. Any age, breed, or temperament of dog can benefit from training. Usually when you’re looking for a dog trainer, it’s because you’ve already ruled out going it alone. It’s important to know that just because you’re working with a trainer, doesn’t mean you don’t have work to do too. Training will still need to be reinforced and practiced at home. Regardless of whether you’re training by yourself or partnering with a trainer, understand that it’s a long term commitment, not just a one time training session.

Before deciding on which dog trainer to go with, it’s important to ask about the trainer’s philosophy and methodology. Positive reinforcement and Fear Free are both extremely popular. However, positive reinforcement may not always work alone and may need to be used in conjunction with clicker training or electronics (think e-collar). A good trainer will be able to adapt methods to fit your dog and the desired outcomes.

Spend time thinking about what you want the outcome to be. Why did you choose to hire a trainer? What specific problems are you trying to overcome? With new puppies, it’s important to focus on “sit”, “stay”, and house training. You may have behavioral concerns, with the dog constantly jumping on guests or chewing and destroying things. For most of us, we’ve spent the last two years constantly around our dogs, so crate training is a huge issue. Other problems, such as separation anxiety, have crept up in some of our dogs. Each of these requires a different approach from the trainer, but will ultimately come down to consistency and time.

At the end of the day, trainers teach people. So, be open to teaching and correction. Since we are also being taught, get to know the trainer. Are they someone you get along with? Is it easy to talk with them and are there any communication barriers? If you have a family, do they want to involve everyone or just focus on one adult at a time? The world's best dog trainer that has no people skills or desire to work with people won’t do you a lot of good.

Commit to a happier, healthier life for your dog with training.