| There are so many dog obedience schools and | | | | Once you have a good idea in your mind of what |
| training centres that its often difficult to know | | | | you are looking for, then you're ready to start |
| what to look for in choosing one. | | | | contacting relevant dog obedience schools and |
| It is essential to decide what you want to achieve | | | | finding out whether they meet what you're |
| out of attending dog obedience training and it's a | | | | looking for. |
| good start to ask yourself the following questions: | | | | It's a good idea to visit the dog obedience schools, |
| 1. Would you prefer one to one training, or group | | | | attend a lesson (without your dog), and talk to |
| lessons? | | | | the trainers. You should trust your instincts when |
| One to one training is significantly more expensive | | | | deciding whether you think you and your dog will |
| than group lessons, so you should consider the | | | | fit into the training classes and enjoy working with |
| budget that you have set for the training. | | | | the trainers. |
| 2. What is the aim of attending dog obedience | | | | A serious consideration in your decision should be |
| training? | | | | the methods of training used by the dog |
| Is it for puppy socialisation? | | | | obedience schools; you should look for trainers |
| Is it simply general training; walking to heel, sitting | | | | who believe in kind, positive methods of training. |
| etc? | | | | Dog trainers who encourage the use of choke |
| Do you intend to compete in obedience trials? | | | | chains or any kind of rough handling, should be |
| Are you interested in any specialist disciplines; i.e | | | | avoided at all costs. |
| trick training, Heelwork to Music, agility? | | | | There are professional associations, regulating |
| 3. What type of atmosphere would you like? | | | | some dog obedience schools, so you may prefer |
| Would you like to join a proper "Dog club", with all | | | | to choose a dog obedience class that is regulated |
| of its associated social activities and competitions? | | | | by one of these associations. But do remember |
| Or are you just looking for somewhere to train | | | | that there are lots of good obedience schools |
| your dog once a week? | | | | that may not be registered with the associations. |