- Just a friendly heads up: No matter which program you choose, please keep in mind that the training won't work if you don't plan to listen to the trainer or keep up with your dog's training at home. One of the most important concepts of dog training is CONSISTENCY, which means that the rules that have been taught with the trainer must be followed at home if you want the training to be effective.
- Before your dog attends any Camp program, you must acquire vet records that provide proof of current rabies vaccine. The Kennel Cough (bordatella) vaccine is also highly recommended since they'll be in close contact with other dogs.
- If you're dropping your dog off for a Camp program, bring along enough food to last them throughout their stay. Also bring along a food dish, your dog's vet records, and half of the training payment. If you'd like to bring along a dog bed and toys you can, but it's not required.
- If your trainer recommends a specific type of training tool like a harness or collar, it's a good idea to have that training tool with you when you pick up your dog or when you go to your next lesson so the trainer can show you how to properly fit and use it. It will also be a good way for your dog to see that the same rules they learned in training will follow them home.
- Never think to yourself "My dog could never be trained". Any dog can be obedience trained. The only difference will be the amount of effort it will take to get your dog to truy listen to you and the time, patience, and consistency it will take to reteach your dog the new rules of life. The longer a dog has been repeating the same habits (good or bad) the longer it will take to teach them to stop.
- Will your dog forget you while your gone? No. In all the dogs I've worked with, the only ones I've seen not recognize their owners are puppies who haven't had time to build a strong relationship with their owner.
- Your dog is not a robot. Dogs are just like human children. Just because they know how to do something, doesn't necessarily mean they're going to hop right to it when you tell them to. If your pack hierarchy is off, then you telling your dog to sit could be akin to your younger sibling telling you to clean your room. How seriously would you take them? The best way to shift this balance is through lots of training sessions and teaching your dog that when you tell them to do a command, you will follow through until they acquiesce. Although, even when they do see you in the correct parent position, they're still going to test you now and then to see if you're worthy of being "top dog". Just be ready and stay consistent and this testing will fade away.
- If your dog is trained does this mean you can never play or rough house with them again?
Playing with your dog is a great way to bond with them. However, if your pack hierarchy is off your dog may try to use playtime as a way to push you around. Make sure that you are able to tell your dog when enough is enough, especially if they are becoming too rough with you or with others.
Playing with your dog is a great way to bond with them. However, if your pack hierarchy is off your dog may try to use playtime as a way to push you around. Make sure that you are able to tell your dog when enough is enough, especially if they are becoming too rough with you or with others.