Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to train my dog?
Does the training need to be harsh?
What is Dog Listening?
Why is one to one training better than a group class?
Where does one to one training take place?
Who should be present?
What will you cover during the training?
What happens next?
How long does the training last?
How will I know if I am getting it right?
Why is dog training so stressful?
We all need to learn. Few of us are blessed being born knowing everything – Although we might like to think so! Dogs are the same. You want to be able to ask your dog to perform various actions: Recall, Leave, Sit, Down etc. They can naturally do all of these things but we need to learn how to ask them to perform these actions to command. We need them to fit into our lifestyle, whatever that may be.
No – Absolutely not. K9training4U promotes kind, non-confrontational and encouraging training methods that will develop a strong bond of trust, friendship and loyalty between you and your dog. We want your dog to be confident and happy and look to you with respect as the leader of its pack.
We encourage you to train with rewards making training fun for your dog - Some dogs are motivated by food, others prefer play, attention or affection. By using reward based training dogs ‘want’ to get it right, opposed to punishment based training, where they feel they have to or they will regret it!
Most of us expect our pets to understand our own language and react to our human world in a manner deemed to be humanly acceptable. Unfortunately dogs do not speak ‘Human’ (English, Welsh, French....) they speak ‘Canine'. To ensure our dogs are happy, content and understand what is expected of them, it is necessary for us to communicate with them in a manner they understand.
The ethos of Dog Listening and good dog training is to ‘Listen’ to what your dog is telling you and respond appropriately. Consider what you wish to ask of your dog and portray your request, instruction or command in a manner they understand. Contrary to popular belief, dogs don’t have a better understanding if you simply shout the command louder! Remember – Training IS and should be FUN! You should feel relaxed and in control.
A group class may suit you if you are looking for socialisation. However, one to one dog training is guaranteed to be personalised to you, your dog and your specific problems; not those of the 20 people standing next to you in a standard group dog training class. If a group dog training class suits your needs, make sure the class is small. K9training4u runs group classes with a maximum of 10 per class.
It is often better to conduct initial training in your home where you, your family and your dog are comfortable and more likely to show 'normal' behaviour. If it is not appropriate to conduct the training at your home we can make alternative arrangements.
If possible all family members who live with the dog should be present but especially those who will be involved in the day to day training and its reinforcement. This will enable all concerned to listen, ask questions and practise if they wish.
We ask that between our initial telephone conversation and your appointment that you note all the issues that are of concern to you. We will then make sure that we can devise a plan to cover everything during the training sessions. It doesn’t matter if you require assistance with one or two things or your list covers two sides of paper!
Your dog will be assessed in its environment and then we will design a training programme to help you achieve your goals.
The initial training will last no more than 2 hours. At this stage we will review an appropriate time for the follow up training in order that your dog’s behaviour can be monitored and progressed.
The number of training sessions you will require will depend on many determining factors such as your dog’s behavioural starting point and the goals you have set.
It will take time for you and your dog to adjust to the training and new routine, but in a short time you will start to notice positive improvements. We will monitor progress at each training visit and advance the training at the appropriate rate for you and your dog.
It shouldn’t be - If it is you’re doing it wrong! Remember - Dog training should be enjoyable and stress free for both you and the dog! Sometimes you won’t feel like training, in that case, don’t do it. Similarly, you will sometimes feel the dog has the ‘devil in him’ when training – Is he just telling you that he’s not in the right frame of mind? Maybe he’s distracted: needs the toilet, can smell the scent of something far more interesting, is too hot, too cold, hungry, off colour...
Never set yourself up to fail – If you or your dog isn’t ‘in the mood’ simply leave it until you are both on form. That way you will both win!
Learn how to communicate effectively with your dog... Contact us and start having fun with your dog - Make an appointment now!