A Blog About Golden Retrievers and Dogs in General
Here Jenny and I will write and share our favorite Golden stories and articles. Hopefully we'll give some informative tips on the Golden Retriever breed that may also help those with other breeds. Feel free to comment or add to our blog. In addition, if you would like to write a story, feel free to contact us. Our goal is to keep this light hearted, heart warming, or fun. Thanks for reading!
Making for a Better Experience – Dog Trainers
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 11 November 2009 22:42
There are plenty of people out there who have dived head first into their first puppy. Some have been successful on their own. However, more often than not, they need help. Many just assume it’s just a bad dog or things will get better over time. What most people don’t realize is they, the owners, are most of the problem.
Deciding on a dog trainer should be a no-brainer for a first time dog owner; even more so for a first time Golden Retriever owner. However, many people feel as though they are giving up on their dogs by using the training option or they question the cost associated with a dog trainer. Most puppy classes and dog training services cost between $100.00 and $300.00 dollars depending on the complexity of the course. Considering you’ll spend ten times that in ruined carpets, broken furniture, and trips to the vet due to accidents, it’s well worth the cost. A trainer will address the basics like sit, stay, down, and leash walking. Other basics include name recognition and making your dog come to you on command. Moreover, a trainer can offer advice for potty training a new puppy.
More than just training your dog, a good dog trainer will train the owners as well. They will be able to help owners understand what works and doesn’t work in terms of dog interaction and communication. In addition, a dog trainer will help an owner to rid their dogs of annoying habits that, if not taken care of early, will continue to cause problems well into the future.
Even if someone decides on a dog trainer, raising a puppy will test their patients. This is why I urge new pet owners, especially potential Golden owners, to think before they buy or adopt. Nonetheless, if you’ve decided on a puppy and a local trainer you’ll likely have a much more enjoyable experience raising your puppy. Your days will be filled with more laughs, pictures, and accomplishments than nerve racking. If you decide to go it alone, be sure to research your breed and training methods prior to purchasing or adopting your new Golden Retriever puppy.
Many local kennels offer dog training services. In addition, some Petcos and PetSmarts offer this service. If you are still stumped, ask your veterinarian. Vets typically keep ties with quality breeders and trainers. If you aren’t comfortable going blindly to a dog trainer, then ask for references. Dog training will set you and your dog off to a good start. In addition, it’s an excellent start for socializing your dog. In closing, enjoy both the bad and the good days of puppyhood, because they fly by. As they grow older, you’ll find yourself wishing your dog would start a bit of mischief just to be sure he or she’s still got some spark. Tucker is now six years old and still has a bit of puppy left in him.