Choosing a UK Dog Trainer
Source: jcarbaugh
You will want to have a long and loving relationship with your dog, whichever breed you choose. Therefore it is important that they are trained to understand what they can and cannot do, who is in charge and the difference between right and wrong from the very beginning. Experienced dog owners may have some tricks up their sleeves, but for novice dog owners, the ideal path is to attend local dog training classes.
Organisations such as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers adhere to a code of practice, where all trainers are themselves trained to a high standard, and classes are regulated. This is the kind of reassurance that novice dog owners need when they are taking their puppies to training or obedience classes. Nobody relishes a disorganised class where bad habits are made, not broken! A loveable puppy which grows into a dog who will take no notice of your commands soon becomes a problem. It is the lack of obedience training that leads to aggressive dogs behaving badly, and many animals ending up in rescue centres because they assumed they were pack leader in the family.
When buying your first puppy, ask the kennel where you bought him from if they can recommend a good local training school or class - it is their business to know this sort of thing. Also ask friends with dogs who they would recommend - word of mouth or personal recommendation is the best thing, if possible. Scouring local directories or the internet might help but it may also leave you with a wealth of unhelpful advertising, unless you are careful.
If you do use the internet to find a dog trainer, make sure that you find one who is accredited to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) or a similar body. Take a close look at the website. Usual web surfers can spot the difference between an organisation that really cares about animals, and those that just want to take your money. A bona fide organisation will only be interested in providing information, advice and good links, not with trying to sell you something.
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