| Dog Obedience Classes |
| Are you in the Los Angeles area and looking for Dog Training? |
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| Why Group Obedience Classes? |
| Why Private Obedience Classes? |
The only times I recommend private obedience training is when dogs are in a situation that makes it
impossible for them to learn in a group setting with other dogs. The prime example is a dog which
is Dog Aggressive. There are dogs who pull and bark and carry-on when they see other dogs but
are NOT aggressive. They simply are undersocialized and, in basic terms, don't know the proper
way to say hello to another dog. Generally, when the owner allows the dog to sniff the other dog,
the crazy behavior subsides and the dog is now either wagging his tail hoping for a playmate, or his
desire to get a sniff has passed and he no longer shows interest in the dog he was a moment ago so
desperate to contact. For this dog, get thee to a GROUP obedience class!
But Dog Aggressive dogs are ones who, again to be simplistic, want to rip the face off of every
other dog they meet. Many are territorial. They may only act this way while "guarding" the home.
So a private trainer can help by introducing new dogs to his home environment and teaching your
dog he doesn't need to overreact. Likewise, some dogs are territorial of their pack- which is your
family. Being at home isn't the only place these aggressive displays occur, which would make the
activity of a group obedience class too hectic. So a private trainer can help break your dog of this.
For the latter, I'd recommend a group class for socialization following private training.
Some Dog Aggressive dogs are that way from bad past experiences with other dogs. Generally
these are rescued dogs who most likely were dominated, attacked, kept from food or bullied in some
way by other canines. But then, some dogs are PEOPLE aggressive for the very same reasons.
Both of these aggressive types of dogs, honestly, scare other people. For that reason, the other
owners in a group class might not "get it" and have problems with you sharing a group class with
them. So take the edge off with a private trainer first and when looking a group class later on, make
sure you approach the trainer to let he or she know the special situation of your dog. A plus is many
private trainers also offer their own group classes, so you'll have the same trainer for both.
Other dogs are too fearful. They simply shut down when around other people or other dogs or
both. So a group class is adding too much stress to the dog and they are not learning. Again, after
they have come out of their shell with a private trainer, I'd still recommend joining a group class.
Many dogs, especially rescued dogs, have issues like these to overcome and a private trainer can
help ease their transition into your household while keeping the stress level lower than being out in a
strange environment surrounded by other untrained dogs.
Lastly, if you have a young puppy who has not yet finished his vaccinations, a private trainer is a
great way to get the ball rolling on early training. Puppies receive their first Distemper Vaccine
(DHPP or DHLPP) between 6-8 weeks of age. They get the second round 3 weeks later, and the
third round 3 weeks after that. At the time of the third round (which is approximately 4 months of
age) the puppy is ready for the Rabies 1 Year Vaccine. (Unless your Veterinarian chooses to wait
yet another 3 weeks so the puppy doesn't have to have two vaccines in one visit) Only after those
vaccines is the puppy safe to socialize in public places with strange dogs. This is not a risk you
want to take. The DHPP or DHLPP (depending on what part of the country you live in) covers 4-5
different canine diseases that are very often fatal to the young puppy. They are certainly costly to
treat. So don't risk it. It IS wise to start training between 3-5 months of age because of the puppy's
"imprint period." It is like a small window of time when they absolutely absorb everything they are
exposed to, so training is quick and sticks. Since that period of time happens before the end of the
vaccines, go private!
impossible for them to learn in a group setting with other dogs. The prime example is a dog which
is Dog Aggressive. There are dogs who pull and bark and carry-on when they see other dogs but
are NOT aggressive. They simply are undersocialized and, in basic terms, don't know the proper
way to say hello to another dog. Generally, when the owner allows the dog to sniff the other dog,
the crazy behavior subsides and the dog is now either wagging his tail hoping for a playmate, or his
desire to get a sniff has passed and he no longer shows interest in the dog he was a moment ago so
desperate to contact. For this dog, get thee to a GROUP obedience class!
But Dog Aggressive dogs are ones who, again to be simplistic, want to rip the face off of every
other dog they meet. Many are territorial. They may only act this way while "guarding" the home.
So a private trainer can help by introducing new dogs to his home environment and teaching your
dog he doesn't need to overreact. Likewise, some dogs are territorial of their pack- which is your
family. Being at home isn't the only place these aggressive displays occur, which would make the
activity of a group obedience class too hectic. So a private trainer can help break your dog of this.
For the latter, I'd recommend a group class for socialization following private training.
Some Dog Aggressive dogs are that way from bad past experiences with other dogs. Generally
these are rescued dogs who most likely were dominated, attacked, kept from food or bullied in some
way by other canines. But then, some dogs are PEOPLE aggressive for the very same reasons.
Both of these aggressive types of dogs, honestly, scare other people. For that reason, the other
owners in a group class might not "get it" and have problems with you sharing a group class with
them. So take the edge off with a private trainer first and when looking a group class later on, make
sure you approach the trainer to let he or she know the special situation of your dog. A plus is many
private trainers also offer their own group classes, so you'll have the same trainer for both.
Other dogs are too fearful. They simply shut down when around other people or other dogs or
both. So a group class is adding too much stress to the dog and they are not learning. Again, after
they have come out of their shell with a private trainer, I'd still recommend joining a group class.
Many dogs, especially rescued dogs, have issues like these to overcome and a private trainer can
help ease their transition into your household while keeping the stress level lower than being out in a
strange environment surrounded by other untrained dogs.
Lastly, if you have a young puppy who has not yet finished his vaccinations, a private trainer is a
great way to get the ball rolling on early training. Puppies receive their first Distemper Vaccine
(DHPP or DHLPP) between 6-8 weeks of age. They get the second round 3 weeks later, and the
third round 3 weeks after that. At the time of the third round (which is approximately 4 months of
age) the puppy is ready for the Rabies 1 Year Vaccine. (Unless your Veterinarian chooses to wait
yet another 3 weeks so the puppy doesn't have to have two vaccines in one visit) Only after those
vaccines is the puppy safe to socialize in public places with strange dogs. This is not a risk you
want to take. The DHPP or DHLPP (depending on what part of the country you live in) covers 4-5
different canine diseases that are very often fatal to the young puppy. They are certainly costly to
treat. So don't risk it. It IS wise to start training between 3-5 months of age because of the puppy's
"imprint period." It is like a small window of time when they absolutely absorb everything they are
exposed to, so training is quick and sticks. Since that period of time happens before the end of the
vaccines, go private!
Whether you take an group obedience class with me or another trainer, I highly recommend the
experience for every dog owner, be the dog a youngster or senior.
Group classes create an environment unique to themselves. I often say, I could come to your home
and work the sit, down, stay, etc. commands and your dog would certainly learn them. But being
able to accomplish those same focus commands in an area that is new and foreign to the dog (not
the comforts of the dog's home "territory") AND around a bunch of other dogs, is where the
challenge (and true training success) comes in.
Then, of course, the best part of group classes is the socialization. Some dogs are super social and
want to play all the time. Try getting an unwaivering sit-stay when your dog would rather be
romping with the Yellow Lab on his right! Or maybe your dog is undersocialized and either scared
of the other dogs, or aggressive towards them. The exposure each week to the other classmates
does wonders to bring dogs out of their shells, or teach aggressive dogs (whether from fear or
dominance) how to interact with fellow canines so they don't have to be isolated their whole lives.
DOGS ARE SOCIAL CREATURES. And learning proper doggie etiquette for play is vital to a dog's
wellbeing. Play is generally learned while nursing with littermates, but due to many different
circumstances, can be neglected in a dog's development. So go to a group class and help your dog
learn to be social and happy.
How do you find a good trainer? Ask around. Chat with other dog owners who may have taken a
class. Feel free to ask the potential trainer about his or her techniques and reasons behind them.
Make sure whatever methods they use, you are comfortable with them. Not to say you are looking
to expose some evil trainer who says hitting a dog will put him right in line. A simple example is
some trainers use treats as a "lure and reward" method, where other trainers prefer not using food
motivators and exclusively use praise (or "clickers") as the reward. Whatever it is, how do YOU
feel about the techniques? Because if you don't like the trainer's methods, you aren't going to be
excited to work the commands with your dog, and he won't learn or get better.
experience for every dog owner, be the dog a youngster or senior.
Group classes create an environment unique to themselves. I often say, I could come to your home
and work the sit, down, stay, etc. commands and your dog would certainly learn them. But being
able to accomplish those same focus commands in an area that is new and foreign to the dog (not
the comforts of the dog's home "territory") AND around a bunch of other dogs, is where the
challenge (and true training success) comes in.
Then, of course, the best part of group classes is the socialization. Some dogs are super social and
want to play all the time. Try getting an unwaivering sit-stay when your dog would rather be
romping with the Yellow Lab on his right! Or maybe your dog is undersocialized and either scared
of the other dogs, or aggressive towards them. The exposure each week to the other classmates
does wonders to bring dogs out of their shells, or teach aggressive dogs (whether from fear or
dominance) how to interact with fellow canines so they don't have to be isolated their whole lives.
DOGS ARE SOCIAL CREATURES. And learning proper doggie etiquette for play is vital to a dog's
wellbeing. Play is generally learned while nursing with littermates, but due to many different
circumstances, can be neglected in a dog's development. So go to a group class and help your dog
learn to be social and happy.
How do you find a good trainer? Ask around. Chat with other dog owners who may have taken a
class. Feel free to ask the potential trainer about his or her techniques and reasons behind them.
Make sure whatever methods they use, you are comfortable with them. Not to say you are looking
to expose some evil trainer who says hitting a dog will put him right in line. A simple example is
some trainers use treats as a "lure and reward" method, where other trainers prefer not using food
motivators and exclusively use praise (or "clickers") as the reward. Whatever it is, how do YOU
feel about the techniques? Because if you don't like the trainer's methods, you aren't going to be
excited to work the commands with your dog, and he won't learn or get better.
Overall- no one can fix your dog for you. Trainers are there to work with you individually and
address your problems one-on-one, even in group environments. (which you won't get from a book
or watching Cesar Mullan) But YOU have to do the homework. You simply MUST work with your
dog every day to help he or she overcome whatever issue it is that is causing a problem in your
household.
Put in the work now, and you will have a wonderful member of the family for years to come.
address your problems one-on-one, even in group environments. (which you won't get from a book
or watching Cesar Mullan) But YOU have to do the homework. You simply MUST work with your
dog every day to help he or she overcome whatever issue it is that is causing a problem in your
household.
Put in the work now, and you will have a wonderful member of the family for years to come.
| Training Summary |
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| Looking for Private Training or Group Classes in the Los Angeles area? I recommend Laura Dash of Dolittle's Canine Behavior |
| Laura and I worked together teaching group obedience classes at the East Valley Shelter in Van Nuys. She still teaches there and the class is well worth it! Plus, she also offers private training as well. You will be hard pressed to find another instructor who is so completely dedicated to helping you help your dog. I have seen her go above and beyond over and over again. Please check out her website! |
| Click the icon above for a link to Laura's website or contact her directly at dolittlesdogs@yahoo.com |
| I'm sorry, I'm no longer offering classes in Georgia as I have moved home to Los Angeles. I am in Grad School, so will not be seeking new obedience classes to teach for the present. If you have a question, I am more than happy to answer emails! fortheloveofrescues@yahoo.com |