Dog Obedience Training

[UnderPar18]

Hey Everyone - I have a 3 month old chocolate lab and he has been doing well with learning. He knows sit and stay already and hasn’t been that big of a menace with chewing.

 

My wife and I are looking into getting some professional help training and I wasn’t sure what’s best? We found a company that comes to the house to train and seems to be very solid but also the most expensive. Dog schools seem okay but I don’t like the idea of giving him treats every time he does something well. Also having multiple dogs there he doesn’t spend as much time paying attention and isn’t in his normal environment.

 

What have you dog owners done and what do you wish you did differently?

[GolfNuts4]

We have a very energetic Catahoula. Been a challenge as he is pretty wild. We give him lots of exercise but still can be a handful. We decided on in home training as it seemed more real life. He is in his environment such as people coming in the door, chasing the cat...etc. The trainer gets a good feel of how he naturally acts in the home. I feel it was a good decision and he is really getting to be a well behaved dog. The trainer used to train dogs for the military and police, treats were a part of the training, but so was positive reinforcement. Overall, in home training, in my opinion was a good idea and has been helpful, although a bit more expensive. Give him lots of love and you will recieve it back ten fold. My guy still gets pretty damn excited when we walk through that door, but that is the unconditional love we get from our four legged animals. Remember, you have outside friends, work and hobbies, he only has you. Good luck.

[highergr0und]

The classes at the petsmart or whatever are generally useless. We had someone come to the house to work with our problem dog and it worked wonders. The key is finding the right person and being willing to put in the work once the instructor leaves.

 

And hate to say it but dogs are nearly 100% motivated by food - so you will give treats. That said, they don't have to be unhealthy or large, just a little reward. Having a dog that isn't food motivated makes training next to impossible. My sister has one.

[goondawg]

Just my opinion, but I would find a reputable training class in your area. The pup will get some socialization as well as training. Also, don’t be so quick to shy away from treats. The pup will need to be rewarded. You don’t have to give them with every obeyed command but if he knows he might get one it will make his training go more smoothly

[UnderPar18]

I'm not saying I won't give my dog treats, but what I've seen is dogs become reliant on treats. If you don't reward them with one they won't listen. I think to your point there is a good balance that needs to be applied. I'm not expert so just trying to learn what that looks like and how that could be applied properly.

[MountainGoat]

Train the dog yourself in a class, don’t farm it out. Treat training works, clicker training doesn’t.

[goondawg]

> @UnderPar18 said:

> I'm not saying I won't give my dog treats, but what I've seen is dogs become reliant on treats. If you don't reward them with one they won't listen. I think to your point there is a good balance that needs to be applied. I'm not expert so just trying to learn what that looks like and how that could be applied properly.

It sounds like you’re off to a good start. Good thing is Labs are eager to please and pretty easily trained. I’m sure the pup will turn out great