Oakhurst Obedience
727-595-4038
"Train Your Best Friend the Best Way "
Basic Obedience - Why Train?
Basic Obedience - Why Train?
Why train your dog? Besides the obvious advantage of having your dog learn good manners and proper behavior, basic obedience training has other benefits. Working with your dog in a consistent manner and on a regular basis improves communication and greatly increases the bond between you and your pet. Any dog can live with you -- a well-trained dog can be a true companion. With appropriate manners, your dog can accompany you many places.
Class or Private? There are advantages and disadvantages to both group class sessions and private sessions. If you have the choice, consider your personal requirements and preferences.
Classes are frequently less expensive than private sessions. They are offered at specific times, generally for a flat fee for the entire series of meetings, and there is usually no refund for missed classes. There may be several classes at one level offered, and this gives you a choice of times and instructors. There will also be a variety of people and dogs involved. The topics and schedule are normally set, and time to address specific problems might be limited.
Private sessions may vary in cost from moderate to expensive. Time and length of sessions are generally flexible. Many are on a pay-as-you-go basis -- others may involve a contract for a specific number of sessions, payable in advance. There is less opportunity for doggy socialization, but instructors may sometimes use their personal dogs for demonstration and interaction. There will likely be more opportunity to address individual problems, and breed tendencies can more easily be considered than in a group situation.
And why are experienced instructors important? Oakhurst Obedience instructors practice what they preach, taking their dogs to trials and other dog-friendly events, trusting that their dogs will behave appropriately. Instructors who have “been there, done that” can offer methods that work with the dog’s natural instincts, resulting in a happier relationship between dog and owner. Many times they can also identify possible future problems and help you to prevent them -- always easier than correcting them after they occur.
