Obedience training for pet dogs is a service that many pet care facility owners/operators and managers know about, but do not have the expertise to integrate as a potentially lucrative revenue stream.  One of the goals of the Dog Training Section is to help PCSA members understand how to effectively add the service of pet dog training. This can cover everything from hiring a trainer, planning what venue works best with your facility, to discussing insurance requirements and more.

Obedience training history and trainers

In the past twenty years there have been many changes in the approach to pet dog training.  There is still a wide range of equipment and philosophy in dog training. When you reach a point of deciding on a trainer to whom you will refer your clients, remember this:

"You should be as concerned about the trainer of your client's dog as you would be about the teacher of your children. "  

Styles of Obedience training for pet dogs

Depending on how your facility is set up and the experience of the trainer you hire, you may want to consider one or more of the following approaches to training:

• Group classes
• Private lessons
• Board and train

Resources on training

Learn about training philosophies and training techniques before you begin your search to hire a trainer or begin to offer training.

Some well respected names in the training and behavior industry, to mention a few, are:

• Ian Dunbar
• Karen Pryor
• Jean Donaldson
• Terri Ryan

See if your trainer is aware of and practices their philosophy and techniques.

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, www.apdt.com, can also be a good resource for trainers.

Questions or comments regarding dog training can be sent to the Dog Training Section Chair, Jim Burwell via e-mail to: jim@petiquettedog.com.   Members can access more information related to Dog Training in the Pet Services Journal where Jim is a frequent contributor .  If you would like specific topics addressed in the PSJ, please feel free to e-mail him with your suggestions.