Dog Training Schools - Teach a Young Or Old Dog New Tricks

Most pet owners are happy if they can teach their dog to sit and stay, but dogs can be trained to perform a vast number of tasks, and there are many types of dog training schools. Hunting dogs are often sent away to a boarding school, where they go through intense daily workouts. This can take several months and does not frequently involve the dog owner. The instruction takes place at the trainer's location and there are usually a number of animals being trained simultaneously. Most family pets are not enrolled in this type of training, although the old-school train of thought about hunting dogs not being treated as pets is changing.

Dogs that are being trained to be assistance animals, such as guide dogs for the blind or aide dogs for the disabled, also attend dog training schools. This does not usually start in a facility. The animal is placed in a foster home where a trained individual works with the dog daily to develop the skills and traits needed in an assistive animal. The dogs usually go to these homes as pups and are kept by the trainer until the dog has reached adulthood, usually at about 2 years of age. They go everywhere with their trainers once they have the basics down, including riding public transportation and visiting restaurants, malls, and grocery stores, anywhere there future owners might want to go. When they have mastered this, they go to a more formal school before being placed with their new owners.

Law enforcement dogs have their own schools. They can be trained to assist police officers by alerting on odors from drugs or explosive materials. Tracking animals are also used to locate lost or missing people. This type of school is very intensive and run by professional law enforcement trainers. Many dogs do not successfully complete this coursework, but can still make great pets.

Some schools specialize in protection and security. This usually involves intensive work at a specialized facility for a number of months. The animals are taught a number of protection commands and practice attacking well-padded trainers. Once the dog understands its job and has learned the commands, the owner attends for a few sessions to practice with the animal. Protection training is always best left to seasoned professionals with the knowledge and equipment required.

Other types of schools include those that teach competition skills, such as harness work, herding, and agility. While certain breeds have natural tendencies toward pulling a sled or herding sheep, they work best with their owners when they have practiced the skills and both are well-versed in the commands. Breeders may teach their show animals how to handle themselves in the ring, and may provide these training services for other owners as well. Owners may also hire professional handlers to travel with their champions and show them in the ring. Specialty dog training schools exist all over the world to hone the skills of owners and their animals for sport, competition, and work. If you want to teach your dog to jump through hoops, run an agility course, or retrieve ducks, you can find a school for that.