If you take your puppy to dog training classes, there are a few things you should look out for. Training a puppy is different than training other dogs. Puppies have different needs and learn differently, and, if your dog training classes do not take those differences into consideration, it could cause more problems than it solves. Puppies need lessons that are fun, and short. The methods used in your dog training class should be such that, as your puppy does a lesson, she doesn't even realize she's being trained. One way that many dog training classes do this is by developing lessons around things a puppy does already. If they like certain toys, those toys can be used to help teach - and you know your puppy will be attentive. At least for a short while.

Even older dogs need the right dog training classes for their needs. Many dog owners wait until their new pets are out of the puppy phase before they begin formal training. While puppy training classes are a good idea, they are not necessary to properly train your dog later on. But, the right dog training classes are necessary. Again, if your dog is not trained properly, it could do more harm than good. For example, ?treat? based training is definitely not the best way to train your dog. Dog training classes that use treats don't teach your dog to learn, the teach your dog to do whatever it takes to get more food. Dog training can be a lifelong bond between you and your dog, unless you use the wrong type of dog training class, like treat training, which will make it difficult or impossible to train your dog without food rewards.

Another time that dog owners look for dog training classes is when behaviour or obedience problems become an issue with their dogs. Even dogs who have attended dog training classes can develop bad habits over time. Dogs are pack animals. Dog packs have a clear leader and the other dogs take part in the pack in a hierarchy, each dog playing a specific role in the pack. When the pack loses it leader, it is in a dog's nature to make sure the pack has a leader and he will instinctively try to assume the role of leader in the pack. Your dog views you and your family as his pack. If it is not clear in your dog's mind that you are the leader of the pack, your dog will try to assume the leadership role. Regardless of how many previous dog training classes he's been through, if a dog sees that the pack needs a leader, he will try to be it.

Owners might still feel they are in control, even while their dogs see themselves as leader too. The confusion begins when owners start letting dogs have their way. In other words, if the training ends when the dog training classes end, then there is potential for trouble later on ? and the potential for more dog training classes to correct the problem, or any other behaviour problems that may exist.

So what are the best dog training classes? As mentioned previously, it depends on the needs of you and your dog ? puppy, fully grown dog, or obedience ? but you can look for a couple signs that the dog training classes are on the right track. First, instead of treat training, look for classes that use ?leash and love? methods. This means using the leash to teach dogs what they are doing wrong, and warm rewards - ?good boy!? ? when they do something properly. Dogs want nothing more than to please their leader, you, and when they think you are not pleased, like when you quickly jerk and release the chain, they will soon understand that the behaviour is unacceptable. On the other hand, when they get your enthusiastic approval, they will learn that all they need to do to get it again is repeat the same behaviour.

Leash and love dog training classes teach a dog to learn for all the right reasons.

The dog training experts at Alpha Paws would be pleased to help you with a wide range of dog training classes.