When you think about starting to train your dog, it is always a good idea to
figure out what your options are first. There are a lot of different types of
dog training and picking the right one is crucial to getting the best out of
your dog.
Most new puppy owners would start with puppy preschool. This course is for puppies aged 6 weeks to 5 months old. On average, the duration of these classes is approximately 2 months. The things taught in these classes generally cover aspects of social interaction between your puppy and humans as well as how to be around other puppies. After the course is over, your puppy should have learnt how to stay in one place, how to come and how to sit on command.
Most new puppy owners would start with puppy preschool. This course is for puppies aged 6 weeks to 5 months old. On average, the duration of these classes is approximately 2 months. The things taught in these classes generally cover aspects of social interaction between your puppy and humans as well as how to be around other puppies. After the course is over, your puppy should have learnt how to stay in one place, how to come and how to sit on command.
The next type of training class is
for dogs that are older than 5 months. These classes last for about 8 to 10
weeks and is known as basic dog training. When your dog is finished with this
course, they should be able to correctly walk on a leash, sit, stay and heel.
The third type of training for your
dog is the intermediate classes. Here, the types of things that you dog will
learn are largely the same as the basic dog course, but there is far greater
detail and emphasis put on each aspect. After completing intermediate dog training,
your dog should be able to sit for a longer period of time and follow orders
that are given by other people. It is a prerequisite that your dog has
completed the basic course first and be familiar with basic commands before
attempting the intermediate training. This course lasts for about 8 to 10
weeks.
Advanced dog training is a course
designed for dogs who have completed the basic and intermediate training and
again, contains all the fundamentals of the previous courses but with more
detail. Some of the things that your dog is taught is how to sit without them
being able to view you, and how to walk on a leash beside their owners.
Advanced dog training is also a preparation for the Canine Good Citizen
training course which has 10 aspects or testing criteria which need to be
fulfilled before your dog can pass.
These criteria are:
- Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
- Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
- Test 3: Appearance and grooming
- Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
- Test 5: Walking through a crowd
- Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
- Test 7: Coming when called
- Test 8: Reaction to another dog
- Test 9: Reaction to distraction
- Test 10: Supervised separation