Are you looking for information about a possible dog training career?  Do you also have a sense of community and volunteerism?  If so, then you may consider working with guide dogs for the blind, deaf, and otherwise disabled.  There are many organizations that train and provide such dogs and there are usually many paid and volunteer positions available for anyone interested in a dog training career.

For example, Leader Dogs for the Blind, headquartered in Rochester, Michigan, is one of the first and most respected of these organizations that train and then match leader dogs.  Many businesses around their headquarters are used to seeing dogs in training being walked around inside and out.  Their trainers are patient, understanding, and very involved with their dog training career and take their responsibilities very seriously.  When you consider that it costs about $10,000 for this organization to house, feed, train, and then match just one dog, you understand why!  It's also important to note that not all dogs pass their training program, as some are too skittish, playful, or simply don't take direction well.  One of the hardest parts of any dog training career is having to "flunk" a dog and return it to its original owner or find a new one rather than match it to a disabled person.  However, when you do have a dog finish the training and successfully matched with a disabled person there is no doubt a tremendous sense of accomplishment, knowing that you're going to not only have someone be helped in a significant way for years to come, you also know that this dog will have a loyal friend and companion in their new owner.

To get involved in this type of dog training career you probably need a degree in Guide Dog Mobility.  San Francisco University offers such a program and has been graduating students from this Master's program for years, many of which are then matched to an organization that trains guide dogs and helper dogs both.

Of course you don't need a Master's degree for a dog training career; there are many volunteer opportunities available for anyone that loves dogs, is willing to work hard with them, and has unlimited patience and understanding.  For example, most organizations that train guide dogs need constant help with fundraising.  You may be able to organize and host some type of event that would raise money for them, such as a marathon, dinner, and so on.  You may also find that a dog training career involves taking care of the dogs once they're finished with their training for the day.  Grooming them, feeding them, and playing with them can be a very satisfying way of knowing that you're doing your part to make sure these dogs are well cared for.

Anyone interested in a dog training career is to be commended, especially if you're considering such a career in order to help someone that is blind or otherwise disabled. 

Sending your beloved pet to dog training classes can actually be very difficult for some owners.  To them, having to send a dog to someone else to be trained can seem like some type of failure on their part, like having to send their own child away to detention camp or something!  In reality many such dog training classes are very beneficial for the dogs and their owners as the dogs are taught how to be civil and social in a family setting, which is reassuring not just for the family but very calming for the dog as well.  When a dog knows how to behave around people and other animals it's not so put off by their behavior and actions and knows what's expected of it as well.

There is one common mistake that many pet owners make when it comes to dog training classes and that's paying for too many classes or classes they don't really need.  As an example, most pet owners simply need their dog to be taught the basics - how to sit on command, how to behave when on a leash, to be quiet when told, and so on.  These are the things that will be covered in most any dog training classes you'll enroll your pet in and most schools teach these.  Some will then also offer more intermediate or advanced commands that the majority of household pets don't really need.  For example, it may be amusing to put a biscuit on a dog's nose and have him ignore it until you give him the command to eat it, but other than your own amusement, what does this serve?  Food refusal, as it's called in dog training classes, isn't really all that necessary for most dogs or their owners.

Some who plan on entering their dog into a dog show may need to invest in more advanced dog training classes that will include teaching them how to run and jump on command and how to hold their head and body a certain way s they prance around in a circle with their owners, but again, unless you're putting your dog in a show these things are typically not necessary for your pet. 

Most schools will outline all the different elements and activities of their dog training classes but some aren't as forthcoming.  Some schools will simply have two levels of obedience training, with the advanced level covering extended teaching that only show dogs needs while their basic classes cover far too much for the average pet. 

You should think of dog training classes as being just like any other school you might sign up for or product you buy - make sure that you're just paying for what you need and don't allow a slick salesman to add on any unnecessary extras!  Dog training classes are typically a little costly so you need to be sure you're getting just what you want and aren't paying for anything extra.

Most people today are aware of the fact that obesity is becoming an epidemic worldwide.  The problems that this condition bring about have nothing to do with how one looks, but rather the fact that obesity is associated with diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, and a myriad of other very serious health problems.  And what is truly sad about this epidemic is that it seems to actually be affecting pets as well!  No doubt the type and amount of dog training treats that owners indulge their pets with has a lot to do with this problem.  Many owners, especially those with a new dog or new puppy, are far too eager to reward their dog with an edible treat or with table scraps, and most have very little knowledge of how dangerous this can be to a dog's health.  If you're an owner that may be guilty of overindulging your pet with dog training treats, what are some things you need to consider when it comes to the type and amount of treats, and what are some of your other options for rewarding your dog?  Let's take a look at the subject of dog training treats and see what other choices you have.

For one thing, remember that dog training treats are not your only option when it comes to rewarding your dog.  Pets respond to positive attention from their owners just as much as anything else, and perhaps even more so.  Petting your dog, giving her reassuring words, and playing with her are just as rewarding as any fattening treats!  Choose some favorite toys that you and the dog can play with for a few minutes, such as a ball you can toss around or a rag that she can tussle with while you hold it.  This means that you can play with your dog for a few minutes in place of those dog training treats without having to spend hours at the dog park.

Positive attention and rewarding your dog can also mean petting and grooming as well.  Dogs enjoy being brushed if it's done properly, and this type of physical attention when used in place of dog training treats can keep a dog calm and soothed, as opposed to making her fat!

This doesn't mean that you need to stop using dog training treats altogether; they simply need to be used more sparingly.  Also, consider the ingredients of the treats you choose.  Some these days are nothing but fat and sugar, but if you do some shopping, you'll find other brands that are leaner with protein and very little fat.  Dogs enjoy the taste of protein as much as they do anything else, so finding dog training treats that are made with lean meats such as chicken and turkey are just as enjoyable to your dog as any other.

If you find that your dog is becoming overweight then it's time to rethink$ how and when you use dog training treats and think about other rewards instead.

Just who would need dog agility training?  Aren't dogs just naturally agile and fit and able to run and jump and chase balls and Frisbees and so on?

It's partially true that dogs are naturally gifted athletes in their own right.  They have very muscular bodies in proportion to their weight which makes them able to run fast, jump high, and do so many other spectacular stunts.  However, dog agility training means more than just training a dog to run or jump; it involves teaching dogs how to do certain stunts or perform certain tasks on command of their owner, improving their time over an obstacle course, and teaching them how to perform some stunts in a particular way.  This type of dog agility training would typically apply to show dogs that need to run or jump or keep a certain pace according to the show's requirements; they also need to keep in step with their owners, follow a certain obstacle course in a particular order, and so on.  Just learning how to do these things is only half the experience; a dog needs to learn how to do these things in a particular way, at a particular speed, when given a particular signal, and so on.

As much as it is fun to watch those that have been through this type of dog agility training there are some cautions that owners should consider before simply signing up their dog for such a school.  For one thing, most schools will only accept dogs that are 18 months or older, and for good reason.  Dogs younger than this are still growing and trying to force them to learn different stunts can stunt their growth or damage them long-term.  Also, it's important to keep in mind some dog's natural physical makeup.  Smaller dogs with shorter legs cannot always do so well in jumps while larger dogs may have a problem with tunnels and such.  A good school that provides dog agility training will take these things in mind and adjust or alter their training according to the dog's size and breed; an owner that is attempting to train a dog on his or her own needs to do the same.

It's also easy for an owner to assume that dog agility training should include punishment for when a dog doesn't perform as expected, but experts in the field know that it's much more effective to reward a dog when it does well than it is to simply punish it when it doesn't perform as expected.  Treats, petting, play time, favorite toys, and things like these can all be used as rewards for a job well done.  Dog agility training should be fun for the dog and the owner, not a chore or trauma for either.

And remember that not all pets respond the same to dog agility training; some breeds are just too skittish or hyper to jump and run on command, so don't let your expectations get the best of you.

Today, dog training schools are a great business opportunity for someone that's interested in opening their own business or that is looking for a great franchise opportunity.  Many people today are happy to have someone else train their dog not just because they're very busy but because they want to be sure that it's being done properly.  In past years there were many people that complained about inhumane methods of training pets, and so professional dog training schools became a big business. 

What's needed for starting one of your own dog training schools?  The first thing you need to consider is your own qualifications.  Today there are actual schools for trainers and most of your customers are going to be interested in your schooling and education.  After all, if the only thing you can offer them is that you like dogs and have one of your own, this doesn't make you any more qualified than the kid that lives down the street!  So if you have a degree or some type of formal education, then you're on your way to opening one of your own dog training schools.  Of course, your other option is if you've had years of experience at another school or some type of training facility for dogs, such as with guide dogs or assistance dogs.

Most dog training schools require quite a bit of indoor and outdoor space.  Dogs need to learn how to keep pace with their owner when walking and not just wander away and get distracted.  This means a lot of walking and interacting with different types of distractions.  The type of space you'll need is different than what you would need for a retail store or other type of business.  There may also be many rules and regulations about what type of business you can open in what area and this includes dog training schools.  Before you run out and buy a building or sign a lease make sure you do your due diligence and are sure that this type of business is allowed in this area.

An easier way to open one of your own dog training schools is to start a franchise of another such school.  Many will give you complete training and will also help with finding the right real estate, marketing plans, and so on.  Of course there is always a fee involved with this type of arrangement but sometimes it's better to pay the fee and get the help than to try to go it alone. 

It takes a special type of personality to run dog training schools but if you love animals and love being around dogs especially then this can be a very lucrative business opportunity.  Many customers who have good experiences with them recommend them to their friends so you get repeat business down the road.  Families are always on the lookout for good dog training schools so there are always a lot of potential customers in any neighborhood. 

Dog training today has become a big business, with not just businesses offering this type of service to families but schools offering degrees in how to do this properly.  Many families appreciate being able to have someone else train their dog, either because they simply don't have the time or because they want it done properly.  However, what about free dog training?  Is there such a thing?  If someone offers you some free dog training should you just readily accept that offer, or are there some things you should think about first?

The chance to get some free dog training is very tempting for many families who are feeling a real squeeze or pinch on their budget these days.  Obviously the rent or mortgage and grocery bill is going to be more important to most than training their dog!  But while it's tempting to just turn over your dog or puppy to anyone that offers this free dog training, be sure that you stop and ask some questions first.

For example, what knowledge or training does this person have themselves?  Anyone can simply smack a dog around in order to get it stop doing something, but this is neither effective nor humane.  Also, many people that try to train a dog forget that it doesn't really understand the words a person is saying and so needs a certain command or action demonstrated to them before they can make the connection between that word and a certain action.  For instance, you need to actually push a dog's behind down onto the floor while you continue to say the word "sit" before it associates that word with putting it's bum on the floor.  Some who offer free dog training may not approach training this way and may get frustrated when the dog doesn't do what it's told, simply because the dog doesn't understand what it's being told.  This is a common problem among teenagers that offer free dog training simply because they love being around dogs; while they may treat the dog perfectly fine, this doesn't mean that he or she is necessarily skilled in actually training the dog.

Another question to ask is why this person is offering free dog training and what it should include.  Perhaps they are thinking of starting a school of dog training and need some experience.  In that case, it's up to you to decide if this person is qualified and can effectively treat your dog. 

No matter what else is involved with this arrangement of free dog training make sure that your dog is treated in a loving and humane way no matter what.  Obviously this is the most important factor when it comes to anyone that is involved with handling your dog for any reason.  If it seems as if all these elements are in order and you trust that this person will treat your dog well, then there's probably no reason to not take them up on their offer of free dog training!

Many people are interested in volunteering a dog they own for service dog training and this is very commendable.  Service dogs are those that assist the disabled in many different ways.  Seeing-eye dogs for the blind, assistance dogs for the deaf or those confined to wheelchairs, and dogs with jobs such as this are considered service dogs and they do provide something invaluable to those that need this assistance the most.  But if you review the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) you may notice that it doesn't really specify who may perform service dog training in order for a dog to be considered an assistance dog.  This is important to consider because while service dogs must be allowed in certain areas when in the presence of their owners such as restaurants, on buses, and other such public places, dogs or animals that are not technically service or assistance animals do not have this same legal protection.  So how do you know if the service dog training you're investigating for your own animal is legitimate?

Keep in mind that while the ADA does not specify legal requirements for a trainer or instructor when it comes to service dog training they do specify what certifies an animal as a service dog.  Specifically the disability has to affect a major life function and that the dog has to be individually trained to assist the disabled person.  This is important because everyone's disability is different and affects him or her in different ways.  Service dog training must be individualized for that person. 

The reason that this is important is because any establishment that suspects that someone is bringing their animal into their place of business when it has not completed any type of service dog training can be challenged as to what their disability is and how the dog assists them.  If it's found that the dog is just a pet and the person is not truly disabled they can be facing big fines!

Since there are not really any legal requirements for someone to perform so-called service dog training then it will be up to you as the dog's owner to check their credentials and to make a decision about whether or not they're qualified.  Of course some institutions are just an automatic yes; for instance, Leader Dogs for the Blind, located in Rochester, Michigan, USA, has been in business for over 50 years and trains and supplies dogs to blind and disabled persons all over the world.  Guide Dogs for the Blind, with locations in California and Oregon, also has a long history of training and providing dogs for the blind and disabled.  But when it comes to a private trainer or smaller company offering to provide service dog training, be sure to get recommendations and referrals to past clients and from those who have had one of their trained dogs placed with them.  Ask for details about their training program, and if it doesn't seem right then find another location.

If you're trying to train your dog you may be a bit overwhelmed by all the different methods and bits of advice that are out there today.  Some advocate a very domineering attitude toward your dog and say that you need to firmly establish yourself as the alpha dog so your dog has a proper fear of you.  Others say that you simply need a dog training collar in order to get your dog to do the things you want her to do.  These different methods and accessories might seem a bit harsh to some new pet owners, so how can you tell if one way of training your dog is the right way or is too traumatizing or even downright cruel to your dog?  Let's take a closer look at a dog training collar and how it works in order to figure out if these are good items to use when training your dog.

Keep in mind that there is more than just one type of dog training collar that a person may purchase for their dog.  Some are remote controlled meaning the owner can send a signal when the dog is misbehaving to giver her a shock.  Others are sensitive to barking and give the dog a shock when she barks.  And others are connected to an invisible fence that sends a radio signal and when the dog gets near it, the radio signal activates a small shock on the dog training collar.

Most of these collars have different levels of response, as it's called.  They usually start with a very mild shock and then progress to something more uncomfortable and downright painful for the dog.  If and when shopping for a dog training collar it's a good idea to get one that does have this adjustable rate so you can set it yourself.

But you do need to ask yourself if a dog training collar is appropriate or abusive to your dog.  Much of this will depend on the level of shock it will administer.  Even a very mild shock can be upsetting to your dog and of course if the collar is activated many times during the day this can be downright traumatizing to her.  Most professional trainers have given up the use of a dog training collar and many animal advocate groups have called for their boycott or ban. 

Rather than simply opt for a dog training collar you might instead consider more proactive methods of training your dog.  Concentrate on rewarding her for good behavior rather than shocking or punishing her for misdeeds.  Most dogs respond much better to rewards and reinforcement rather than punishment.  There are also much more humane ways of punishing a dog if that's needed.  Excessive barking can be controlled by occasional muzzling which is not painful for the dog.  Or she can be put in another room when misbehaving.  All of these types of methods of training are much better for your dog than any dog training collar.

When training your dog, whether it's a puppy or a dog that's new to you and your family, you of course are going to need some proper equipment to help you do this effectively and safely.  Someone new to the world of dog training can be very surprised and overwhelmed with the many different items available to them, including dog training leads.  A novice may assume that these are just fancy leashes but in reality there are different uses for different dog training leads and it's important that you choose the right one for the training session.

One such example of specialized dog training leads are those that are called traffic leads.  These are very short and thick leashes that give you virtually no extra room between you and the dog.  The purpose of these types of dog training leads?  Simply put, when you're in a lot of foot traffic you want your dog at the heel position at all times.  Any more room on the leash and the dog is likely to start getting into other people's way, causing a disturbance, jumping on strangers, or even getting into fights with other dogs.  This type of lead also gives the dog a greater sense of security because it's so close to the owner and isn't caught up in a crowd of strangers and isn't likely to be hurt by chasing after a car, getting accosted by another dog, and so on.  Even though these dog training leads are meant to be very short they still come in a variety of sizes, usually anywhere from six inches for very large breeds to twenty inches for shorter breeds.  Be sure that you get one that is long enough; always err on the side of caution and get one longer than what you think you need as you can always loop the extra few inches around your wrist as you walk.

British style or slip dog training leads are a combination of lead and collar in one.  They slip over the dog's neck and work something like a choke collar.  Most dog experts will advise against using these unless you're very skilled with them and even then it should only be in controlled situations.  The reason for this is that if they are jerked or pulled too hard this is very painful for the dog.  Typically only skilled dog handlers or owners should use these types of dog training leads and they should never be used with children or those who aren't experienced with training a dog.

Other dog training leads are short and made of a rubber or plastic so that they can be used for hunting.  When a dog has a scent the owner can let go and the short lead won't get caught in anything or trip up the dog; they are also easily washable for after the hunt!

Choosing from all these types of dog training leads isn't difficult if you realize their different purposes and uses.

Probably any dog owner can tell you that training your dog isn't always as easy as it seems it should be.  Most owners assume that after a few days or sessions of rehearsing commands and actions then the dog should just pick up on basic skills and that should be it.  Many owners are surprised to find out that training your dog can take literally months depending on the dog, the owner, and what exactly is being taught.  However sometimes there are common mistakes that dog owners make that are causing the process to take much longer and be much more difficult than it needs to be.

For one thing, it's good to remember that training your dog should be a positive experience for you and your dog.  It's too easy for owners to get caught up in every little "mistake" that a dog makes and concentrates on punishing these mistakes rather than concentrating on rewarding a dog when she obeys or does something right.  It's a very common mistake when training your dog to forget how much dogs crave that attention and approval from the owner and will do just about anything to get it.  Concentrating on that, rather than on punishment, is going to be much more effective.

Another common mistake that you may be making when training your dog is thinking that you dog understands a word you're saying!  Too many owners fail to realize that dogs have no memory and no grasp of language except to associate a few words with certain actions.  If a dog has made a mess and you start yelling at her, she won't be able to connect your yelling with her mess.  You need to actually catch a dog in the act of doing something wrong in order to properly correct her as she just cannot connect your words now with something she's done five hours ago or even five minutes ago.  Don't make the mistake when training your dog of getting upset if she doesn't understand you or continues to make the same mistake if you're not catching her right then and there.  Punishing her after the fact is pointless and ineffective.

And the last mistake you may be making when training your dog is getting excessively angry at her when she doesn't make the progress you think she should be making.  Dogs are not spiteful and don't do things purposely to make you mad, so if she's not progressing as you think she should, either your expectations are unreasonable, you are making some other mistakes in training, or it's time to see a professional trainer.  There's nothing wrong with asking a professional to help with training your dog and a pro may be able to show you some other mistakes you're making or help to readjust your expectations.  Either way, by asking for this help in training your dog you're sure to not only be more successful but to also have a happier and calmer dog as well.