What does it mean to be a CPDT, Certified Pet Dog Trainer?
When you choose a Certified Pet Dog Trainer, you can be confident
that you are working with a professional who has the knowledge and
expertise to make your investment in dog training safe, effective,
and even fun! Certified Pet Dog Trainers have dog training skills as
well as instructor skills to enhance the experience and success for
you and your pet dog.
Certified Pet Dog Trainers have earned this credential by demonstrating
their knowledge and experience in dog training. A Certified Pet Dog Trainer
stays informed of current knowledge in the field and is familiar with the
latest, most effective training techniques and equipment. A Certified Pet
Dog Trainer adheres to a strict code of ethics. For more information on
what it takes to become a CDPT check out the Association of Pet Dog
Trainers, www.apdt.com
Why should I take my dog through some obedience training?
Every dog should go through some form of obedience training. Obedience training
not only allows you to get your pet to do what he’s commanded to do, it teaches
you to communicate effectively with your pet and get the best out of him all the
time. Obedience training also helps socialize your pet, as he is taught to remain
calm in a room full of unfamiliar people and dogs.
Do you use punishment, choke chains and/or prong collars in your training methods?
No we do not use any choke chains or prong collars. If someone tells you that
punishment methods are effective…they are correct. BUT anytime you use punishment
you may have side effects. Those side effects may be undesirable associations to
strangers, children, locations etc. Your dog can also become fearful and fearful
dogs may turn into biters. We prefer to use treats, games, toys and lots of
praise in our training methods. Be creative in finding out what it is that
motivates your dog. Training should be fun for everyone involved so that you can
keep it as part of your lifestyle and your dog can continue to learn great things.
Dogs are always learning associations so let’s make all of their associations
positive when it comes to training.
Will I always have to use treats or can I get him to do things because he
wants to please me?
If I use food to train, won't my dog only work for food?" We do not use only
food to reward desired behaviors. We also use petting, praise, play and attention
in addition to food. You will learn how and when to use different rewards so that
it will be unpredictable to your dog as to when s/he will get a treat—similar to
the pay out on a slot machine! Think about it - slot machines are all programmed
with variable type and variable schedule of reinforcements - you don't win every
time and the amounts differ as well, but we all sit there for hours at a time in
hopes of winning the "big one!"
Do you always train with food? If so is there a treat that you
recommend?
We prefer to use food mainly because it is the easiest motivator to dispense.
They have to eat so why not make them work for it. Get creative though. Use toys,
daily activities, love and attention to motivate your dog! There are dozen of
opportunities that you can use to reward your dog, so take of take advantage of
them all.
If your dog loves treats use a variety of them. Dogs can get bored with the same
thing just as people can. Remember just because they like something doesn't mean
that they will want it every minute of every day. Small moist treats are easiest
to dispense and since there are few crumbs your dog will be less likely to be
distracted.
How will a clicker help me train my dog?
This is a clicker.
You have probably seen one at the pet store or at an animal show. Read on or check
out www.clickertraining.com to learn more.
A clicker is similar to a toy noisemaker. Animal trainers make use of the
clicker as an event marker to mark a desired response. The sound of the clicker
is an excellent marker because it is unique, quick, and consistent. You can find
several different types of clickers online or at the pet store.
Since your dog (well most dogs) doesn’t come with a knowledge of the English
language, clicker training is one of our easiest ways to communicate with them.
Clicker training is a fun way of teaching new behaviors to your pet. It is a positive
training method worth serious consideration. Clicker training is a powerful, yet
gentle, way to train dogs (or any creature). This method promotes the development
of a strong bond of love and respect between dog and trainer, producing almost
magical results. Imagine a dog that can’t wait to train with you, tries his very
hardest to do what you ask, thinks for himself, works out problems, gives you
insight into the inner workings of his mind, and learns at an accelerated rate.
This is a clicker dog!
Clicker training is a science-based method that uses positive reinforcement as
the primary teaching tool. The trainer uses a handheld clicker to tell the dog,
“Yes! That was right” at the precise moment he performs the correct action. The
dog gets a food treat immediately after every click, which soon builds a positive
association with the click. The click is so precise and clear that it helps the
dog sort out his behaviors without the need for punishment or scolding.
For more information on clicker training see
www.clickertraining.com
Do I have to use a clicker ? Is clicker training the only or best
way to train my dog?
Of course not. Clicker training is just one way of training your dog. Is it all
positive and can help to speed along the learning process, but a clicker is only
one more addition training tool. Clicker training does require lots of practice
and good timing, but so do most things that are worthwhile. There are lots of
tools out there and we can help you decide if using a clicker is something that
can help you. Ultimately you have to feel comfortable with how you are training
your dog.
For more information on clicker training see
www.clickertraining.com
When will my dog be “fully trained”?
This is answer is up to you. Training requires consistency, hard work, patience
and a commitment to excellence. The more time you put into it the better results you
will see. Dogs are always learning regardless of time of day or your motivation to
train. Dogs do not generalize very well so be sure to train in several different
places so that your dog can really “make the connection.” If you always teach
“Sit” in the kitchen…then your dog will learn “sit”, but it may be in the kitchen
only. Just remember all dogs are different so be ready to adjust your expectations.
Training is one of the best ways to a happy and respectful relationship between
you and your dog.
My dog is such and such a breed..is s/he trainable?
All breeds have the ability to be trained. Dogs like people can be motivated by
different factors. Just because you may want your dog to be motivated by treats
or a ball does not mean that is what s/he likes. You have to do your best to
figure out what makes your dog tick and then use that as your reward. Have
several rewards that you can utilize so that your dog does not become bored of
one thing. Treats, toys, tug, playtime with other dogs, the ability to run and
sniff can all be used as motivational factors.
My dog is older. Can s/he still be trained?
The myth that you 'can't teach an old dog new tricks'!...it really is a myth)
In reality, older dogs are often easier to teach! They may have a few habits to
change, but they usually enjoy the training and all the attention they get. In
turn, it makes the dog interested in the lessons and therefore a quick learner.
You may find that your dog is smarter than you think. Dogs do what they do
because of the consequences for them. An older dog would love to experience
positive rewards and consequences as much as any young pup.
