Dog training school: When to start and how useful is it?

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Dog schools exist for puppies, young dogs, and older furry friends. But when is training most effective? We'll clarify this for you!

10.06.2022

When can you start with dog training school?

Training at a dog school is generally possible with a dog of any age. If you are a beginner in dog training, you can →start directly with the arrival of your puppy or dog at a dog school. With a puppy, you will likely first attend a puppy course. Young dogs and older dogs are usually assigned to a different course that suits you.

When is training with a dog most effective?

Let me say this upfront: Training a dog is always worthwhile, regardless of age. The earlier the dog can have positive experiences and get used to everyday things and noises, as well as learn basic behavioral rules, the better.

However, not every dog is lucky enough to come from a good breeding, to be raised by the mother, and to be well socialized by responsible breeders. For example, →dogs from shelters often had a rocky start but can be trained just as well and adapt to our lives. However, training usually takes a bit longer and therefore requires more patience and empathy. Similarly, →older dogs can still learn, even if some habits might be a bit stubborn.

golden retriever welpen erziehung

Nothing without the right motivation! Rewards for your four-legged friend are very important in training. They motivate him to work with you and give it their all in dog training. A compliment can be a petting, a "Well done," or a tasty snack.

The tastiest reward for your four-legged friend!

Does every dog need to go to dog school?

No, attending a dog school is not mandatory. If you already have [→experience in dog training](/magazin/hunde/hunde-erziehung/sinnvolles-hundetraining-diese-sachen-sollten-sitzen) and know exactly how things work, then a dog school may not be necessary for you. However, if you notice that your four-legged friend is tuning out and more and more challenges arise, you should consider a dog training course.

A puppy course can also be useful. Here, your puppy can meet other young dogs, play, and interact. As dog parents, you will also have a few questions at the beginning, which hopefully will be clarified in the puppy course. You might even make some contacts with other dog owners.

Mehrere verschiedene Hunde sitzen nebeneinander an der Leine

How useful are dog training courses?

As a →beginner in dog training, attending a dog school can be quite beneficial. Of course, you can also learn a lot through independent research or by exchanging ideas with friends or family. However, you should not overlook inappropriate behavior of your dog and hope that it will resolve itself. If you can't get something under control, it is not a reason to feel bad. On the contrary: It is better to take action and seek the advice of experienced dog trainers before the bad behavior becomes a habit or even leads to aggression.

To best address specific challenges in dog training, good dog schools or dog trainers offer different training courses. In some cases, individual training may also be more effective. It’s best to consult directly with a trustworthy dog trainer. Also, →online dog training can work well for some topics, but it never replaces personal human-dog training.

Malinois mit Herrchen und Spielzeug im Training

What price do you pay for a dog training course?

The prices for a dog school are very different. Depending on the region, experience of the trainers, and focus topics, they vary widely. An increased demand for good dog trainers also drives up the price for a training session. Some dog schools offer a discount if you opt for a 10-session card or the booking of a complete course.

Undine Tackmann
Undine Tackmann