How to Find Good Home Dog Training Services

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Wondering how to find good home dog training services?

Maybe you’re unable to attend training classes for health reasons.

Or perhaps you just prefer to teach your dog basic commands from the comfort of your own yard?

Whatever the reason, it’s totally possible, and we’ll tell you how below!

Did you know that there are some really great services available to do home dog training? Home dog training is relatively new, but it’s already becoming a super trendy option.

While they’re a bit pricier than taking your dog to a class, they’re worth checking out! Dog owners love the flexibility of having someone come to their home and help them out. It’s especially beneficial to those with aggressive dogs or other training problems.

Remember, you choose how long the program lasts, so factor that into the price.

Since you’re not locked into a specific curriculum, your dogs may not even need a full 6-8 weeks like they would with group training classes.

Let’s look at how to find home dog training options, shall we?

Where to Find Programs for Training Your Dog at Home

From national directories of professional trainers to your local vet, there are plenty of ways to find a good in-home dog trainer.

1. Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) – The APDT is a professional organization that provides a searchable database of certified dog trainers. The website includes information on each trainer’s certification level, training methods, and location.
2. Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) – The CCPDT is another professional organization that provides a searchable database of certified dog trainers. The website includes information on each trainer’s certification level, training methods, and location.
3. International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) – The IAABC is a professional organization that provides a searchable database of certified dog trainers and behavior consultants. The website includes information on each trainer’s certification level, training methods, and location.
4. Your veterinarian – Your veterinarian may be able to recommend a reputable dog trainer in your area.
5. Online directories – Websites like Thumbtack, Rover, and Yelp have directories of local dog trainers. These directories include reviews and ratings from other dog owners.
6. Local shelters – It sounds strange, but local shelters are a great place to ask about in-home dog trainers! Shelters often receive dogs that need intensive training to overcome behavioral issues or past trauma.
7. Online dog training courses – There are many online dog training courses available that can be done from the comfort of your own home. Websites like Udemy and Coursera offer courses on dog training.
8. Social media – Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be used to search for local dog trainers. Many trainers have social media pages where they share information about their training methods and services.
9. Dog training schools – Some cities have dog training schools that offer in-home or online training sessions. These schools may also offer certification programs for dog trainers.
10. Referrals from other dog owners – Ask other dog owners in your area if they have worked with a dog trainer they would recommend. Word-of-mouth referrals can be a great way to find a reputable dog trainer.

Virtual Dog Training

Another option that’s especially great right now is virtual dog training (also called remote dog training).

With this option, you’ll connect with a trainer via Zoom, Skype, or other video conference call apps.

Then, the trainer guides you through the steps for training your pup. I like it because it’s more hands-on for you, rather than just handing your dog off to a trainer.

Dogology is among the most popular. The CEO is an animal behaviorist with more than a decade of experience training dogs.

Another good one, Dog Parenting 101, is incredibly affordable at $1 per minute.

That may sound like a lot, but an average training session should only last 20 minutes anyway, otherwise, your dog loses interest.

Again, do your research and choose one that uses training strategies that you’re comfortable with, such as reward-based training.

TIPS FOR TRAINING YOUR DOG AT HOME

Whether you’re using an online training course or actually having a professional come to your home, there are some things you can do before, during and after each session to ensure that your dog stays on track.

1. Start with basic commands – Start by teaching your dog basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. These commands are the foundation of all other training.
2. Use positive reinforcement – Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that involves rewarding your dog for good behavior. Use treats, praise, and affection to reward your dog for following commands and exhibiting desirable behaviors.
3. Be consistent – Consistency is key when it comes to training your dog. Use the same commands and rewards each time you train, and make sure everyone in your household is on the same page.
4. Keep training sessions short – Dogs have short attention spans, so keep training sessions to 10-15 minutes each. Multiple short sessions throughout the day are more effective than one long session.
5. Gradually increase distractions – Once your dog has mastered basic commands in a distraction-free environment, gradually introduce distractions like other dogs or people. This will help your dog learn to obey commands even in distracting environments.
6. Don’t punish your dog – Punishing your dog for bad behavior can be counterproductive. Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior and redirecting bad behavior.
7. Use a clicker – A clicker is a small device that makes a clicking sound when pressed. Clickers are often used in dog training to mark good behavior and signal to the dog that a reward is coming.
8. Socialize your dog – Socialization is an important part of training your dog. Expose your dog to a variety of people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted and confident.
9. End on a positive note – Always end training sessions on a positive note. Finish with a successful command and reward your dog for a job well done.
10. Be patient – Training a dog takes time and patience. Don’t expect overnight success, and be prepared to work with your dog consistently over a period of weeks or months to see results.

Many people are turning to home dog training as it is convenient and helpful especially if you haven’t had experience training a dog before.

A lot of people get tense and irritated when their dog doesn’t do what they say but that doesn’t help.

Training a dog can be a very stressful time and home dog training just makes it that much easier.

Do you know of any other good home dog training programs? Share below!

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