Consider all dog training options before you decide on which method is best for you and your dog.  There are four basic options for training your dog: enrolling in a class, sending your dog away to be trained, training them on your own or working individually with a professional dog trainer.

1. The first option is to take an obedience class with your dog.  The trainer works with a group of people and their pets.  This type of training is a good way for dogs to get used to listening to their humans when there are a lot of distractions plus they can develop social skills by interacting with different people and animals.  Most instructors will offer four or five levels of obedience, starting with puppy kindergarten through preparation for the show ring.

2.  The second option is sending your dog to a training facility and someone else will train them.  This is probably not the best option because dog learn to respect and respond to the individual who trains them.  If someone else is training your dog, your dog might not develop that respect and trust toward you.  As a responsible dog owner, you should learn at least the basics of dog training because it is an ongoing process.

3.  The third option is to train your dog yourself.  The most difficult part of this is remaining focused enough to practice each day.  If you have trained a dog in the past and have the experience, then doing the training yourself might be best.  You can work on training when you decide and use your own techniques.

4.  The fourth option is to work individually with a dog trainer.  If you’ve never trained a dog before this might be a good option.  You will have the benefit of someone with knowledge on dog training but it will also allow you to take part in the process.  The trainer will be able to answer any questions you may have and give you suggestions.

Each person and dog is different, so consider all dog training options before you decide on one method.