Training has a significant impact on your relationship with your dog. In addition to improving basic obedience, it can increase your understanding of your dog's behavior and abilities, improve communication between the two of you, and foster a relationship based on mutual understanding, trust, respect and affection. It is worth putting some time and effort into choosing the right trainer.

Dog trainers use a variety of methods, tools and techniques. There are trainers who use "corrections" to discourage unwanted behavior. Other trainers focus primarily on acquiring and rewarding desirable behavior. There are trainers who do a bit of both. You'll be happiest and most successful if you choose a trainer whose approach works well for both you and your dog.

In either an obedience class or private lessons, the trainer's job is to teach you to train your dog. A good trainer gives clear explanations and demonstrations of proven training techniques and helps you perform them correctly. He or she can also help you develop the ability to accurately interpret your dog's behavior and the skills to effectively communicate with your dog.

Training sessions can - and should - be rewarding and enjoyable for both you and your dog. Dog training does not require force or intimidation. You should never feel obliged to use, or allow a trainer to use, methods or equipment on your dog that you believe to be harmful.

Home-to-Home recommends the following steps in choosing a dog trainer:

• Educate yourself about dog behavior and training. You can start by reading Dog Training Tips on the Home-to-Home website. We highly recommend you read/view some of the many wonderful books/videos listed under --- in the Resources pages of our website. They can help you better understand and evaluate various training methods and techniques.
• See Trainers for Home-to-Home 's listing of trainers in our area. Friends or your veterinarian may also be able to recommend a trainer.

Contact trainers and ask to observe a class before registering your dog. This may not be possible with trainers who offer classes infrequently, but if a trainer does not encourage you to observe a class or provide you the contact information of previous clients as references, you may want to consider another trainer. Whether you observe a class or talk to people who have attended the trainer's classes, these are some of the questions to keep in mind:

• Do class participants, dog and human, seem to be relaxed and enjoying themselves as they learn? Does the trainer inspire enthusiasm and encourage a positive, fun approach to training?
• Are the trainer's explanations and demonstrations clear and easily understood? Are written lesson plans and descriptions available for students to take home? Is sufficient time allotted for practicing new lessons and is individual assistance readily given?
• Is the trainer patient and courteous with all human and canine students? Are the methods and equipment used dog-friendly and humane? Does the trainer encourage the use of praise and food rewards?
• Is the trainer approachable and willing to answer questions and discuss dog training problems and concerns?
• Are the students happy with the class, the instructor and the progress they and their dog have made while attending classes? Do they feel they have been provided with the tools and understanding to continue training on their own?

Home-to-Home does not recommend specific trainers, but we are happy to help you evaluate the information available about trainers, and about the classes and services they offer. For further information call Home-to-Home at 607-267-6897 or e-mail us at info@home-to-home.org