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Are obedience classes a good idea?

I truly believe that dogs and their owners should attend obedience classes. Whether you are looking for a well behaved canine companion that you can take on an evening stroll around the block or seeking that High in Trail at a dog show, you will need to lay a good foundation for the basics.

Obedience classes are designed to allow both the dog and the owner to progress through various levels of training from basic leash work and manners to scent discrimination and retrieval over a high jump. Like humans, a puppy is not born knowing everything you expect from them. Dogs need to be taught gently, with consistency and they need to learn at the correct level. You cannot just scream "sit" at a dog and expect them automatically know what you want.

I had to learn how to add two plus two in school before I could ever hope to perform advance calculus. We owe the same courtesy to our dogs. There a large variety of classes, styles of training and trainers to choose from. You need to take some time to research these and find the one that will best work for you and your dog.

Classes offer a support system for when you become frustrated as well as providing you with hands on opportunity to work with your dog in a setting where you can receive direction from a professional.

Another great thing about attending obedience classes is the social aspect of it. Not only is this an opportunity to get your dog out and around unfamiliar sights, sounds, people and other dogs, it is also a night out for you.

You may develop friendships with other dog owners and see first hand that you are not alone when it comes to the frustration sometimes felt when trying to work through all those little problems that your canine friend can throw at you.

So yes, it is a good idea to get out and join a class. You and your dog will love it. I do offer a word of advice, and this is to be honest with yourself with what you expect from the class and to understand that you will have to do your homework.

Dogs cannot learn by simply going to a class once a week, listening to an instructor, going home and not practicing. Class should not end when the hour is over. Training a dog is a lot of work and commitment but the end results speak for themselves. Have fun and enjoy your dog.

* Pet Chat is a weekly question and answer column written by Moncton SPCA Director of Operations Nanette Pearl. Send your questions by e-mail to nanette@monctonspca.org. The staff and volunteers of the SPCA remind readers to please spay and neuter their pets.