When should I begin training my puppy?
We recommend you begin training as soon as possible after 8 weeks of age. This will give you the opportunity to prevent problem behaviors, rather than fixing them later.
Should I buy a special collar before I come to class?
No. Bring whatever you normally use. If your instructor feels you would benefit from a different collar, she will recommend that to you at class. Overdale Kennel does not require any specific type of collar, but we do not allow head halters. The direction a head halter pulls on a dog’s neck can cause damage to the joint between the first and second vertebrae (the atlas and axis). You may have heard that it is not good for your neck to stretch it by rolling it while extended back. This is the same motion that head halters cause in a dog.
My dog doesn’t behave well. Can I still come to class?
Of course! We are here to help people with their dogs. If we couldn’t help people when their dogs didn’t already behave perfectly, we wouldn’t be doing a very good job!
Is my dog too old for training?
No. Unlike wild dogs, domesticated dogs maintain a juvenile mindset for their entire lives. That’s why even old dogs will sometimes play like puppies. Their brains retain the ability to learn for their whole lives. The old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is definitely untrue, however, you can’t teach an old wolf new tricks.
Will my instructor be one of the owners?
Yes, absolutely.
What vaccinations do you require?
All dogs attending training classes must show proof of:
- Rabies
- Distemper
All dogs boarding must show proof of:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Bordetella
Boarding dogs must also be on Frontline (or another flea preventative) and Heartguard (or another dewormer)
What are they putting in their mouths??
You may notice some of our veteran dog trainers putting food in their mouths that they then use to treat their dogs. Usually the treats are hot dogs that have been sliced and cooked. Sometimes people use other non-offensive-tasting treats. This is a trick used by people who are preparing to show their dogs to encourage the dog to look at their face when working. Focus is an important exercise for all dogs!