5 Things to Look For in Online Dog Training Courses

While the economy continues to take a nosedive, the pet business just keeps booming, with the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association predicting sales topping 47 billion dollars in 2010. With all of this attention (and cash) spent on our four-legged friends, there are invariably a host of new businesses looking to cash in. One of these is the online university, specializing in (or at least offering) courses in obedience training. Since I’m actually an alum of two of these online institutes (Animal Behavior College and the Companion Animal Sciences Institute), it made sense to me to offer a bit of advice on what to look for if you’re interested in enrolling in one of these programs.

(1) What is the institution’s training philosophy? In my opinion, positive training is an absolute must - I believe (or at least I hope) that you would be hard-pressed to find an organization using traditional training methods (corrections/punishment versus positive reinforcement) at this point in time, but I’m sure if you looked hard enough, you could probably find someone. Here are some promising buzzwords: positive training; positive reinforcement; rewards-based training; clicker training… The list goes on. Speak with an actual, live representative from the school to find out their philosophy, as well as their take on such hot topics as Cesar Millan, Breed Specific Legislation, and punishment versus reward in training.

(2) Is there a practicum or internship required? Dog training is not a hands-off career. While there’s definitely a lot of theory involved, the reality is that you need to have a very high comfort level performing the techniques being taught with a variety of dogs. The program through Animal Behavior College requires an “externship,” in which each student must work with an approved trainer either in group classes or in a shelter setting. In the shelter setting, the student must complete a minimum of 7 90-minute sessions with the trainer, as well as 18 hours of practice sessions working with shelter dogs, and 10 hours of volunteer time at the shelter. The group class module requires that you go through a class with your own dog, observe another class, and actively assist in still another class, in addition to the 10 hours volunteering at a local shelter. To be honest, I was initially a little arrogant about the whole process - after all, I was running a rescue at the time, and spent 24/7 with anywhere from ten to thirty dogs right in my own backyard. I had the whole thing wired, right?

Not by a long shot. I was fortunate enough to actually do both modules of the program, beginning by taking my pup Adie through a basic obedience class at Bella’s K-9 Academy in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. We were far from a flawless duo, and the experience of actually being a student was invaluable to the process of becoming an instructor. Then, when I came up to Maine to do the shelter module, I began working with Marie Finnegan and was once again very humbled to realize that, frankly, I don’t have a clue yet. And if it weren’t for the ABC requirement of hands-on time with both dogs and knowledgeable instructors, I still wouldn’t have a clue. In short: Make sure there’s a bare minimum of twenty hours working with a trained professional as part of the curriculum.

(3) How do students and instructors communicate with one another? The Companion Animal Sciences Institute, where I’m currently studying canine nutrition, has a yahoo group for both students and instructors. It’s a great tool to create a feeling of community in the otherwise somewhat solitary pursuit that is online learning. The instructors moderate the conversations, provide direction when there are questions, and are generally just a very positive, informed presence in the group. Animal Behavior College does not offer anything along those lines, and I have to admit that I think the program suffers as a result. The externship mentors I’ve worked with have been great, but it would still be nice to be able to touch base with other students in the program to find out a little about their experiences, chat about philosophies, and even just plain network a little.

(4) What is the curriculum? This may seem like kind of a basic question, but while researching this topic, I was amazed at how many online training courses do not provide access to the curriculum before a prospective student signs up. Before enrolling in any course, you should be able to learn the following: Reading list (both recommended and required); faculty profiles; course structure and duration; exam requirements and how they are administered; and a breakdown of each topic you’ll be studying.

(5) What kind of credibility does the certification gain in dog training circles? The reality is that dog trainers are not legally required to have any type of certification or training before declaring themselves trainers. Most (though definitely not all) pet owners are now savvy enough to ask some questions, however, and so it will serve you well to have just as many training tools, classes, and certifications under your belt as possible. However, log on with some obedience training groups through Yahoo, Facebook, or Myspace and ask questions about the program you’re looking at. Have other trainers heard of the school? Do they know anyone who has completed the program? Don’t let someone else’s input be your final decision, but weigh it with the other factors I’ve listed here and you’ll likely make a great decision that will put you well on your way to becoming a quality dog trainer.

The Wonders of Motel 6

There was an article recently in one of the many dog-related magazines to which I subscribe, all about pet travel. Glossy, full-page photos of pet-friendly hotels were scattered throughout; hotel rooms came equipped with hand-crafted doggie dishes, and there were even menus from room service especially for your canine companion. Which all sounds great, but... Here's the thing: Spending the night in one of these hotels was just slightly less than the gross national product of Namibia. Which is why I'm such a great fan of Motel 6 - the very same one that will "leave the light on for ya."

Motel 6 boasts that it is the "original pet-friendly motel.". During cross-country treks with my two monsters, Adia and Killian, I've been able to affordably and comfortably spend the night at Motel 6's from Nevada to New Hampshire. They truly do make traveling with pets that much simpler, with no added expense. If you are planning on staying in a Motel 6 - or any pet-friendly hotel/motel, for that matter - here are some tips to keep things running smoothly.

(1) Call ahead! The official policy of Motel 6 is that they will accept one well-behaved dog per room (as long as it is not in violation of local breed-specific legislation), however by calling ahead and giving some specs on my pups, they okay'd me having two in the room. And my guys aren't small - Killian is about eighty pounds, and Adie is forty-five.

(2) Be a considerate pet owner. That means cleaning up after your guys during walks, not leaving your pooches unattended in the room for excessive periods of time (particularly if they're barkers!), and bringing along a crate if your dogs are not well house-trained or are excessive chewers.

(3) Bring toys and treats. Once you're in the room, make sure to have some chewy treats handy for your guys, to keep them from chowing down on the furniture. A stuffed Kong, nyla-bone, or other heavy-duty toy should keep everyone happy and mellow while you recharge before hitting the road once more.

Follow these few simple tips, and you'll be on your way to having a great time exploring the globe with your furry friends.