Whether you have a new puppy or an older furry friend who needs to brush up on their manners, there are steps you can take to get prepared for a professional dog training session. Unleash Fido offers thorough, compassionate training to teach your dog the manners they need to learn to be on their best behavior. Below, our dog trainers tell you everything you need to know about getting your dog ready to go to dog training in Tampa.
What to Do Before Going to the Dog Trainer in Tampa
To ensure your dog has a good first day of doggie class, make sure they eat far in advance of the training session. Not only will this increase the incentive of treats during training, but it will also help to avoid accidents during class.
Next, you’ll want to let your pooch get some exercise before class. Dogs can get easily excited and overwhelmed in a new environment, and an excess of energy won’t help. Light exercise before a training session is especially important for younger, more energetic dogs. However, you don’t want to tire your dog out completely before the class, so avoid long walks or other strenuous activities.
Finally, let them take a bathroom break right before class starts. Because dog training sessions are often fairly short to best accommodate dogs’ needs and attention spans, you’ll want to avoid taking a bathroom break during class if possible.
What to Bring to the Training Session
Most dog training programs will ask you to provide copies of up-to-date vaccination records. Consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s records.
Once the paperwork is done, find out whether the training class you’re attending requires a harness. If so, get one that fits your dog properly. If not, make sure your dog’s collar fits well and has the required identification information.
You’ll also need to bring a leash. Avoid chain and retractable leashes, as these can be unsafe in group dog classes. You should also check ahead of time to see whether you need to bring a clicker to class.
Finally, the fun part: treats! For dog training classes, you’ll want to get treats that are very small. Larger treats might take your dog time to chew, and you want them to be able to keep up with the pace of the class. Additionally, your dog might fill up on larger treats too quickly and not see them as an incentive to respond to commands anymore. You should also bring a special toy for your dog as an alternative incentive.
Don’t forget the basics: poop bags, a dog bowl and some water.
What to Do After the Training Session
Especially if it’s a puppy training session, give your dog a bathroom break right after class. Then, your pup needs a chance to rest after the highly stimulating environment they were just in. And remember, your dog will pick up on your emotions, so if you keep a positive attitude throughout your dog training in Tampa, your dog will get the most out of the session.
Contact Unleash Fido today to learn more or to sign up for dog training in Tampa.