Dogs: Faithful, Healing Family Members and the Rise of Professional Training
Dogs are loyal and comforting family members to humans. The number of dog owners is quite large. According to statistics from Taiwan's Council of Agriculture, in 2019, there were 1,537,440 pet dogs across the island. The majority of dog owners were aged between 21 and 25, followed by those between 26 and 30 years old.
Whether new or experienced, dog owners often face the same question: "How should I properly train my dog?" Having browsed through countless books and online resources, owners quickly realize that dog training methods and philosophies vary widely. Even something specific like "training your dog to use a designated spot for toileting" has many different approaches. Some suggest training dogs to relieve themselves in the same way humans do—in the bathroom—while others advocate for dogs to have their own separate toileting area.
Faced with so many differing opinions, how can owners choose the right training method for their dog? The simplest solution is to leave it to the professionals. Dog behavior training classes, professional pet trainers, and dog schools have become popular new ideas and trends in recent years. Many owners have come to understand that allowing their dogs to undergo professional behavior training greatly benefits the dog's future mental and physical health, as well as improving the quality of life for owners and their household members.
It's not only private companies leading this trend; even government agencies have started offering customized training courses tailored for pets and their owners. This has helped ignite a growing movement where "dogs go to school" just like people do.
Dog Schools and Pet Trainers
The concept of dog schools has only begun to gradually emerge in Asia in recent years. However, behavior training courses for dogs and the profession of specialized pet trainers have been popular in Western countries for many years.
So, when exactly did the idea of dog schools first come into existence? And what exactly is a pet trainer?
The Origins of Dog Training and Dog Training Schools
The concept of dog training did not originally emerge with the intention of simply improving pet behavior; rather, it originated in Germany during World War I. The goal was to develop a method of training military and police dogs so that they could maintain high performance standards and reliably obey commands while working.
In 1910, a German officer named Konrad Most published what is considered the first book to systematically describe dog training methods, titled Training Dogs Manual. Within this manual, early principles of dog behavior training were introduced, including explanations of canine behavior concepts and basic training principles. However, the punishment and corrective methods recommended were relatively harsh and aggressive compared to modern standards, and subsequent development in dog training has gradually evolved to adopt more humane approaches.
After leaving Germany, Konrad Most's students, Josef Weber and Hans Tosutti, established the first dog training school in the United States. This school laid the foundation for what would eventually become the American dog obedience training clubs.
Following the 1950s, an increasing number of books and schools focusing on dog behavior and obedience training appeared. The concepts of dog training schools and professional dog trainers have since become widely popular and well-established throughout Europe and America.
Professional Pet Trainers: Roles and Qualifications
As the concept of dog training has gradually become more widespread, specialized pet trainers focusing on dogs have emerged as a formal profession. Professional dog trainers often hold official certifications and credentials, such as the CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) in the United States or the ABRA (Animal Behavior Resource Association) certification in Taiwan.
Being a professional pet trainer requires more than just the ability to accompany dogs; it demands a comprehensive understanding of various aspects including the physiology, illnesses, communication, psychology, and behavior of dogs and other pets. Besides trainers who focus on general pet behavior, there are also specialized trainers dedicated to training working dogs, such as guide dogs for the visually impaired.
Becoming a professional pet trainer generally involves 2 to 3 years of training. Some trainers further enhance their skills by attending international training courses and obtaining additional certifications abroad. Each trainer typically develops their own expertise areas, such as correcting aggressive behavior, alleviating separation anxiety, modifying chasing behaviors (chasing cars or people), puppy temperament training, or providing health care training tailored for pet owners.
Courses Offered at Dog Schools
Nowadays, the curriculum at most dog schools is designed to help pet owners and their dogs live together more harmoniously, promote the physical and mental well-being of the dogs, and enhance the overall quality of life for both parties. As a result, the courses primarily focus on behavior modification and understanding how to meet the basic needs of dogs.
Many dog trainers also emphasize that being a dog trainer involves not only communicating with dogs but also effectively communicating with people. Teaching owners how to understand their dogs' behaviors and daily needs is a crucial component of successful dog training.
Therefore, in addition to courses aimed directly at dogs, some dog schools offer specialized classes designed specifically for pet owners. So, what are some of the common courses available at dog schools?
Obedience Training
Obedience training is the foundation of all dog training. Its primary purpose is to establish a trusting relationship between you and your dog, helping your dog understand your commands and willingly obey them. Only after achieving this can you move on to more advanced training.
In the past, some dog trainers used more negative and intense methods to enforce obedience. For example, the origins of dog training mentioned earlier—in the German dog training manuals—relied on harsh punishments to ensure obedience and establish a subordinate relationship with the dog.
However, such approaches are no longer widely endorsed today. While punishment-based methods may cause dogs to remember commands out of fear, they also create feelings of fear and alienation.
Nowadays, most dog training emphasizes positive training, teaching dogs through rewards, praise, and clear, straightforward commands to help them fully understand how to obey. For instance, when a dog correctly follows a command, immediate rewards are given to reinforce the memory of that command effectively.
Behavior Improvement
Behavior problems are the primary reason many pet owners choose to enroll their dogs in training courses. Every dog has a unique personality and upbringing, so even if they display the same behavior, the underlying causes may differ. Common behavioral issues that owners face include frequent barking, aggressive behavior, sudden dashing, separation anxiety, inappropriate elimination, and low trust toward people.
To effectively improve a dog's behavior, the most important step is communication between the pet trainer and the owner to understand why the dog exhibits these behaviors. Therefore, owner participation is crucial in behavior improvement and correction courses.
Since a dog's behavior can stem from any interaction or contact with people in their daily life, it is vital for both the owner and other household members to understand the reasons behind the behaviors, recognize the dog's needs, and consistently maintain these improvements together. This shared understanding and cooperation are key factors in successfully sustaining behavior corrections over time.
Going Out and Socialization Training for Dogs
Some dogs tend to pull hard on the leash during walks, or may react aggressively when encountering other dogs by barking persistently, engaging in conflicts, or even attacking. Others may have been frightened during outings and as a result, develop a fear of going outside. These behaviors can be addressed and improved through outings and socialization training under the guidance of a professional pet trainer who first seeks to understand the underlying causes.
A pet trainer will teach dogs to follow commands and walk calmly by their owner's side without pulling. They will also train dogs to remain calm and stay close to their owner when meeting other dogs. Socialization is a crucial part of a dog's daily life. Some owners, in an effort to socialize their dogs, take them directly to busy streets or crowded pet parks where unpredictability levels are very high. For dogs with naturally high alertness or a tendency to get startled easily, unexpected incidents on the road or reactions, conflicts, and even attacks from other dogs can frighten them, causing them to avoid going out in the future.
Therefore, since every dog has a unique personality, socialization training requires professional support to be effective and safe.
Clicker Training
Clicker training is a common method of animal training that uses operant conditioning to help dogs understand whether they are executing a command correctly or not through the sound of a clicker used by the trainer.
In positive training, it is important that the trainer's positive rewards, encouraging tone, and emphasis are consistent; otherwise, the dog's understanding may be affected. Verbal encouragement alone may also fail to coincide precisely with the moment the dog needs positive reinforcement, especially if the timing is prolonged.
Therefore, using the distinct sound of a clicker to replace the reward sound ensures that the dog clearly associates the positive signals with the reward. The first step in clicker training is to help the dog link the clicker sound with a reward. When the trainer presses the clicker, they immediately give the dog a treat. After multiple repetitions, the trainer tests the dog's attention to observe whether the dog has successfully made the connection between the clicker and the reward.
The difficulty and professionalism of clicker training lie in the precise control of the timing and frequency of pressing the clicker. Pressing it too early, too late, or not frequently enough can all negatively impact the dog's understanding during the training process.
Puppy Training: Building Personality from an Early Age
Training and companionship during a puppy's early stages significantly influence the dog's future personality development. Because of this, many owners choose to enroll their puppies in dog schools and training courses while they are still young.
Typical puppy training programs usually include basic obedience training, foundational commands, and socialization exercises. Additionally, these courses often involve touch training, helping the puppy get accustomed to human contact and closeness from an early age. This reduces the likelihood of excessive wariness or defensiveness later in life.
The recommended window for puppy training is generally between 3 to 6 months of age—often referred to as the "golden period." Many adult dogs' habitual behaviors are shaped by their experiences during this critical time. If unwanted behaviors are left uncorrected for too long, it becomes increasingly difficult to change them as the dog grows older.
Both companionship and training are crucial during puppyhood. Therefore, when participating in puppy training, it is highly recommended that owners stay involved and learn alongside their dogs.
Health Care Courses for Dogs
Although a dog's behavior can be modified through training, the most crucial factor for a dog's healthy and happy growth is the daily interaction and care provided by the owner. Therefore, many dog training schools also offer courses that teach owners how to properly accompany and care for their dogs.
After all, dogs cannot speak and can only communicate by showing behaviors that tell their owners, "I am ill!" Learning to observe and understand a dog's behavior is an essential skill for every owner. Health care courses instruct owners on how to monitor their dog's physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and how to provide timely assistance when needed.
Additionally, because senior dogs undergo rapid physiological changes, caring for them requires extensive experience. Some places even offer "Senior Dog Long-term Care Courses." These courses cover topics such as observing and managing joint pain in older dogs, methods for home rehabilitation, home nursing techniques, home massage methods, ways to engage elderly dogs in exercise and games, and concepts of long-term care and comfort. These programs are designed to help owners and professionals provide a more comfortable life for dogs in their senior years.
How to Choose the Right Dog Training School
Nowadays, there are many dog training schools and courses available online and across different regions. For dog owners, it is recommended to select the training program that best suits both themselves and their dogs by considering the following three factors.
Choosing a School with Certified Pet Trainers
When selecting a pet training school, it is important to choose one with trainers who have obtained recognized certifications. In Taiwan, there are now systematic certification methods for pet trainers. For example, the ABRA certification categorizes dog trainers into five levels. Each level requires strict evaluations and clearly specifies what activities trainers at that level are authorized to perform.
The public can also directly verify the names of qualified pet trainers who have passed these certifications through the official ABRA website. Additionally, many pet trainers enhance their dog training expertise by pursuing training courses and certificates overseas. This allows them to deepen their experience and knowledge.
For those looking for trainers specialized in specific training methods or certified by international programs, there are options as well. For instance, clicker training certification from the United States, such as the KPA-CTP certification from Karen Pryor Clicker Training Inc., is recognized and available for trainers who have undergone such courses.
Choosing Schools That Use Positive Training Methods
As previously mentioned, excessive punishment and physical discipline are not suitable for family pet dogs. Such methods can cause stress and fear related to training. Therefore, positive training approaches, which avoid scolding and physical punishment, are much better for the mental and physical well-being of dogs.
Currently, most dog training schools use positive training methods. When selecting a dog training school, owners can visit in person and consult with the staff to understand the teaching methods employed. It is also advisable to choose courses that allow owners to participate in the training sessions to learn the techniques themselves. This ensures that the training the dog receives matches the school's description.
For individual pet trainers, owners can rely on online reviews or personally visit, negotiate, or observe training sessions to confirm that the trainer uses positive training methods.
Choosing the Right Training Method for You and Your Dog
Training a dog isn't simply a matter of sending them to a school and expecting everything to be solved. As an owner, it is equally important to learn how to understand and meet your dog's needs, as well as how to train them using the right methods. Therefore, selecting the appropriate location, environment, and training style that suit both you and your dog is crucial.
Many dog training schools provide a complete and safe teaching environment. Alternatively, based on the owner's needs, options such as in-home training, one-on-one sessions, or group classes are often available. Owners can choose a method that fits their lifestyle and their dog's personality. For example, if a dog is very shy around strangers or exhibits aggressive behavior, one-on-one or in-home training is recommended to ensure effective and comfortable learning.
Effective Dog Training: The Key Role of Owners and Family
While behavior correction courses and similar training programs can help dogs develop better habits and become more obedient, the most important factor is the daily interaction between the dog and its owner and family.
It's a common misconception to think that simply sending a dog to a training class will solve all behavioral issues. In reality, the owner's and household members' attitudes toward care and training must be correct and consistent.
The best way to truly help your dog is to learn alongside them, adopting proper training and teaching techniques together. This shared commitment ensures healthy development and a harmonious relationship between dogs and their families.
