The Evaluation Process for Your Dog's Training

The Evaluation Process for Your Dog’s Training
By Michele Forto

Some of you may be wondering why dog trainers perform evaluations on your dog. At Denver Dog Works we perform a thorough evaluation to determine your dog’s personality profile. Many people believe their dog is an “alpha”; this in most cases couldn’t be farther from the reality.

During the evaluation I will ask you specific questions and some that are not so specific all in hopes of getting a quick picture of how your dog behaves and how your dog interacts with you, your friends and family, the public, and other animals. All of these observations help me to develop a proper training regimen that will suit your dogs’ abilities and your lifestyle.
An experienced dog trainer can determine exactly the style of training and methods necessary to get your dog under control by simply working with your dog for five minutes. I like to get your observations and understanding as to why you think your dog is unruly, destructive and just plain out of control.

Recently I performed an evaluation for a couple with two golden retrievers. The dogs are both male and two and three years of age. As soon as (I’ll call them “a” and “b”) walked in the door dragging their owners behind them, running towards me and jumping on me, my counter and then immediately sniffing the floor, I determined that these dogs were highly excitable, distracted, and have no respect for their owners or the public.

The evaluation revealed that both dogs run the house, have no respect, no manners, mount guests, hide, counter surf, jump on people, lick obsessively, dart out open doors, chase/lunge at moving objects, destroy the carpet, and bark excessively. While working with dog “a” alone, I found him willing to learn quickly and able to earn rewards and give respect. Although, I had to remain calm and assertive when giving commands. While working with dog “b” alone, I found him to be highly distracted and unable to focus. He did not give respect nor did he feel he needed to work for any rewards. I noted that he is younger and was adopted just one year before and could have some underlying behaviors due to lack of socialization and respect training as a young dog.

Both dogs have high prey and pack drives, low defensive fight and flight, and even though both dogs are neutered both dogs go through a mounting ritual daily and dog “a” mounts the owner’s sister. Both dogs compete for the woman’s attention and would rather be with her than with the man.

I noted that when I offered a treat or a toy or even a simply pet on the head that both dogs became more interested in the reward than performing the command. So treat training would not work in their cases. Praise with words and light petting at the proper time worked best.

I developed a training package for this family based on my private lessons. We will meet for one hour weekly for a minimum of eight weeks. Although these dogs are older and understand some commands we are starting at square one. The owners will be the focus of the training. Their package concentrates more on them being able to give their dogs commands, following through with those commands, winning all games, and being able to become pack leaders for both dogs at the same time.
I scheduled their first class a week from the evaluation and sent them home with a few commands to practice during the week. At our first class, I pleased to observe that the woman had worked with both dogs and was receiving almost immediate reactions to commands being given. It was noted that the man did not work as much with the dogs and they both were showing him less respect than the week before. This was addressed by giving him specific instructions and a schedule. Five minutes here and there is better than resolving yourself to committing to a full thirty minutes every day and with two dogs this can be impossible at times.

With this example the biggest part of my job is to instill into this family that they need to make slight lifestyle adjustments for a happy harmonious home with their beloved pets. By involving your pets in everything you do and demanding respect from them at all times as a pack leader you are helping your dog follow rather than lead. Dogs will make this choice for you IF you allow them too and they will always choose to lead.

Every evaluation is different and therefore the sole reason why they are important to giving you the best training possible. Dog training shouldn’t be cookie cutter from a big box store. Dog training is individualized for your needs and the needs of your dog. Training has many different facets and should begin the moment you get your dog and should continue throughout their lives. Training solidifies the bond between you and your dog. Training also gives your dog the opportunity to think which reduces boredom and eventually destructive behaviors.

Remember there are many trainers out there to choose from with many different methods, do your research, attend more than one evaluation, and make the choice that best meets the needs of you and your dog. Be aware that big box stores that offer low price group classes with no evaluations, may not be appropriate for you or your dog. Consult a professional and speak with your veterinarian.

If you believe your dog is having dangerous behavior problems consult with a canine behaviorist who will be able to observe your dog’s behaviors scientifically and then administer proper modifications, treatments, and maintenance programs to return your dog to a healthier way of being.

There is a controversy in the industry about charging for evaluations. At Denver Dog Works we charge a nominal fee for the evaluation because our time is valuable and we are developing your training plan and package at this time. The fee is included in your training package when you sign the contract. If you do not sign up, we simply ask you to pay the fee for the evaluation. It is our experience that you will appreciate and value our expertise and time if you are expected to pay for that expertise and time.

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Michele Forto is a certified trainer and the business manager at Denver Dog Works. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com