There are no unique relationships like that of dogs and their owners. Dogs are treated by some people more like one of their children than a pet. They are considered an integral part of the family. When the time comes to leave home for a weekend away or for a vacation, people not only have to think about what needs to be packed or what scenic routes to take, but just as important what will they do with the family dog?
More dog owners now than ever are taking advantage of the availability and training that their pets can receive from dog training camps, while they are vacationing or not. They either drop them off or spend their break with their animal friends there at the site, where those who are professionals in the field already have in place just what is needed for their dogs.
What is a Dog Training Camp?
A dog training camp is a place that has been specifically set up with a professional team of instructors who are trained to help dog owners to learn or improve their training skills, and to provide training for the dogs. The training includes a program schedule of activities that ranges from basic to advance, as well as full of fun.
Types of Training Dog Camps
All camps do not offer the same type of service; therefore, each animal’s need determines the type of camp that is required. Most of these camps are staffed with professional dog trainers who are more than adequately trained and are quite experienced. Some of these training camps are discussed below.
• Boot camp – this program caters to owners who do not have time to train their dog themselves and leave the responsibility in the hands of someone else. These camps usually last about two to six weeks. They are staffed with dog trainers who will teach the dogs how to improve from basic obedience commands to advanced training. During boot camp training the animal can be dropped off and picked up daily, or they can board, where they remain at the school until the end of the completed designated time of training. These options are dependent on each individual camp’s guidelines.
• Dog camp – a dog camp is not a place where you drop your pet off and go off on a trip, but more less it is a place where the owner and the dog enjoy planned activities together. These activities can include fly ball, obedience training, games, tricks, and swimming. It generally lasts from one day to a week. Some bring their dogs just to socialize with other canines, learn some new tricks, or just to give their dogs a treat in a different atmosphere.
• Puppy dog boot camp – to train a puppy will require certain knowledge, skills, and time. This is what a puppy dog boot camp provides as it attempts to create a positive beginning for the new addition. Most of these camps address concerns of new puppies that pertain to housebreaking, basic obedience, etiquette, and socialization. They not only educate the young canine, but the owner also in puppy management behavior, play biting, jumping, or unnecessary barking.
Types of Dog Training
• Basic training – basic training has to do with obedience training, such as the dog responding to commands that include sit, come, stay, or down. This is when the animal is taught to respond consistently to commands given by the trainer. A dog can go through the process of obedience training and still not be guaranteed to be obedient, but if the animal complies with every command that is given, then it can be said to be an obedient dog. This training can range anywhere from six to ten weeks.
• Advanced training – this type of training is directed toward dogs that have matured from the puppy stage. They have completed the basic level of training. Their training consists of development teachings such as advanced behavioral necessities, voice and hand commands, and advanced dog obedience training.
• Specialized training – these dogs are trained to exhibit certain desired behaviors in specific circumstances such as guard dogs, police dog, rescue dogs, and assistance dogs. They are specially selected because of certain physical characteristics and temperament. For example, at training centers for army dogs, obedience is the first element to be taught. The dog learns to “heel” while marching, by walking at the handler’s left side, his head even with the handler’s knee. Other lessons include the commands “lie down”, “stay” and “recall”.
• Individual training – individual training is used when a dog is does not adapt to group training. These are usually dogs that are aggressive toward other dogs, people, or situations. This type of training normally takes place outside a classroom setting.
Methods of Dog Training
There are certain methods that can be used in training a dog that can be positive and effective. Listed below are a few:
• Clicker Method – training a dog using the clicker method is becoming more popular every day because it offers you another way of communicating with your dog. This small device when held in hand makes a sound that the dog identifies with that when heard, will respond; expecting to be rewarded because of its obedience to perform the expected command.
• Crate Method – this process of training is used to teach the pet to accept the cage or a crate as its safe and familiar location of habitation. In addition, this system is used for helping animals to become familiar with being transported in cages as they are safely moved from one destination to another. This method of training is often associated with the training of a new puppy also.
The relationship between a dog and its owner is very important. To get the most out of a relationship with your canine it is quite often helpful to place them in some type of dog training camp to receive the best training possible. Here, the dog and its owner can socialize with those who are like-minded, having a common interest in their pets. It is a win-win situation all around as the animal is introduced to new activities that will add enrichment to its life and at the same time is fun for all parties involved!
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