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Guidelines
For Selecting A Growl Class
Dog/dog
aggression classes, or more commonly known as "growl classes" are
becoming more and more popular around the country. While these classes can
achieve great success for both owner and dog, they can also do more harm
than good. We hope the following guidelines will aid you in finding a
class that will benefit you and your dog so that you can see results, without
causing fear or trauma to both of you. Please note, at St. Hubert's a
Growl Class is referred to as Feisty Fidos. For more information on this
class, please call (973) 377-7094, or visit the Pet Training section of our
site.
What to
"look" For...
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Trainers
who rely on methods focusing on positive reinforcement through the use of
treats, toys, petting and praise, rather than verbal or physical
corrections.
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Trainers
who use equipment such as halters, harnesses, martingales and buckle
collars. Equipment that causes pain, such as choke or prong collars
should be avoided.
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The
training space should be large enough so each dog can feel relaxed in the
presence of other dogs. Too confined an area can result in increased
stress and thus decreased learning.
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Small
classes, not to exceed six students, with a training area no smaller than
40' X 40'.
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A high
teacher/student ratio. One trainer per three dogs, plus 1-2 assistants
is recommended.
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Look for
trainers who have exceptional coaching skills whereby the humans are being
treated with the same respect and compassion as the dogs.
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Are
students motivated, smiling and enjoying the training process, or does the
class have the feel and appearance of "boot camp?"
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Observe
more than one training class before you enroll. If a trainer will not
allow you to observe, don't enroll.
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Avoid
classes that make guarantees. Neither behavioral outcomes nor the
results can be guaranteed. Trainers should have set goals for success.
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Avoid
classes where muzzles are left on dogs for the entire hour. Due to the
high level of arousal resulting from these classes, dogs require muzzle
breaks in order to pant and cool themselves off.
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Interview
the trainer. look for academic training in ethology and learning
theory. Ask for professional references from certified veterinary
behaviorists or applied animal behaviorists who are familiar with the
educational knowledge base of the trainer. Teaching an aggressive dog
class is not the same as teaching a basic obedience class and requires much
more skill an knowledge.
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Professional
memberships in applicable organizations as well as continuing education
credits are critical to staying current in the advances of behavior
modification programs. Talk to the trainer about his or her continuing
education programs.
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Make
sure the trainer has liability insurance since there is always a risk when
working with aggressive dogs. Having insurance exhibits good business
practices and concern for the general public.
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Off-lead
sessions should be done on muzzle. The trainer should have equipment
available to to break up a fight. These sessions should be brief to
avoid allowing the dogs to overheat or become stressed to where they can no
longer function. The trainer should attempt to match dogs - as best as
possible - with a goal of having positive interaction. Obviously,
there is no guarantee that this will occur, but this should be the goal.
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No dog
should be allowed to "pick on" or "bully" another dog to
the point where the victim cannot escape or shut the fright off, especially
when attempting to use correct signals to stop the situation. The
instructor should be aware of these signals and interrupt the negative
interaction as quickly as possible.
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