​Training your dog is essential, but getting the right pet trainer makes all the difference. So, you decided that you need professional help with your dog training.  Maybe you have the basics but you want to hone those skills and take it to another level.  But so many to choose from.  How do you find the right one?

Obviously, not all trainers are the same and anyone can call themselves as a trainer. It's not a well regulated industry yet, so, what should you look out for?

First, be sure of your goal. What services do you need, is there an issue you want to address specifically.  Are you looking for a group class or a private class? Consider the type of training approach you want. Knowing your specific goals and needs will help you to identify  and click with the right person for the job.

Dog, man's best friend, is, without doubt, the most adorable pet. However, without basic training and commands, they can be a bit frustrating and possibly embarrassing when they lack basic social behaviour with people and other animals.
 
At first, dog training can seem overwhelming, but if followed through, it may just be the best gift you can give yourself and your pet. Proper obedience training is among the basic things your dog needs and results in a happy, well-behaved, well-socialized companion, not to mention it  strengthens your bond.
 
So where do you start?  Well, you may choose to hire a professional for one-on-one lessons or send them to board with a trainer. However, you can train your dog on your own, and as mentioned it will strengthen your bond.

Get Started!
The earlier you get started with training, the better! Train your puppy the moment you bring him or her home, even at 4 weeks they can learn simple commands. Start with simple commands can build on them gradually till the he or she has mastered the command .
 
Best way to start your training is in an environment with few distractions. You will need a place where you can get your dog to focus on you alone. With time, you can introduce more distractions as necessary.
 
Give your dog frequent breaks,  keep training time as short as possible, like five to fifteen minutes, and  don't push yourself and the dog.  Ensure you are keeping it fun, and successful to avoid frustrations.
 
Regardless of the method or technique, you choose to use, reward behaviours you like. Dogs learn through the immediate consequences of their behaviour, just like humans do. The reward can be in the form of food, a good belly rub, or whatever you have studied that gets your dog excited. Note that the rewards must be immediate and consistent with achieving a desirable result.
 
Basic Commands
Some basic commands that are best to start with are:
Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Heel, Off, and No.  Each one of these will set a boundary for your dog, and instill basic obedience and behaviours that will make you proud

If you do decide you would like to enlist a professional below are a few local professionals that I know personally.

Just Doggin it Adventure & Training - Serving Shawnigan Lake and surrounding
Moto-vated dog training - Serving Cowichan Valley and surrounding
Source K9 - Specializing in Aggressive Dog behaviours

Question: Did you have any nick names for her?  
Bonnie:  Oh YEA, She had many nicknames, 12 Pounds of Evil, Roxie Roller, Rockem Sockem robot, and Roxs with Socks.  It was all with love of course but she was dog reactive and could be a handful.  

Question: What was your favourite thing to do together?
Bonnie: One of our favourite things  was go for walks, in the rain. She never minded the rain, and because she was such as asshole to other dogs, rain meant we were less likely to run in to other people walking their dogs. So we could both relax and enjoy our walking time. Our second favourite was to go to Island View Beach for an off-leash walk with my friend Nancy and her dogs. Nancy was my dog sitter and walker, so Roxie knew her and her dogs. One on one Roxie was very dog reactive, but with Nancy's pack of dogs Roxie could interact with other dogs and not pick fights. It was always so great to see Roxie behaving like a "normal" dog

I was so honored to be able to have been there to capture some images of Roxie, shortly before she passed.  She was blind and mostly deaf but still was a rock star.   

If you don't know by now, I am animal crazy (although I may have some challenges with spiders) I really enjoy them around the house.    The past few months have seen a major change in how much time we spend at home, and my brood of critters are loving the change.   It also offers opportunities to foster.   I saw a story about Kings Harvest Animal Shelter that have had to shutter their doors as they have temporarily emptied out their shelter, having all their dogs find foster homes !  How amazing is that?   
So, that brings me to Fred.  Life can turn on a dime, and put you in a position you never though would happen, but that's what happened to Fred.  He needed to find a new home through no fault of ANYONE's.  After some time he came for a day visit to see if he would like to live with us.  Did he fit with the busyness of the home, and the number of other animals etc.  He walked in like a big brother to Honey and 2 weeks later he came to us for fostering.  Since that time, he has settled in like a champ and learning to get along with the smaller critters in the household.  He is a big bro to Honey, and they are constantly tussling and playing chase.    I never thought I would foster and this  may end up in a 'Foster Fail' with Fred remaining with us but either way, I adore it.  So if you are able I strong suggest looking at Fostering a Dog in need, they do so much better in a home vs a shelter and who knows you may end up being a 'failure' as well.