There are dozens of different kinds of dog training courses, but no matter how advanced a dog (and his owner) might be, all dogs and owners begin their training by learning the basics usually at a training class. Oh…did you think that dog training courses were JUST for training the dog? You're wrong about that. Dog training courses (the good ones) are intended to train the dog OWNER as well as train the dog.

As a matter of fact, the first session of a dog training course is only for the owners. The dogs are left at home and the owners go to class. This first meeting is usually called "orientation." At this first class, the owners are instructed as to what collars, leashes, and treats that you will need to provide for your dog. You will also be instructed about what the course consists of, what will be expected of the dog, and what will be expected of you.

Usually the most basic beginner courses teach: Paying attention, the "Come" command, staying in a sit and down position, socialization, how to greet people with out jumping up on them, "Sit" and "Down" commands, the "Leave it" command, and controlled leash-walking. All of these things are taught to a completely untrained dog or puppy in six weeks' time. However, the dog and the owner don't learn how to do all of these things in just six hours of class time. Oh no! There is HOMEWORK, and lots of it.

As a matter of fact, the owner will be handed homework instructions at orientation. The owner will work with the dog for a full week and then the owner and the dog go to class. You see, dog training courses are actually training an owner how to train a dog.