What is clicker training and how does it help my dog learn faster?
The clicker is a small plastic box that makes an easily discernible sharp sound. For training, the click is paired with a piece of food: click/treat, a number of times. This pairing thus shows the dog, “A treat is coming because of what you just did!” This is a form of “positive reinforcement,” and the clicker has been used to train many different animals, even people. We encourage its use, but other forms of positive reinforcement can also be used in class, and are also very effective.
Why do you only do “positive” training methods? My dog only behaves on a prong collar or e-collar.
MSPCA-Angell’s policy supports the use of non-aversive training for all animals as being the most ethical approach to behavior change. This is because aversive stimuli can have unwanted side effects such as increased anxiety or aggression. Also, though you may stop your dog from pulling through a collar correction, you have not taught them want them to do. Our staff are experts at the use of rewards-based training, and can help you fade the use of collars you and your dog may not be comfortable using.
Which class should I take with my dog/puppy?
For puppies under 20 weeks old, Puppy Play n’ Learn is a must! Puppies learn to be social before they are six month sold, and in our PPNL class puppies are paired by play style and size. Your puppy can come to PPNL as soon as they have had their first round of vaccinations, and if they are newly adopted, as soon as they have established local veterinary care. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviorists recommends puppies start formal socialization before 12 weeks old, as the window on learning these critical skills close soon thereafter. For older dogs, start with the “Learn to Train Your Dog series,” then consider “grad” school:
Agility is taught outdoors seasonally in Boston and Methuen, and indoors year-round in Waltham. It is for dogs who are at least one year old and who are able to safely traverse the tall/narrow wooden equipment, run over jumps and through tunnels, and who can tolerate seeing other dogs run without barking. In the off-season, Obility is Agility “lite,” taught indoors.
Rally (a combination of Obedience and Agility), where you learn to follow an course map that includes you cuing your dog to do fun heeling and tricks like spins and tight turns.
Canine Good Citizen is for dogs who love everybody and every dog, and who would enjoying visiting children at school and patients in hospitals and nursing homes. In class, you will practice the needed skills they need to pass the AKC Good Citizen certification test.
Nosework– teaching your dog to sniff out discrete odors just like police/search & rescue K9’s do- is for dogs of all ages. Dogs have 200 million odor receptors, and it is great for you to see how they really experience their world. Every dog should do Nosework!
Who can come to class with me and my dog?
For Puppy Play n’ Learn class, only two family members may attend. For all other classes, the family members who will be interacting with the dog may come to class. Younger children under 10 years old are welcome so long as another adult can supervise them during class.
How much time should I expect to train my dog between classes?
Keep training sessions short: 1-5 minute sessions, a few times a day. In addition to these short sessions, don’t forget to “catch” your dog when they are doing something you like, such as lying down quietly or not pulling on the leash. You can then praise and give them a treat then to reinforce that behavior.
What if I need to miss a class?
Attendance is important for you and your dog, of course. However, if you are unable to make a class, please contact us as soon as possible so we can send you a practice sheet via email. Your instructor will help you catch up at the next class. We do not offer make-up classes.
My puppy is scheduled to be neutered/spayed, how will that affect our class attendance?
Most veterinarians will want your puppy to be quiet and resting for 7–14 days after a neuter or spay surgery. Due to this restriction, we suggest planning ahead so the surgery does not fall during your series. If you are unable to schedule surgery outside of your class series, you can still come to class without your dog so that you can see the material presented and ask questions to better practice in the quiet and comfort of your home while your dog recovers.
May I observe a class before registering?
We welcome you to observe a class before enrolling your dog. To schedule a visit, simply contact the office at behavior@mspca.org so we can arrange a good time to come observe the dogs in training.
Can I learn to train my dog is over 5 years old?
A healthy dog can learn at any age! Look at the curriculum for each class and decide what you want your dog to learn, then enroll in that class.
My dog listens really well in the house but as soon as he gets outside he doesn’t listen to a word I say. What kind of training does he need?
Everyone’s dog can sit for a treat in the kitchen when it is quiet and predictable, but the more stimulation/distractions there are (think holiday party), the more difficult it is for your dog to pay attention to you. The advantage of a group class is your dog learns to work for you when there are controlled distractions of other people and dogs. It takes time and practice to teach your dog to perform trained behaviors in many different environments…and it is fun to do.
What if my dog doesn’t like other dogs or strangers? Is there a class for that?
Our experience has shown that behaviors such as fear and/or aggression are better handled through private consultation with one of our board-certified behaviorists, Dr. Ally Salzer (Angell West) or Dr. Terri Bright (Angell Boston). Inquire about a consult by visiting oldsite.mspca.org/behavior or emailing behavior@mspca.org. Dogs who are not able to learn in a classroom setting are mustered out to a consult, and dogs whose problem behaviors are decreasing after a consult can enroll in a group class. In other words, we are here to help you in every way possible!
