Can Your Really Train Your Dog Using a DVD?

Is it possible to train your dog from a DVD? Can you begin with a young puppy with sharp teeth and wild energy yet somehow end up with a well-trained member of your family? Or if you have an older dog in need of some training, can you teach it all the basic things you want it to learn: sit, stay, come, and so on?

The answer? Perhaps.

If you are willing to work a bit, you can do it. Dogs really love to learn new things, and you can get an excellent DVD on how to train your dog. So it’s up to you: if you want to do it, you can. The DVD will show you what to do — and it can also help keep you motivated!

Here is what to do. Think about when the training will fit into your schedule. The best is if you can do three to five sessions most days, but even two sessions a day — likely before you feed the dog breakfast and dinner — are useful. Several sessions are better than one long one because studies have shown that dogs learn better this way.

If you like to make plans and carry them out, then you are a natural for training your dog with a DVD. If you aren’t a huge fan of planning but can do it when you see a good reason, you should do fine too.

DVD or Class?

Should you take your dog to a class rather than train him with a DVD? Well, it depends. In this situation, the key factor is whether there is a high quality dog training instructor in your vicinity. Do be aware that while recent scientific information shows that dogs learn better with positive, pain-free methods, most trainers have not yet crossed over to only using these methods. Beyond that, consider whether the class schedule fits yours.

If you do succeed in finding a good dog training class, go for it! The regular habit of training at the class and doing homework will stand you and the dog in good stead. But don’t rule out using a DVD as well. Dogs really do have fun learning, once they get the taste for it, and there is no limit to the fun you can have with your dog through training!

What DVD to Use in Training Your Dog?

The best DVD that I have seen on the topic is Train Your Dog: The Positive, Gentle Method, featuring experienced trainers Nicole Wilde and Laura Bourhenne. It’s inexpensive yet has everything you need for a great start for your dog.