As we have a high number of queries from parents on training your French Bulldog, we have started a series of posts to help you train a well behaved and happy puppy. In the first article, we talked about the basic rules to follow, while in the second post our expert team members shared step by step tips on how to teach them the basic commands. We also recommended attending a dog training school, so this time we give you a few guidelines so that you can select the best one.
How to find the best training school for my Frenchie?
Attending a dog training school with your pup is a good idea even if you train him or her at home, and they behave well. A good trainer can help you be more efficient with the commands you need, fix behavioral problems of your pup and add some more difficult tricks to your repertoire. You can attend dog schools occasionally or complete a general or specific course to improve certain areas. Click here to read how you can become your Frenchie’s pack leader.
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Ask other puppy parents
As always, it’s a good starting point to ask other puppy parents you meet when walking your baby, and in groups like the TomKings Frenchie Family. Ask what people like about the training school they recommend, what they learned, why they find it efficient. Listen to what they say, but always be conscious of the fact that everybody is different (be them four- or two-legged.) You or your pup might have a different temperament, level of knowledge and needs from others, so never make a decision based solely on reviews and feedback from peers.
Talk to the dog trainers
Visit some of the recommended schools in the area, but always make sure you talk to the actual trainers. The manager, owner or receptionist of the school can make a good impression on you, but you’ll spend your time with the trainer. Ask them about their methods and the techniques they use. As we earlier wrote, rewarding the pup is crucial, and you’d better select a trainer whose philosophy follows this principle.
Try a session with your pup
Some schools offer a free session or you can sign up for a taster class. It’s a good way of seeing how it works in practice and how your Frenchie enjoys being there. Don’t forget that the trainer’s job is to train you to train your dog, so it’s crucial you’ll get on well with him or her. You can also experience the level of knowledge they share with you, and how the whole group works together. In some cases, you might find out that you prefer a private trainer who trains only you and your Frenchie.
Look at the professional bodies
In the US, dog training is not a regulated industry, i.e. trainers don’t need to have certain qualifications in order to start a school. However, there are excellent trainers who gain knowledge by training hundreds of pups and having the right attitude.
Many trainers are certified with organizations like the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, which is not mandatory but might give you some reassurance.
Chemistry is the most important
Regardless of reviews, certification and good reputation the most important thing is how you and your pup feel during and after the classes. It shouldn’t only be restricted to education but should be a lot of fun together with your furry baby.
Please find here the two previous articles of the How to Train your Frenchie series:
Follow these rules when training your Frenchie
The basic commands to teach your French bulldog after adoption
The article was written based on the experience of the TomKings Puppies Team. TomKings Puppies have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and show a puppy from their breed. Check their available puppies here, or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.
