Good Boy 101: Understanding the different types of dog training classes

Getting a new dog can be very exciting, but it’s also a lot of work. One of the best things you can do for your relationship with your new dog is enrolling in some training classes. This not only helps your dog learn obedience, but it helps you as an owner learn how to communicate with them.

But how do you know where to start? There are so many options between puppy vs adult classes, agility training, CGC certifications…and so much more. The Frenchie team is breaking it down for you today so you can make the best decision possible for you and your pup.

Behavioral training

Behavioral training teaches dogs to behave well around both people and other animals. It includes some basic commands but also some behavioral problems such as housebreaking, chewing and excessive barking. This is best for younger dogs and owners just starting out.

Agility Training

Agility training is for dogs who enjoy participating in obstacles courses, races, jumps and more! This is definitely for more advanced pups and owners because it requires little to no touch or rewards when giving commands.

Obedience training

Obedience training is one step up from behavioral training because it incorporates skills such as sit, stay, lie down, etc.

Vocational training

Dogs are capable of learning a wide variety of skills that can be used for hunting and herding, search and rescue, service assistance or even work with military and law enforcement. This type of training is rigorous and takes a lot of time, but these skills and programs are truly amazing and even help save lives.

Tracking training

If you think your dog has a knack for sniffing, you might want to consider enrolling them into tracking training. This training helps dogs find something based off scent and can be used to track down anything from animals to bombs and drugs!

Therapy training

Therapy training can be taught when you are interested in your dog becoming an emotional support animal. This is very different from being a service dog because they don’t need to alert someone when you’re in danger, but rather comfort those who are vulnerable, sad or even sick.

Service training

Service training is the type of training that dogs can go through to provide legal service work. For people who need hearing or seeing guide dogs, PTSD, diabetic alerts and much more. This training can take years to fully prepare a dog, but it’s completely worth it.

Protection training

Protection training is great for protectional guard dogs. Dogs have natural instincts but with training it can fine tune those instincts in ways to protect themselves and people.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) training

Probably one of the most advanced training courses a dog can take is The Canine Good Citizen program by the American Kennel Club. This training is a two-part course designed to promote responsible dog ownership and good-mannered dogs. To learn more visit akc.org. 

If you’re starting a training course with your dog be sure to follow and tag us on Instagram @frenchie_bulldog so we can see them in their latest Frenchie gear while learning new skills!