| Most pet owners are happy if they can teach their | | | | animals are also used to locate lost or missing people. |
| dog to sit and stay, but dogs can be trained to | | | | This type of school is very intensive and run by |
| perform a vast number of tasks, and there are many | | | | professional law enforcement trainers. Many dogs do |
| types of dog training schools. Hunting dogs are often | | | | not successfully complete this coursework, but can still |
| sent away to a boarding school, where they go | | | | make great pets. |
| through intense daily workouts. This can take several | | | | Some schools specialize in protection and security. |
| months and does not frequently involve the dog | | | | This usually involves intensive work at a specialized |
| owner. The instruction takes place at the trainer's | | | | facility for a number of months. The animals are taught |
| location and there are usually a number of animals | | | | a number of protection commands and practice |
| being trained simultaneously. Most family pets are not | | | | attacking well-padded trainers. Once the dog |
| enrolled in this type of training, although the old-school | | | | understands its job and has learned the commands, |
| train of thought about hunting dogs not being treated | | | | the owner attends for a few sessions to practice with |
| as pets is changing. | | | | the animal. Protection training is always best left to |
| Dogs that are being trained to be assistance animals, | | | | seasoned professionals with the knowledge and |
| such as guide dogs for the blind or aide dogs for the | | | | equipment required. |
| disabled, also attend dog training schools. This does not | | | | Other types of schools include those that teach |
| usually start in a facility. The animal is placed in a foster | | | | competition skills, such as harness work, herding, and |
| home where a trained individual works with the dog | | | | agility. While certain breeds have natural tendencies |
| daily to develop the skills and traits needed in an | | | | toward pulling a sled or herding sheep, they work best |
| assistive animal. The dogs usually go to these homes | | | | with their owners when they have practiced the skills |
| as pups and are kept by the trainer until the dog has | | | | and both are well-versed in the commands. Breeders |
| reached adulthood, usually at about 2 years of age. | | | | may teach their show animals how to handle |
| They go everywhere with their trainers once they | | | | themselves in the ring, and may provide these training |
| have the basics down, including riding public | | | | services for other owners as well. Owners may also |
| transportation and visiting restaurants, malls, and | | | | hire professional handlers to travel with their champions |
| grocery stores, anywhere there future owners might | | | | and show them in the ring. Specialty dog training |
| want to go. When they have mastered this, they go to | | | | schools exist all over the world to hone the skills of |
| a more formal school before being placed with their | | | | owners and their animals for sport, competition, and |
| new owners. | | | | work. If you want to teach your dog to jump through |
| Law enforcement dogs have their own schools. They | | | | hoops, run an agility course, or retrieve ducks, you can |
| can be trained to assist police officers by alerting on | | | | find a school for that. |
| odors from drugs or explosive materials. Tracking | | | | |