Anyone with a new dog knows that sometimes they need a little bit of guidance before he can be the perfect pet. But where do you look to find dog obedience schools that are a perfect fit for your pets personality? One place to start is local newspapers and shopping guides where you will probably find a variety of choices.

You will find that there are several different approaches for dog training from using punishment techniques to a more positive, rewards based approach.

Most trainers will have chosen their own method to fit themselves and their clients. Positive approaches are becoming more and more common and this is probably what you will run into when looking for obedience schools.

When considering the appropriate training technique, you must consider the dog. Where did you get him? How old was he when you got him? Did you rescue him, so he may have issues? What are the goals of training: pet, speed, shows, hunting, tracking, or do you plan to enter your dog into the various dog sports?

How do you find good dog obedience schools? First, remember your dog's personality and desirable goals and why you need a dog trainer in the first place. Search local newspapers, shoppers' guides and the internet. Other dog owners will be happy to recommend a wonderful trainer. Local kennel clubs and your vet will also know of many reputable dog training schools.

Trainers who use positive methods are your best bet. Always check references of the trainers. Some trainers do work with you and your dog in your home, however your dog will be missing out on important socialization. You may want to observe one of the beginner classes. Do not go if they use any harsh techniques, such as, choke collars.

For socialization, it is important that puppies be put into kindergarten or playgroup program, at the earliest age possible. Although, if you have a rescue dog that is aggressive, it may be necessary to go to an animal behaviorist instead of a trainer. Aggression in dogs isn't something to ignore!

In some cases training collars may be appropriate for some dogs. Training instruments like pinch collars may work with a few dogs, but a "Gentle Leader" head collar is far more likely to be productive with most.

It is not unusual for you to attend your first session without your dog accompanying you. This is a good indication that the trainer is a pro. Clicker training, a form of non punishment type training, necessitates a 'train the trainer' session so that you can learn the tools you will need to work with your dog successfully, without the distraction of your pet's attendance.

These are some ways to tell if the program is a positive training class:

1. The all-around atmosphere of the of the whole school will be upbeat and positive.

2. Training is founded on a reward system: a requested behavior is awarded with a goody, accolade, or anything else the dog appreciates.

3. Unwanted behavior is dealt with by distracting the dog. It usually only takes a bit of effort to distract the dog and let him know his behavior is unacceptable.

4. Instead of focusing on an undesired behavior, they are are replaced with a desired behaviors like giving the command "heel" so the dog stops and sits right beside you.

5. Patience to let the dog give the desired response is a key part of training.

In addition to local dog obedience schools, there are a large quantity of great books as well as quality websites dedicated to the topic of dog training. To find out more about one of the most effective animal training methods, try performing a quick online search on the term "clicker training." This is the method Hollywood dog trainers use to train dogs to perform on television and film. Now, your dog can learn some of these fancy tricks as well.