November 15, 2026, 11:16 am | Read time: 7 minutes
A good dog school can significantly ease the coexistence of humans and dogs. But how can you tell if the training, trainer, and concept really suit your own four-legged friend? PETBOOK shows which criteria are crucial when choosing a dog school.
How to Find the Right Dog School?
If you search the internet for a suitable dog school, you’ll likely find numerous results in your area in no time. They often have imaginative names, boast top-notch reviews, and display beautiful pictures of happy people and cute animals. However, you shouldn’t rely solely on that. Asking around in your circle of acquaintances can sometimes be more confusing than helpful, as most owners recommend a different dog school and consider only the one they attended to be the right one.1
And: “There is strong competition among dog schools,” says a dog school operator who wishes to remain anonymous. “Many begrudge their competitors, disparaging other dog schools and their methods.” Those who speak out in the media are often labeled as “publicity-hungry” by the competition, and their training methods are branded as outdated or useless, regardless of whether that’s true. The school should suit both dog and owner, as not only Jana Hoger from the animal protection organization Peta emphasizes: “Choosing the right dog school is crucial for training success.”
Also interesting: How to Recognize a Good Dog Trainer?
What to Consider When Choosing?
First, the training goal should be clear. Has the adult dog developed a habit that needs to be stopped, such as pulling on the leash or jumping on visitors? Or is it about teaching a puppy the basics and social behavior? Do you want your dog not to chase or to learn clicker training? Some schools specialize in puppy training, others focus on adult dogs or offer social training for all age groups. Consider any specializations of the dog schools when making your choice. And: Not only should the training be tailored to the dog, but the trainers must also be appropriately trained. They should also continue their education regularly.
Additionally, since 2014, it has been mandatory for dog schools and trainers to have a permit from the veterinary office to operate. To obtain this permit, they must, among other things, present their police clearance certificate and a certificate of expertise. But beware: “Membership in professional associations or clubs is not necessarily a guarantee of quality,” emphasizes the animal protection organization Peta on its website.
1. Look First, Then Sniff
First, interested owners should check out the dog school online. How does it present itself, does it advertise its learning method as “the only right one”? If so, you can safely cross it off your list, writes Ramona Houscht from the DOGS Dog School Martin Rütter in Neunkirchen (Baden), because: “Every dog is individual! How can there be a suitable training method for more than 400 dog breeds that can be tailored to every dog?” It’s best for the dog and owner to visit several potential dog schools before enrolling.
Reputable schools offer “trial days” or an informal meet-and-greet. Take your time to look around. How do the trainers work, how do they motivate the animals? Through positive reinforcement, with treats or praise and petting? Consider what the individual dog responds to best. For one animal, it’s treats; for another, it’s a toy. This should be taken into account. Also, pay attention to group sizes. If there are too many dogs, usually more than six, in a group, individualized attention is difficult. Especially at the beginning of training, it should be possible to focus more on the dog and owner. Otherwise, ask about individual lessons, which are generally more expensive but can be more effective depending on the problem and learning goal.
2. Praise or Discipline?
Unfortunately, even today, positive reinforcement is not always the method of choice in some dog schools when it comes to training methods. Does the dog school use discipline or even physical punishment if the dog doesn’t respond as expected? Is the animal nudged, given a knee jab, yelled at, or even pinned to the ground? If so, then steer clear! Such methods are not only outdated but also ineffective in training or, in the worst case, even violate animal welfare.
The animal loses trust in its owners, potentially reacting with even more undesirable behavior and becoming a fear biter, emphasizes Michael Busch from the Aachen dog school “mitHund.” This also applies if the dog trainers try to convince you that your animal is “dominant” and therefore needs a particularly “strong hand.” The idea that a “dominant animal” requires “dominant training” is nonsense, according to dog trainer Busch. “There are no dominant dogs, only poorly trained ones,” he stated in a previous conversation with PETBOOK. So-called aids like choke and prong collars have no place in dog training. If this equipment is used in a dog school, you and all other owners are in the wrong place!
3. It’s the Tone That Makes the Music
Also, pay attention to how the trainers communicate with the owners. Are they friendly and patient or harsh, loud, and annoyed? Are your questions answered, is theory also taught? Do you learn about the nature of the dog, its communication methods, and do the trainers address the needs of both humans and animals? If so, you’ve likely found a good school.
If, on the other hand, the training is solely about the dog “finally obeying,” with no explanations and no individual attention to the animal, keep looking–this is drilling, not training. Also, observe your dog’s behavior. If it seems insecure, tucks its tail, flinches when the trainers approach, it’s not learning with joy but out of fear. You shouldn’t subject your animal to that. Also, make sure you at least like the dog trainers. If you feel aversion or dislike the trainers, it will reflect in your behavior–and your dog will notice that. This can affect the training and lead to insecurity in the animal.
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How Often Should You Attend Dog School?
This also depends on the owner, dog, learning speed, and goal. Initially, however, you should attend regularly, at least once a week. And: Practice doesn’t only happen at school! Like humans, dogs quickly forget what they’ve learned if it’s not regularly practiced and repeated. That’s the owner’s responsibility. So practice between school sessions, preferably several times a day in short intervals that don’t overwhelm the dog.
Don’t despair if it doesn’t work out sometimes–you didn’t master everything right away either. You probably remember your first driving lessons? A good dog school gives you “homework” and tips on how to work with your animal. If you encounter problems, you should be able to contact your trainers online or by phone. However, purely online training should be an exception, especially at the beginning, as dog trainers cannot get to know the animal individually.
Conclusion
Looking and trying are the best ways to find a suitable dog school. Don’t be pressured into signing a contract or membership immediately; that’s unprofessional. Pay attention to the tone, likability, training methods, and cleanliness. Trust your gut feeling. If you don’t feel comfortable, it’s better to go elsewhere. Of course, it’s convenient if the dog school is nearby, but that shouldn’t be the sole criterion. The price isn’t the only factor either. Costs vary from region to region, depending on effort, training goal, group size, coach training, and more. Consider what you want to achieve with your animal and compare the offerings with other schools. And finally: Don’t worry. Learn with fun and joy, enjoy the intensive time with your animal and the shared progress.