How to Choose a Dog Trainer

This precious face deserves some careful consideration!

I am always flattered when I hear one of my clients say, "How can I find a trainer like you for my family member/friend in another state?" Unfortunately, picking a trainer can be a tricky process. What you see is NOT always what you get when it comes to trainers. Dog training used to be about force, cohersion, and doing it because I SAID SO. Thankfully, recent research has shown that those methods of the past are not only not very humane, they aren't as effective! Even though the new methods have been proven , some trainers are still finding it hard to reinvent themeselves to fit into the new generation of training techniques so they simply reinvented the verbiage on their website. What does all this mean for someone looking for a dog trainer? If you are looking for a trainer who uses positive training methods, take what you see on their website with a grain of salt and do some of your own research. Choosing a trainer should be a careful decision. If you end up not liking the trainer you hastily chose, not only are you out the money you spent on that class, you will likely need to spend some more on taking a class elsewhere. Not to mention the possibility of undoing some of the things that were initiated in the first training experience. Here are some helpful tips on choosing a trainer:

---

Ask your friends!

Get trainer referrals during your daily dog walk!

Do any of your friends have dogs? Ask them who they used for their training needs. Depending on their dog's behavior, this may sell you on their trainer or convince you NOT to use that one! :) Next time you are at the dog park, ask some of those friends who they used. Do you encounter a very well behaved pooch on your daily walk with your dog? Consider stopping and asking them who has helped them achieve their training goals. You will probably get more than one answer, helping you begin a list of possible options to choose from.

---

Ask other Pet Professionals

Ask your local rescue groups if they have a trainer they recommend!

Most pet professionals have heard feedback from their clients about other services they may have used. Don't overlook them for additions to your list of potential trainers. Examples of other pet professionals: Veterinarians, Groomers, Dog Day Care Facilities, Dog Boarding Facilities, Pet Stores, Pet Portrait Photographers, local rescue groups, etc.

---

Online Homework

Do your research!

Once you have compiled a list of possible trainers, sit down at the computer and do some online research, just don't forget, their website was written by them, to sell themselves so use a critical eye. Things to look for on their website:

---

1. Do they offer all the classes you will eventually want to take? Since every dog trainer is a little different, switching trainers mid stream is not exactly seamless. So, if you want to eventually take an Agility class, consider trainers who offer agility from the very beginning puppy class.
2. Experience or Certifications? Which is more important? There are currently no laws governing the licensure of dog trainers but there are several certifications out there. While certifications are certainly good, experience is the most important element. Some certifications only require that the trainer pay a fee and then they are magically "certified". Others do require they pass a written test to qualify but trainers are never observed. This means that the trainer doesn't actually have to use the correct methods, they just have to know the right answers on the test. Also, do your homework in checking the validity of certifications. Most accrediting websites will have a list of trainers currently certified by them. Make sure the trainer claiming to be certified is among the trainers listed on their website. Does their website talk about what their hands-on experience entails?
3. Be wary of facilities that REQUIRE board and train programs. Board and Train simply means you leave the dog with them and they do some or all of the training without you present. While some trainers offer this as an option, I haven't found this route to be very successful. It is my experience that the dog needs to learn from the owner, not the trainer. Otherwise you end up with a dog who is trained to listen to the trainer, not the owner and an owner who doesn’t know how to maintain the training. Don't rule a trainer out because they offer this as an option, but if they require working with your dog when you are not around, proceed with caution. Many old style traditional trainers did board and train programs.
4. Photographs? Why is photography so important, you might ask. Pictures don't lie, even if a trainer refers to their training as positive reinforcement, if you see pictures on their website of classes where dogs are wearing choke chains, prong collars, or electronic collars, they are not likely as positive as they are trying to appear. Also be wary of a website that has impersonal, stock photography. Pictures that are not even of that particular business or their actual clients.
5. Social Media  Do they have a facebook page? That is the best place to find out how excited their clients are about their services and a source that is not as closely regulated for content as their website. Is there a positive buzz about their classes on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, etc?

What to ask on the phone:

Pick up that phone!

Now that you have likely eliminated a few of the options after viewing their website, it is time to sit down and call the remaining candidates.

---

1. What experience have you had with my breed specifically? Every breed has personality quirks that make training them all a little bit different. You want a trainer who has had experience with many different breeds or at least extensive experience with the breed you own.
2. What kind of a guarantee do you offer? This is a trick question! Because every dog learns at a different pace, you want to steer clear of any place that guarantees the dog will be performing specific behaviors by the end of that class. The only guarantee I offer my clients is that I guarantee by the end of class YOU will possess the skills necessary to continue to work with your dog and improve their behavior until you are satisfied.
3. What type of equipment do you require for class? This should be a very short list! There are companies and trainers out there getting rich off of the "training" equipment they make you buy to attend their classes! I use quotation marks around the word training because equipment CANNOT train your dog, only you can. So called training equipment does not actually train away from bad behaviors, it just prevents them from happening. This results in a dependency on the equipment to get the desired behavior, or a period of time and work "weaning" them off of said equipment. Regular buckle collar, leash and treats should be all you need for most beginner classes. Some trainers also recommend harnesses or head halters. I choose not to use these in my classes but it is not a reason to eliminate a potential trainer from the list.
4. What Vaccinations are required for participation in classes? Most classes have vaccination requirements so this should be an easy question for them. NEVER enroll in a class that does not require proof of vaccination!
5. Ask them for an assessment appointment and take your dog! Unless it is an in home assessment, your dog will likely act differently in the new surroundings but you will be able to see how the trainer interacts with YOUR dog specifically and how your dog responds to their methods. You may also want to request that they demonstrate some of the curriculum with their own dog. This way you can see how their dog behaves and responds to them. If their dog is eager and happy to learn or a robot responding to commands. Some assessments are free while other trainers may charge a small fee for an assessment.
6. Ask if you can sit in on a training class they are currently teaching. If they do not allow you to observe one session before enrolling, I would not be comfortable with signing up for a class at that facility. Besides, if you sit in on a class, you will get a feel for their teaching style and how they adapt to the different needs of the dogs/owners in their classes.
7. Pricing: If you have never had a dog trained before, my suggestion would be to call around and receive some price quotes so you know what is reasonable in your area. Some trainers who think they have the market cornered may charge whatever they think they can get away with so beware. However, if you know what a reasonable price is in your area, price should be a VERY minute factor in choosing a trainer. Only use it if you have exhausted all other resources and it is the tie breaker between two options.

Once you have done all of this, trust your gut! No one knows your dog better than you!