How Do I Find the Right Trainer for My Dog?

So here you are, you have your dog at home with you but there are a few issues that you need help with. How do you find the right person to help you teach your pet? Nobody wants to see their dog get hurt, and just because someone calls themselves a trainer, does not mean that they are necessarily qualified or able to help you and your dog. Training is a fairly unregulated business, and the fact that someone has initials following their name, or claims to be certified, does not necessarily mean anything. Here are some questions you may want to ask to help you make the decision that is best for you, your dog, and your family.

What equipment do you need for basic obedience? This sounds like a no-brainer, but if your trainer insists on choke collars, prong collars, or shock collars, they are not the trainer you want to be working with. There is no reason, regardless of the circumstances, that your dog needs to experience pain to learn. If the trainer you are looking at bans the use of head collars, they may be one who leans toward unnecessary force.

How does your trainer choose to correct unwanted behaviors? Does your trainer expect you to pinch your dog? Do they advocate kneeing your dog in the chest, forcibly pinning him down, hitting or yelling? Do they want you constantly yanking on your dog's collar?

Does your trainer describe your dog as "alpha" or instruct you to force your dog to "submit"? Do they explain your dog's behavior by saying he's being "dominant"? Do they use "alpha rolls", choking, scruffing, electronic shock, or other painful methods to "train" your dog? Are they telling you that their way is the only way that your dog can be trained?

If you are considering taking your pet to a board a train facility, ask if you are allowed to visit your pet during the period they are staying there (because you absolutely should be able to!). Find out if the trainer is willing to work with you, and do sessions with you through the process while your dog is there learning. How much time will be spent with you when you pick your dog up to show you the things your dog has learned and how to achieve them?

Science has shown us time and time again, that there is no reason for a dog to be hurt to teach them new and alternative behaviors. In fact, the use of force and pain, creates undue stress on the pet and will often result in new unwanted or worse behaviors in the long run. If the trainer asks you to do something you are uncomfortable with, speak to them about it, and ask questions. If your dog is showing fear, anxiety, aggression, or stress regarding his training, then the methods are not working for him. You are your dog's advocate. He is counting on you to keep him safe. Your trainer should work with you to enhance communication between you and your pet, not put the two of you in an adverserial position toward one another.