Choosing A Dog Trainer

Too many dogs are given up after their normal, easily modifiable behaviors are allowed to become problems. But it doesn't have to be this way. To prevent your dog from becoming a sad statistic, take your dog and your family to a professional dog training class. A good training class should be a fun, social activity that helps your dog become a well-behaved, safe, and valued family member.

Why is training my dog a necessity?
As a dog owner, one of the first questions you may ask is, does my new companion need training? Yes, and so do you! Whether you are intentionally teaching him or not, your canine friend is always learning. This is true not just for puppies but also for older, adult dogs. If you do not teach your pet your rules, he will invent his own. Humane training allows dog owners to safely control their dog's behavior. Positive reinforcement training enhances the bond between dog and owner, and helps ensure that your dog will respond happily to your instructions.

Caveat Emptor
Dog trainers are not licensed or otherwise regulated. You can verify this by checking your city and county ordinances and state statutes. Therefore, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. There is however a certification program put forth by the APDT - Association of Pet Dog Trainers, which is the first national certification for dog trainers. Up until the creation of the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers in 2001, there was no true certification process for dog trainers. There are schools that teach dog trainers and offer certification for their specific programs. These certificates, therefore, reflect the teachings and quality for a specific school. Other organizations offer take-home tests for "certification". The trainers are not monitored to make sure they are completing the test without any assistance or collaboration, nor is the test process standardized.

Good or Bad Some trainers are very good and some are not. As a dog owner you must be careful in selecting a trainer who will not turn Fido into a nightmare, or that will turn Fido's existence into a nightmare. "Been around for a long time", "Trained hundreds of dogs" doesn't necessarily equal quality or an understanding of canine behavior and training. Don't be afraid to do your research and ask questions. It's your dog we are talking about, he or she will be with you for a long time. It's easy to make mistakes with your dog - correcting those mistakes may not be as easy. Choosing a trainer is an important decision - choose wisely!

• Look for a trainer who relies on positive reinforcement for the right response rather than punishing the wrong response.
• Ask about qualification, certification and experience, etc.
• Assess whether the trainer is knowledgeable about positive reinforcement methods, behavior modification techniques such as counter-conditioning and desensitization, and how to use food and humane products (such as head collars) in his/her work.
• Ask about his/her continued education. Does the trainer attend any seminars and workshops? Ask if the trainer is an active member of any professional organizations. Membership suggests communication with colleagues and an interest in keeping current on new information.
• Ask for professional references (e.g., from former clients, colleagues and veterinarians who refer cases).
• Observe an obedience class without your dog. Are the dogs and people having a good time? Talk with a few participants to see if they are comfortable with the trainer's methods. If you are not allowed to sit in, don't enroll in that class.
• Look for a trainer who recognizes the importance of you working through an obedience or behavior problem with your pet rather than sending him somewhere to be "fixed".
• Don't allow a trainer to work your dog unless he first tells you exactly what he plans to do.
• Don't be afraid to tell a trainer to stop if she is doing something to your dog that you don't like.
• Don't let a trainer (or anyone else, for that matter) intimidate, bully, or shame you into doing something that you believe is not in your dog's best interest.
• Avoid a trainer who offers "guarantees" for specific results. Such a trainer either ignores or fails to understand the complexity of animal behavior and the scientific principles of learning and how they apply in animal training.
• Avoid "quick fixes" and any trainer who promotes them. This approach does not do justice to you or your pet.
• Avoid a trainer who objects to using food as a training reward. Food is an acceptable positive reinforcement training tool.
• Avoid a trainer who uses choke chains, prong/pinch or chock collars. Head collars are humane alternatives to choke chains, pinch and chock collars. Training techniques should never involve yelling, choking, hanging, shaking the scruff, pinching, jerking on the leash, alpha rolling (forcing the dog onto his back), or other actions that frighten or inflict pain.
• Look for a trainer who treats both people and dogs with respect, rather than with an "I'm the boss" attitude.
• Look for a trainer who listens to your situation and one that likes to touch and interact with your dog.
• Beware of a trainer who suggests the use of drugs as the first or only solution for a problem. Drug therapy is best used as part of a complete plan, (only veterinarians can prescribe drugs).