Choosing Your Dog Trainer

Four years ago I completed the task of becoming certified as a dog trainer. However, that does not entitle me to immediately have people allowing and/or trusting me to supply them and their dogs with the proper tools for obedience training, behavior modification and better communication skills. Instead, I know that I have to prove myself and continue gaining experience, and that can only be accomplished with time.

Actions speak louder than words, and I have been quite busy in the past few years with my craft. However, I wanted to take this time to share with you my insights as how to go about choosing a more than just competent dog trainer. Keep in mind, the following is compiled from my experiences and I have taken it to heart as I continue to be out there as a trainer myself.

01 - Try and get recommendations from vet offices, friends, family, humane societies, etc.

02 - Observe training classes. ( If trainers do not allow this, then most likely you do not want them training your dog.) If allowed, then great, take note if people and dogs are having fun. Is the trainer enthusiastic and does he/she possess decent communication skills? Does the trainer keep people interactive with their dogs? Stick around for the end of class to see if the trainer takes time to answer questions one on one. Ask participants their thoughts.

03 - Obviously trainers must love dogs. But do they seem knowledgeable of various breeds? Are they unbiased?

04 - Does the trainer treat ALL with respect? Humans and Dogs.

05 - Is the trainer calm, consistent and in control? Or does he/she seem short fused? A display of emotions has no place within dog training.

06 - Does the trainer take the time to explain process and procedures before starting any training regiments? Does he/she listen to your concerns?

07 - Trainers must always have the dog's best interest in mind. Do they adjust training to fit the dog or do they simply try to fit the dog into the training?

08 - Experience. Is the trainer experienced? Is his/her knowledge widespread, are there multiple skill sets in their toolbox? Do they keep themselves up to date on latest techniques?

09 - Are practices humane? Does the trainer have confident dog handling skills?

10 - Is it ethics before profit? Does the trainer seem genuine in his interests or is he/she simply setting up a vacuum to make a few extra dollars?

11 - And do you believe the trainer is going to improve YOUR dog handling skills? Because let's face it: Dog training is not about training the dog - it is about training the people.