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- 🐕🦺 How do you choose the right dog trainer?
🐕🦺 How do you choose the right dog trainer?
Sit & Stay is a training and health focused newsletter to help you have a more well-behaved and happier dog!
Sit & Stay is a training and health focused newsletter to help you have a more well-behaved and happier dog!
Hi !
Did you know that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer? There is no regulation or requirement to stop the person down the road who “read a book about dogs once” from calling themselves a dog trainer and charging for their services.
Before choosing a trainer, you can screen them using the following criteria:
Require certification or some proof of education.
Ask for references.
Meet for a consultation before committing to a training program.
Once you’ve found a trainer that satisfies these basic requirements, it’s time to go more in-depth.
Sit & Stay Pro Tip
Ashley Parker, head trainer of Bayshore Dog Training, shares some advice for what to look for in a dog trainer. In her experience, the ideal dog trainer will listen to your concerns, customize their approach to align with your needs, and provide earnest feedback on achieving your training goals.
However, finding a skilled trainer is only half the equation. There are countless training styles and philosophies, and you’ll need to do some soul-searching to ensure you find a trainer you mesh with.
Ask yourself the following questions:
What is your training style? Do you prefer structure or a more relaxed approach?
What lifestyle changes are you willing to make? Are you ready to commit to a training regimen?
What is your budget? Hourly training is an option, but flat-rate training (while more expensive up front) may cost less in the long run.
What are your training goals? Make sure your trainer understands your goals. Find someone who will choose honesty about your dog’s behavior over appeasing you.
The right trainer will have knowledge, experience, and the urge to help you learn as much about dog training as they already know. If you follow these guidelines and are genuinely ready to work to change your dog’s behavior, rest assured you’ll find a trainer worth your time and money.
The Smile Section
Vet Recommendations
Your veterinarian is a great place to start when looking for a dog trainer. Ask your vet if there is someone local they would recommend. There is bound to be someone they or one of their clients can vouch for.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) believes a good dog trainer should:
Use reward-based training.
Offer individual attention.
Continue their own education.
Show respect to you and your dog.
Allow you to observe a class or session.
Make you feel comfortable.
Require vaccinations for your dog.
Be willing to collaborate with your vet.
Visit their website for more detailed information on AVSAB recommendations.
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Have questions about dog training?
Get them answered by a professional dog trainer!
Each week, we’ll interview a trainer and feature the answers to your questions as our Sit & Stay Pro Tip. E-mail [email protected] to submit your question.
Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!