Like any job or career, there are many different types of people who train dogs. Choosing the right dog trainer is vitally important, no matter what type or level of training you want to do with your dog.
You should generally begin with basic dog obedience and good manners (many folks only want this, which is fine!), then you may want to work toward earning show titles in obedience, agility, tricks, or Therapy Dog or Service Dog certification…the list goes on and on! Having the right trainer is not only important to having a well-behaved dog, but it is also essential that the process is enjoyable, relaxed, and fun for both you and your dog.
Here are a few tips that may assist you in making the right decision…
Word of mouth is a great start to finding a quality trainer- a trusted friend, a family member, or a co-worker who has taken training classes from someone they like, and whose dog is happy and well-behaved, can be the perfect referral for you!
If you attained your dog from a responsible, reputable breeder, they often know the good trainers, especially for their breed of dog. One of the things you pay for when you buy from a quality breeder is lifetime support for your dog, so take advantage of their years of experience and expertise.
If you attained your dog from a responsible, reputable shelter or rescue group, ask them about whom they use to do their behavior assessments on their adoption candidates, and the follow-up training on their placed dogs. Make sure they understand your particular breed or mixed-breed’s temperament and behavior needs.
Ask your veterinarian and veterinary staff- they see lots of dogs and lots of behavior problems when they are handling dogs in their hospital, so they frequently know the good trainers in their area.
Ask your boarding kennel staff, your doggie daycare staff, and your dog groomer- they also have dog experience and should be able to provide good trainer information to you.
If you do a business search on the internet to find a trainer, read all the comments people make about the training service; although it’s hard to know how many are true or unbiased, they give you information to follow up on- maybe email the commenters and ask for more specifics. If the trainer has a website and a social media page, read all the information thoroughly- learn how long the trainer has been in business, what their background and schooling is, what associations they are affiliated with (professional and business associations, charities, and non-profits can lend credibility), and what breeds they are experienced in (one, a few, or all-breed?). These are all important aspects to consider when deciding if this trainer would be a good fit for you.
Once you feel that a particular trainer sounds good, make sure you do at least one in-person visit to the training classes to meet the trainer, and see the current students and their dogs (you should contact the trainer ahead of time to let them know you will be visiting, and to make sure your visit works with their schedule.)
– Is everyone happy to be there? (the students, their dogs, and the trainer)
– Are the dogs healthy, well-cared for, and well-behaved? (considering the level of the training class)
– Is the facility clean and organized?
– Is everyone relaxed, comfortable and having fun?
Watch the class for a while, once everyone starts training their dogs- there are various training methods used and taught by trainers, but no matter which methods are used, they should be humane, instinctual, and balanced.
If the trainer does not ever allow you to visit or watch the class, if the students and their dogs all seem stressed and uncomfortable, or if YOU feel uncomfortable, this may not be the trainer that you want to work with. Remember that you (and your dog) are the training clients and are paying for a service, and a trainer should be willing to work with you in a knowledgeable, professional, pleasant manner; if not, go elsewhere!
There are lots of trainers to choose from, and you should feel comfortable with your choice of trainer to be a part of your and your dog’s lives for many years to come!
Please feel free to reach out to me SunstarAmericanBulldogs@msn.com 206 241 2908 with any additional questions and I would be happy to help you, Thanks! Jan