How to find a Good Dog Trainer

Dog Training Tip

How to find a Good Dog Trainer

A question I am asked often is how to find a good dog trainer. This is an important question because the dog training industry is not regulated. Anyone can call themself a dog trainer, so BUYER BEWARE!

What you should know about dog training:

Training methods proven to help dogs learn without causing unwanted side effects, such as fear and behavior issues, are reward based training methods, also called positive reinforcement training.

Training methods that rely on aversive tools, aversive methods, alpha theory, and/or dominance theory have been proven to cause fear and behavior issues in dogs. Serious issues, such as increased aggression, and even severe aggression, can result from using these approaches, which is why experts in both animal behavior and professional dog training strongly discourage them.

How to choose a good dog trainer:

1. Ask about their methods. If they say they use positive reinforcement, reward based, or force-free training methods, that's a good sign. If they use words like "alpha", "dominance", and/or "submission", that's a red flag.

2. Ask about their tools. If they say they use a leash and harness, a leash and a flat collar, food, and/or toys, these are all positive and appropriate training tools. But if they say they use e-collars, choke chains, prong collars, slip leads, bark collars, water sprays, penny jars, etc., that's a red flag. These are all aversive tools. Their use often signals that the trainer is either not properly educated in dog training and behavior, or, in their defense, that they may have been educated using outdated resources.

   
   

   For example, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) published a position statement back in 2007 that implied punishment and aversive tools might be acceptable in some circumstances if applied correctly. Although AVSAB has since rescinded that article and no longer supports the use of aversives, it continues to circulate online. Unfortunately, this has led many trainers to believe that aversive methods are not only acceptable, but necessary, which helps explain why these practices are still so widespread today.

3. Ask how they learned to train dogs. If they say things like "I've been around dogs my whole life", or "by watching TV" or "by watching tik tok/ youtube videos", etc., those are red flags.

4. Ask about qualifications Now this one is tricky, because there are organizations that give 'certifications', but since the industry is not regulated, anyone can give a certification and it may be meaningless. There are some very reliable organizations such as the Karen Pryer Academy (KPA) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), so you would need to evaluate this on a case by case basis by researching the organization to see what training methods they agree with and how they actually certify their members.

   
   

   If a trainer claims to be certified, always verify. Sadly, I’ve encountered trainers who falsely claimed credentials. It’s easy to check: most organizations have a searchable directory on their website, or you can email/call the organization directly to confirm.

5. Check references. Ask to speak to past clients. Find out how training training sessions are conducted and whether the trainer was effective.

6. Observe a training class or session. This is a great way to observe the trainer in action and decide if you feel comfortable with them. While observing, if you see any of the dogs wearing aversive training tools, or the trainer using force, that's a red flag. If you see only positive reinforcement and reward based methods, that's a strong sign the trainer understands how dogs learn.

7. Evaluate communication. A good trainer should explain things clearly, in everyday language - not use a bunch of technical jargon. They should also be humble; no one knows everything and once someone decides they are "the expert", that is typically when they stop learning. The most highly qualified dog trainers will tell you that they are still, and always will be, learning. Importantly, they should respect that you live with your dog every day. A good trainer listens to your observations and helps you navigate challenges at home.

Why it matters

Choosing the right trainer is very important. Pick the wrong one and you may end upo with a dog who develops lifelong behavior issues. Pick the right one and you'll have a dog who is comfortable and confident living in our human world, - plus a wonderful, rewarding relationship that lasts a lifetime.

Take the time and make the effort to choose well. You'll be glad you did!

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But what do you do if you haven't found a good dog trainer?

Here is some Good News!

You can easily learn to be your dogs trainer!

I want to share with you a fantastic online resource for puppy/dog training — DunbarAcademy.com. Many of the educational courses are completely free, so please check out Guide to Getting a Dog, the Behavior Problems Crash Course and Quick Tips & Free Downloads where you'll be able to download Dr. Dunbar’s two free eBooks – BEFORE You Get Your Puppy and AFTER You Get Your Puppy, as well as many other wonderful resources, all completely free.

Should you want more in-depth information, the Top Dog Academy subscription is simply the best deal in dog training education, comprising hundreds of hours of videos and podcasts, three eBooks, and many downloadable resources that provide detailed instructions for preventing or resolving most common behavior problems and for training puppies and adolescent/adult dogs, so that your dog engages, pays attention and listens to you, even when off-leash, at a distance and distracted.

The Top Dog Academy is an unbeatable value at just $20.00 a month, but I have EVEN BETTER NEWS for you! If you use this link:

Top Dog Academy

you can try it out for the first month for FREE! (it will automatically renew at the regular price of $20 USD a month when the trial ends, but you can cancel at that point if you like). There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee and you may easily cancel your subscription at any time. Since it's FREE for the first month, why not give it a try! You can always cancel it before the renewal and at least you will have gained a month of great information to help you train your dog!

Please share this information with your family and friends so they too can become their dogs trainer!

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Note and disclaimer: All information in the blog posts on this site is my opinion based on my own experience rehabilitating an aggressive dog. I am not a professional behaviorist or otherwise involved in the Veterinary profession. If you are dealing with an aggressive dog, I recommend you seek the advice of a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist.