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How To Choose A Dog Trainer

September 10th, 2008

You’ve tried everything, but the same bad behavior keeps popping up over and over again.  You’ve read the books, watched entire seasons of the Dog Whisperer, and tried your hardest to exude a dominant, reassuring energy.  And yet, nothing changes.  We’ve all been there.  Sometimes you just get stuck in a rut with your dog.

I sincerely believe that our pets are complicated creatures with curious habits strong instincts and a mighty range of possible dysfunction.  Sometimes its necessary to get some outside help, some perspective to help a relationship grow, whether it be man and beast or man and woman.  Think of it as marriage counseling.  Try not to take it as an insult or a weakness.

The next step is deciding what kind of outside help.  In recent years, dog training philosophies have enjoyed an increase in interest and suffered an increase in argument.  There are so many different and at times contradicting instructions and theories that they can make a head spin faster than the ceiling after a frat party.

So! I’ve put together a few tips I’ve collected to help one find the perfect dog trainer/obedience class.

• A wise and reputable trainer will put the safety of your dog first.  He or she must inquire about vaccines before allowing you in to the class.  This will insure that all dogs in a shared environment are healthy and protected.
• The trainer must be open and clear about the techniques used by him.  Make sure you are comfortable with the methods used.  Intuition and common sense will inform you whether they are humane.  Remember, ultimately you know your dog best.
• Pay attention to the trainer’s interaction with both you and your dog.  Are they open? inviting? calm?  Does your dog take to them?
• Share your pup’s history with the trainer.  Inform her of his patterns, schedule, and good and bad behavior.  Help the trainer by sharing what you’ve found works for your dog.  Every dog IS different.
• If you are sitting in on a class, pay attention to the mood in the room.  Is everyone there enjoying themselves?  Are they stimulated and curious?  Does your dog get along with the others?  A positive, comfortable environment is crucial for growth.
• Don’t be afraid to ask the other clients about their experience, their successes and their frustrations.
• Due to the variables in dog breeding and temperament and owner commitment and experience, a good trainer will not guarantee any certain results.  They can only guarantee their own integrity, professionalism, and experience.
• A good trainer will also be interested in innovations in dog training.  Inquire if they are in any kind of network or group that helps them stay vibrant and informed.
• Don’t expect the class or the trainer or even your dog to do all the work for you.  Deciding that you want a well behaved dog and a strong bond is an incredible commitment, one that requires time and devotion.

And, most importantly, enjoy yourself!  It is an incredible gift to share your life with a dog : )

Posted in K9 Care | 3 Comments »

3 Responses to “How To Choose A Dog Trainer”

1. jan says:

   September 10, 2008 at 4:32 pm

   Excellent tips, especially choosing someone who knows that every dog is different and not all techniques work on all dogs. If the trainer seems to know more about your dog than you try to tell him/her, run…
2. Lindsay says:

   September 12, 2008 at 11:54 pm

   I think a good trainer is always open to new ideas. Also, they know that the same techniques do not work for every dog.
3. Ami Moore says:

   September 22, 2008 at 3:02 pm

   I think that these are some great points but I must disagree with some common misconceptions that are included in the original post.

   Misconception #1: Every dog is different.

   Truth: All dogs are different on the outside due to the diversity of canine appearance but all dogs need exactly the same things in order to be happy: Discipline, EXcercise and Affection. I am a fan of Cesar Millan and I think that he has shown the public that regardless if the truth bumps up against our delusions-dogs all need the same thing in order for them to be happy and for us to be safe.

   Misconcpetion #2: You will know humane training by your gut.

   Truth: Due to the takeover of the dog training business by trainers that are aligned with the radical animal rights movement, who have pushed a variety of training called total positive reinforcement training, the public has little idea of what humane training looks like unless they spend time getting educated.

   Humane training the the type of training that helps your dog live a big fulfilled live as quickly as possible and you, the owner, can communicate with the dog without a leash, props or bribes.

   If you have to use props and bribes, such as treats or toys, to entice your dog to comply with simple requests such as sit or down, then this is not humane dog training.

   I hope that this brief message will give all of the readers of this blog some interesting ideas to think about.

   Ami Moore the Chicago Dog Coach