How to Choose a Quality Trainer

Love, Passion, Devotion & Dedication

Do they enjoy working with dogs? Probably or at least they act like they do, but more importantly, how do they treat you? Do they enjoy working with you? Do they have the people skills to assist you in training your dog? After all, when they go home, it will be you that is ultimately responsible for putting into practice what you have learned for the continued training of your dog.

Are they excited to be with your dog and watch him learn? You can tell if they have passion for dogs and what they do. If you have the opportunity, observe how they treat their own dogs and other people, as well as, how their own dogs respond to them. Watch how your dog responds to them.

Do they further their own education? Do they attend seminars, conferences, workshops, or take courses, read books, watch videos to expand their knowledge and keep up with the latest techniques? Do they give seminars or speak at conferences and workshops, write books, articles, or reports? You learn a great deal by being the speaker / teacher, not just by being a student.

Good Communication Skills

Can they explain learning theories, canine behavior and training exercises clearly for you to understand? They must be able to teach you, as well as your dog.

Do they have a positive attitude and willing to do whatever it takes to help you with your dog?

Are they personable and have a sense of humor? Learning for you and your dog should always be an enjoyable, fun and good experience.

Experience and Credentials

Did they go to a school other than the school of life and hard knocks? Research their training background. Find out if they went to an accredited school, trained under another trainer or just read numerous books and watched videos.

Do not be afraid to ask questions. If they are evasive and do not want to answer questions, you should look elsewhere for a trainer. A professional trainer should be proud of what they have accomplished, what they know they will accomplish and readily answer your questions on their background and education. Then research, research, and research. Don’t just take their word for it. You are investing your hard earned money and time for your dog to become a well behaved, much loved member of your family. That is important and so is choosing the right trainer.

What is their experience in working with dogs and with people? How long have they been doing this and how much? Example: Training 10 – 12 hours per day for a year equals 10 years of experience only training 8 - 9 hours a week. What is their expertise and does that fit your needs and goals for you and your dog?

Reputation

Get recommendations from your veterinarian, humane societies, other trainers, breeders or breed specific clubs. Don’t be afraid to ask the trainer for phone numbers to previous clients that have given permission to be contacted. Ask for testimonials.

Outside of Training Work

Are they a member of any training groups or clubs like Search & Rescue, AKC, Schutzhund, Agility, Hunting, 4-H? Do they breed any specific line of dogs for enjoyment or to better the bloodline and bring out the positive good qualities? Do they volunteer any of their professional services, just to make the world a better place, or is it all for monetary gain?

Methods

A good trainer never uses just one method. Every dog is different, just like people. They don’t all learn the same things in the same way, or in the same amount of time. Many factors play a part in how they learn and respond to training methods. Find a trainer that fits your dog, household, environment and comfort level.

Never choose someone who: yells, screams, hits, kicks, or uses any abusive, inhumane language or methods when training you or your dog. Remember, this is supposed to be an enjoyable, pleasant experience for both you and your dog. Training is help on the way to end the frustration you may have been feeling before you were trained in what to do.