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From teaching your dog basic obedience to advanced training for , a great dog trainer can make all the difference. That鈥檚 particularly true for new dog owners. But even if you have years of experience with dogs, a professional trainer can help you troubleshoot problems and hone your abilities. Plus, group classes have the wonderful benefit of socializing your dog. But how do you know when you鈥檝e found the right dog trainer?
Dog training is an unregulated industry. Anybody can print business cards and charge for their services, regardless of background, education, or experience. It鈥檚 essential to evaluate potential trainers before trusting them with your hard-earned money and your precious pet. Don鈥檛 simply pick the closest training school. Do your research to determine if a potential trainer is the right fit for you and your dog.
What to Look For in a Dog Trainer
First, ask the trainer about their methods and training philosophy, and make sure you鈥檙e comfortable with their approach. Look for a trainer who uses positive reinforcement training 鈥� rewarding the dog for appropriate behavior with praise or and teaching alternative behaviors in place of inappropriate ones. These techniques are based on the science of animal learning and have the bonus of strengthening the dog-owner bond and fostering a love of learning in dogs.
It鈥檚 also important to determine what you need from a trainer. Are you dealing with a like or does your new puppy need to learn to 鈥溾�� and 鈥溾��? Find out if a particular trainer provides classes or private training that meet听your needs. Not all trainers offer the same services. Usually, a class environment with other dogs provides the added benefit of socialization and . But sometimes, your dog will learn best in a one-on-one situation, especially if other dogs overstimulate them or make them .
Private training can be done at the training school, in your home, or out in the world. For certain issues, this can be ideal. Some dogs simply aren鈥檛 ready for a classroom, or perhaps your dog鈥檚 problem only happens at your front door. However, not all trainers offer services outside their own facility, and you can expect to pay more for someone to come to you.
What to Ask a Potential Dog Trainer
Ask a potential trainer about their education and any credentials they may have. Some trainers have learned through apprenticeships and years of experience, whereas others have taken a more academic route in building their skills. Certification with an organization like the isn鈥檛 mandatory for trainers, but it shows dedication to the profession and an interest in continuing education.
Speak with the听trainer to get a feel for their personality before making a decision. It鈥檚 not enough to read the brochure or website. Dog trainers teach people, so you鈥檒l need to make sure you鈥檒l feel comfortable being their student. Look for someone who uses the same positive reinforcement with their human pupils that they use with听the dogs. A dog trainer should be patient, encouraging, and respectful. Try to observe a training class. Watch the dogs and students as much as the trainer to ensure they are all enjoying themselves. In addition, ask for references from former students.
Beyond the Basics
Look for a trainer who provides more than just the basic training techniques. Dogs and humans have different ways of looking at the world. The more you understand your dog鈥檚 perceptions, the better equipped you are to meet their needs and live together happily. Training lessons should include information about dog behavior, dog communication, and how dogs learn. The importance of socializing is key for a good puppy class, and advice on and handling is an added perk.
Great trainers understand that their job is to train you to train your dog. Although they may want to work with one adult at a time depending on a dog鈥檚 issues, at some point in the process, they should welcome the entire household 鈥� kids included. First-rate trainers听understand the importance of getting the whole family on board for consistency.
Find a Trainer
There are many places to get a recommendation for a trainer, from people at the dog park to your knowledgeable neighbor. You can check out the . You might also try the CCPDT or The Association of Professional Dog Trainers鈥� . Regardless of how impressed other dog owners are with a trainer, don鈥檛 skimp on your research. The trainer needs to be the right teacher for you, your dog, and your individual needs. An excellent trainer is a wise investment and will help ensure a lifetime of happy and harmonious living with a well-behaved dog.