HOW TO FIND A GREAT DOG TRAINER
So you’re looking for a dog trainer! You’ve come to the right place. Proactive education provides pet parents with peace of mind. Training pup now is an investment in your future!
There is a lot to choose from when selecting a professional to work with you and your furry companion. To this day, the dog training field remains a vast, unregulated industry. Despite modern science, many different ‘styles’ of dog training exist today. In the United States dog training is an unregulated industry with no regulating body. This means that anyone can be a ‘dog trainer’ or even an ‘animal behaviorist’ without accreditation. Moreover, many training philosophies are based on individual’s opinions and ideas about dogs, instead of the facts and science we have about animal behavior and psychology.
The first thing to understand when selecting a training professional is to consider the type (style) of training you want to pursue with your pup. Not all dog training methods are equal! It is important to select a professional with expertise that meets your needs and parenting philosophy. Some pet parents may not be aware of the commonplace techniques that can actually cause more damage than they do good, and take away from training and relationship goals, creating behavior issues later on.
Luckily, we have dog training down to a science; every individual that has a brain cortex and eats food, on planet Earth, learns the same way! A modern dog trainer with a positive background, understands this fundamental principle, and is more likely to teach you and your pup with respect, using the sound principles of science and education.
How to know the difference…
Do your research and ask questions! Understand the philosophy and technique of dog training professionals you are vetting. Professionals should be able to use specific language to identify their methods, and clearly explain the training exercises they employ. Antiquated language, techniques, and equipment should serve as red flags for savvy pet parents who want the best for their pup.
Always ask, “What type of training equipment do you use?” This is a great trick question! (The answer should be: NONE!) And if you want to be a REAL animal behavior science snob, you can always quiz them about Operant and Classical Conditioning!
What do all these letters mean?
Certifications abound! After a bit of googling, you may start to notice that some dog trainers seem to have a bunch of letters after their name (myself included!). These letters may indicate certain certification or qualifications, and some may have more merit than others. For example, APDT stands for Association of Pet Dog Trainers and demonstrates paid membership to that organization. Other common letter-titles include KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) and CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) which include qualifications and exams, or the completion of a program, in addition to continued education and a standard of ethics and values to uphold.
Key Pointers
Here are some key pointers when finding the right dog training professional for you and your pup!
Professionalism - In an unregulated industry, professionalism is key and can set a great trainer apart from the others. Dog trainers that conduct themselves professionally will be ethical, have integrity, and show up on-time!
Vibing - You may have to spend time with this dog trainer person! Do yourself a favor and choose someone you enjoy being around.
Seems to enjoy your pup - Watch how potential dog trainer candidates interact with your pup; do they seem to be enjoying themselves and their work? Do they demonstrate care for the well-being of others? AND are they able to balance these qualities with professionalism?
Can answer your questions - Maybe you’re not a dog trainer, maybe you have questions (I hope you do!). Great dog trainers LOVE questions, it means our clients are actively listening, participating, and want to know more. You should feel open to communicate and ask questions as needed, no question!
Has future availability - Good trainers may be busy! But they will also be able to refer you to someone else. You are creating a relationship with your new pup, you may want continued support. Find out if your dog trainer will be there for you in the future!
Isn’t afraid to make recommendations - Not all professional dog trainers do it all, and sometimes auxiliary support is necessary! I may not be a treibball or grooming expert, but I do have some GREAT resources if you need. This is another sign of an excellent dog training professional: someone who is not afraid to provide info for whatever isn’t in their current wheelhouse.
Can explain methods thoroughly - The Science of Behavior and Psychology has had a profound and positive impact on professional animal training! That being said, not all trainers and animal behaviorists are participating, YET… A worthwhile dog training professional should be able to clearly explain the specific methods that they are employing with your pup, in a way that hopefully makes sense. If it is not straight-forward and concise, you owe it to yourself to question the process.
When changing and effecting the behaviors of others, a responsibility exists to practice humane treatment, and teaching techniques based on available science.
Want to learn more about how to best educate your pup? Get in touch for more info!
