Choosing a Trainer is not as easy as it looks. There are so many out there, but there are also many methods to choose from. It's always ideal to enlist the help of a trainer before bringing your dog home, but if you've "missed the boat", don't worry; better late than never!
Do some research online and get out and talk to other dog owners. Ask them for a training reference and take notes so that you have a list of five trainers in your area that you would like to call. Schedule a brief telephone interview and ask a few questions (get your notepad ready!):
- How long have you been training?
- Do you have any professional training or accreditation?
- What method do you use? Can you describe it for me?
- Do you specialize in anything? (Puppies, aggression, behavioural challenges, small breeds, etc...)
- Are you the person who does the training or do you have a staff of trainers?
- Do you offer Private lessons or Group lessons, or both?
- May I sit and watch a group class?
- What are your rates?
- Do you offer a guarantee?
Once you have taken notes from your phone call, thank them for their time and call the next trainer. Once you've spoken to your top five, look over your notes and compare. Did one sound more professional than another? Did one seem to really put the pressure on you to book right away? Were the rates relatively consistent across the board? Go with your gut.
When you meet the trainer to observe a training class, watch and listen carefully. Are they professional in their appearance and in their class materials? Are they knowledgeable regarding dog training and their dog training methods? Do you feel comfortable with them? Are they patient and thorough in answering questions? Do they have experience working with the issues that you are experiencing with your dog? Are they willing to provide references from past or current clients?
Keep an eye out for a few things that raise red caution flags in your assessment of a trainer. If the trainer talks about wolf behaviour more than dog behaviour, focuses on "alpha", dominance, and submission, or bases their methods on force, physical punishment, or the use of aversives (pennies in a can, spray bottle, leash corrections), they are not meeting the current standards in the dog training industry.
With any trainer, if you are ever uncomfortable with the way they handle your dog or any suggestion that they make, speak up. Be your dog's advocate and insist on positive and humane treatment, no matter what. A good trainer will listen to you, acknowledge your concerns and find another way to work with you. A good trainer won't hesitate to refer you to a specialist (for aggression or other difficult behavioural challenges) if they feel they are not experienced enough to take you on.
If the trainer offers a guarantee for their services, run in the opposite direction. No one can guarantee that your dog will never bite; we can never promise an outcome with dogs, just like we can't with people. A good trainer will guarantee that they will do their best and they will ask that you commit to do the same.
