How to Choose a Dog Trainer

There is a lot confusion about appropriate and effective training techniques and methodologies in the dog training world of today, therefore dog owners must become educated consumers when hiring a dog trainer. So how do you choose the best trainer for you and your dog?

1. Get a referral from friends, your veterinarian, groomer or pet sitter, or anyone you know who has a well behaved dog.

2. Check out the trainer’s website and credentials.

Do they describe their background and experience? How does the trainer stay informed about innovations in dog training and behavior, tools and techniques? Do they belong to any professional training organizations or associations?

Unfortunately, at this time there is no state or federal licensing for dog trainers. Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviorist regardless of their background or experience. Many schools and pet stores offer their own “certifications” that can have little meaning or credibility. Below is a list of recognized professional training and behavior organizations and their certifications. If a trainer is claiming to have any other certification, please investigate and verify the validity of those claims.

CPDT –Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
CAAAB and CAAB– Animal Behavior Society
CABC and CDBC–International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
CCAB – International Association for the study of Animal Behaviorists
DACVB- American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

3. Meet the trainer and observe a class.

A professional trainer will encourage you to observe a class before enrolling. Does the instructor provide clear explanations and a demonstration of each lesson, give the students time to practice, and assist students individually to successfully master the skills? Is the trainer kind and respectful to the dogs and their handlers? Are the students and their dogs having fun?

Does the trainer use only humane, reward-based training methods which are not physically or emotionally harmful to the dog? Avoid trainers who routinely use or recommend choke, pinch, or shock collars, or any other methods of physical punishment.

Does the trainer require vaccinations before attending group classes, and a veterinary check-up as part of an evaluation for behavior problems?

Does the trainer offer a “guarantee?” Because of the variables in dog temperament and owner commitment and experience, a trainer cannot and should not guarantee the results of their training. However, they should be willing to ensure client satisfaction with their professional services.

For more information on choosing a trainer visit the Association of Pet Dog Trainers at www.apdt.com,
or the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior at https://avsab.org/.

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