Finding the Right Dog Trainer

There is no universally recognized certificate out there to prove that someone is a good dog trainer. The best trainers learn by taking available classes, continuously researching animal behavior, and through a lot of hands-on experience. So with such a big pack of trainers out there how should you go about finding the perfect one?

The Good, the Bad, the Really Bad

It's important to understand what makes a good or bad trainer. A suitable trainer is someone who you feel comfortable with, and who your dog takes to. A scared dog is not going to learn effectively.

Stay away from trainers who resort to training your dog through physical discipline such as: alpha rolling (forcing a dog to lie on his back), yanking on leashes, grabbing the scruff of your dog's neck or yelling. These are all unethical forms of training and can cause your dog to become aggressive.

An ethical trainer uses positive reinforcement techniques. Positive reinforcement includes rewarding a dog with treats, attention, and praise when he shows good behavior.

How to Find a Good One

There are a couple of different ways to find a good trainer. The first involves word of mouth, and the other involves taking a first-hand look at some trainers and their techniques.

• References: Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a trainer. That's why it's a good idea to talk to people who have either taken a training class or used a trainer. Someone who has dealt with a trainer first-hand will be able to tell you, what goes on during a session. A good place to look for references is through your friends, veterinarian, groomer, staff at your local shelter, and your doggy daycare.

• Observe a Class: A trainer who takes pride in their work should have no problem letting you sit in on a class. When there, you should observe everything - not only the trainer. Watch how the dogs take to the trainer. If the dogs are not happy, then the trainer is most likely intimidating, which can create a poor learning environment. Also, watch how the trainer interacts with owners. If a trainer is reprimanding someone, without properly teaching them the right way, then you might want to look elsewhere.

• Trainer Organizations: There are 2 major organizations for dog trainers: The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and The International Association of Canine Professionals. Many trainers will belong to one or both of these.

It may take a bit of work but once you find a trainer who believes in the value of positive reinforcement and makes you and your dog feel comfortable, training will be more enjoyable and rewarding for you and your dog.

SOURCE: Pedigree.com, March 2007