Choosing the Right Dog Trainer

by John Rubin
(Click on each subject to jump to the specific section)
Not all Dog Trainers Are Created Equal
Certification and Awards as Qualifiers
Training Methods and Equipment
The Pet Business and Industry
What Every Owner Should Ask Before Choosing a Dog Trainer
Finally, Things to Ponder

 

NEW! Before you choose any dog trainer, read our latest article "The Shocking Truth" It might just save you time, money and most of all, devastating heartbreak.

 

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I know coming from a professional dog trainer, on a website promoting our dog training services, providing an article of this nature might seem odd. But, part of our commitment to the community is to provide information about dog training. We feel this article is a great way to help you find the right dog trainer for you.

 

Not all Dog Trainers Are Created Equal (back to top)

While many claim to be "professional", not many train dogs full-time. By full-time I mean 40 hours a week. If a dog trainer cannot assert that they work their job as a profession, it is possible they have not developed a good enough reputation to do so or they just deem it a passion or hobby. I am sure you would want a plumber or electrician who performed their trade full-time and a dog trainer should be no different.

 

In today's dog trainer community, which has exploded over the last decade, most have decided to take up the "profession" because they love dogs and claim they have "owned and trained them all my life". Others have spent thousands of dollars attending a dog trainers academy - basically a course developed and conducted by another dog trainer or trainers. Having just graduated, they are now in business for themselves. And finally, there is the dog trainer who spent months or years working or apprenticing for a reputable dog trainer and finally ventured out on their own.

 

Certification and Awards as Qualifiers (back to top)

The recent trend in the last decade is for clubs and member driven organizations to offer dog trainers certification. While in some instances this might be better than nothing, it can lead dog owners into a false sense of security. Here's why; There is no governing board or "certification" requirement for dog trainers in the State of California, or any other state for that matter. Most "certified" dog trainers simply join an association, study a curriculum written by other members, then fill out a form answering basic questions on methods and experience. They then send in a 15 to 30 minute video demonstrating their methods. They pay a fee for their membership and to keep their certification current. They are not regulated nor are they monitored by any agency. Membership does not ensure that the "certified" trainers employ similar methods nor does it guarantee the skill, competence, or experience of the trainer.

 

Training Methods and Equipment (back to top)

Dog training methods are diverse and varied. What has evolved over the years has been a trend toward more politically correct methods - or so they seem. A common selling point for dog trainers is "positive reinforcement" training. Many new-age dog trainers criticize "old fashioned" techniques touting their methods as being more humane.

 

The truth is that many of the so-called old fashioned techniques are great. Unfortunately many dog trainers incorrectly implement them (more on that later).  And even truer is that food-training, which is now sold as the term "positive reinforcement" has been used for centuries. What has been added, just to make it seem new and improved, is the "clicker". So basically, food training using your voice is now replaced by food-training using a plastic device.

 

Tried and true methods, deemed "old fashioned", unfortunately continue to be taken to extremes. Heavy handling has become the norm, training collars are misused by inexperienced "trainers" and the aspect of dog psychology is never truly explored.

 

A drift towards "fast results" has led to the electronic shock collar. Let's face it, we want fast food, faster internet and the fastest car. Our society screamed for instant results in training our dogs too. Unfortunately, the end result is a dog trainer with limited experience in canine behavior and psychology, and a quick trigger finger for zapping dogs into compliance.

 

Another interesting movement was the gentle this and gentle that training method and equipment push. Somehow, somewhere, someone decided that the same device used for training horses could be used for dogs and it would be "gentle". Not knowing the canine's true species specific inclinations as opposed to the equine's - canines being predator and equines being prey - what is hailed as gentle might actually be harsh psychologically for the dog. But, it looks and sounds better so it must be, right? The truth is what may look harsh, in reality, isn't. (see Prong Collars Explained)

 

The Pet Business and Industry (back to top)

It is mind boggling to realize that Americans spend over $40 Billion on their pets each year.

 

According to the 2007-2008 APPMA National Pet Owners Survey, basic annual expenses for dog owners in dollars include:

Surgical Vet Visits Food Kennel Boarding  Routine Vet Groomer/Grooming Aids  Vitamins  Treats Toys

453  217 225  219 127  77  66  41

Obviously most Americans love their dogs and will spare no expense for the furry family members. Consider how the industry has responded to these needs. Breed and size specific food/diets, specialized training and exercise equipment, "Canine Gurus" and "Communicators", spas and hotels only our pets can enter; everything imaginable can be provided for your canine companions. What we must keep in mind is that marketing plays a major role in each product and service provided. What could seem perfect for our dog might not be. It's all in the advertising as pet businesses want a piece of that $40 billion, whether your dog needs it or not.

 

This article was specifically written to help you become a more informed consumer BECAUSE you love your dog and want only the best for him or her.

 

What Every Owner Should Ask Before Choosing a Dog Trainer (back to top)

• How many years have you been a full-time professional dog trainer?
• How many dogs on average do you train per month/year?
• Have you ever received and AKC Obedience Title on any of your dogs or a clients?
  (In my opinion this is far more telling about a trainer's experience than a Dog Trainer's Certification as the time, knowledge and work that goes into working with a dog and competing in the AKC Obedience ring is much more than what is required to become a certified dog trainer. Also, the AKC Judge could care less if you and your dog title - you have to truly prove you know what you are doing.)
• What methods of training, and what equipment do you use and why?
• Can I observe a dog training class?
• What is your refund policy?
• Can you supply references?

Analysis

• The number of years a dog trainer has been training dogs full-time can tell you a lot. Obviously the more experience with dogs, the better. You can trip-up a lot of interviewees here as well. If they hesitate, change the subject or do not directly answer your question, this is not a good start.
• The methods they use, and the equipment they use or recommend will give you a better idea of their experience and knowledge. Again, hesitation or unwillingness to explain can be a disqualifier.
• If a trainer is not willing to allow you to observe a class - big red flag. You would have to wonder what the problem is.
• The refund policy is very important because things happen. Dogs and people get sick or injured, family issues arise, or you just don't like the trainer in person. Sadly, some dogs just don't work out and need to be returned. Many rescue or shelter dogs come with issues that busy families are not made aware of beforehand and are not prepared to handle.
• Finally, references are always good to get. You are paying your hard earned money to get the right training for you and your dog.

Finally, Things to Ponder (back to top)

When a dog trainer claims these items listed below, think "marketing gimmick" or at least inexperience.

• Free Consultation
• Celebrity Clients - Dog Trainer to the Stars
• Fast, Guaranteed Results

Analysis

• The dog trainer that offers "Free Consultations", in my opinion, has the need to drum up business or competition is so fierce that they use this as a way to get their foot in the door. You will most likely get very little training or information during this consult and more likely will get a lot of false or misleading information designed to push you into using their services. Either way, you are paying for experience and knowledge so it probably is money well spent when you pay for a consult.
• I can only speak from experience, but, I value my clients privacy. I would never exploit famous clients in an effort to boost my reputation. Besides, what makes their endorsement a better reference than your next door neighbor, or a stranger at the dog park?
• As far as fast results, dogs are ever-evolving. Every day they change, grow and mature just like we do. The term "results" and "guaranteed" are both vague and extremely subjective. What the trainer thinks and what you think can be very different. You have to live with your pooch so you must decide based upon your needs. Another HUGE consideration; A good trainer is training you too! Think about your first roommate or when you brought your first child home from the hospital - it is really no different (except they're human and it should have been easy but was not!).  Training your dog takes patience and practice. Learning to communicate with your dog in order for you to happily live together will take time. 

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