Are you looking for a dog trainer and not sure if he/she will be the right fit for you? There is no organization that regulates the use of the title “dog trainer” (as opposed to, e.g. A doctor, for example.
There are many different certifications, but they don’t necessarily indicate how well qualified and suited a trainer is for your situation. Sometimes, the trainers who are not certified have the most training experience, because they created their own methods, instead of relying solely on the school curriculum.
It’s surprising that not all top dog trainers have certifications. They learned by trial and error and trained many dogs.
Already confused? It is not rocket science to choose the right dog trainer for you. These are my top criteria for finding a good dog training.
1. We Welcome Your Questions.
Choose a trainer that likes to answer questions. Trainers who are good want to make sure their clients understand why they advise them to do something a certain way. They are happy to answer questions about training. Learning is a process that involves questions and confusion. Receiving questions tells me we’re on the right path.
Some questions I receive make me think about them for several days before I can come up with a satisfactory answer.
Here are some of my favorites!
A question shows interest and engagement. Clients who ask many questions should not make a trainer feel challenged or questioned.
Look elsewhere if your trainer ignores or answers unsatisfactory questions!
2. The Information Is Shared For Free.
Do they have an online presence? Have they got a website, a blog or a Facebook page? Or maybe some freebies at your local vet’s office?
You should have a good idea of the trainer’s training philosophy before you decide to become their client. This includes their approach, their methods, and their ideas.
Ask them to describe their program briefly over the phone. What is their approach to the problem?
If you’re feeling bold, try using some learning theory terminology such as operant conditioning, terminal link, or unconditioned stimulus to see if the person knows their stuff.
Run if a trainer refuses to provide you with any information about his methods prior to you putting money down on the table!
3. They Own Well-trained, Their Dogs.
Would you visit a dentist whose teeth are rotten? Would you visit a mechanic with a non-functioning car? Would you want to see a personal coach who can’t jog a mile?
The personal dogs of a dog trainer are the training grounds. My dogs have been through every training session I’ve ever given to a customer, in many different ways: they are the ones that I experiment with to fine-tune little details to make the program as effective and efficient as possible.
Be suspicious if your trainer’s dogs are not well-trained (unless they were recently adopted). If they can’t train the dogs that they live with every day, how will they be able to train those of their clients in less time?
4. They Use Methods That They Have Developed.
When starting out, everyone uses methods that have already been developed. As a trainer develops, they should start to come up with their own ideas that fit into their personality and training style.
It may be more beneficial to first learn from the trainers who are using their ideas.
Look for someone with their own ideas and approaches. These will be original and well-thought-out it is much harder to create a new idea than to simply copy someone else’s.
This trainer can adapt the methods to your needs and those of your dog and create a training program that is tailored to you.
You can find online options for training your dog by someone who is familiar with their methods if you are unable to locate a trainer in your area.
5. You And Your Dog Are Seen As Separate Individuals.
The program is not flexible and does not take into account your dog’s breed, age, temperament, past, favorite rewards, living conditions, or the time available to train. This would be not only inflexible but also detrimental, as what works for one team of dog and handler may hinder others in their learning.
Good trainers will take the time to learn about you and your dog and never stop asking questions. He will train your dog, you and your relationship according to the unique circumstances that each of you and your dog are in.
Hang up if a trainer says you need a collar on the phone. If you feel that a trainer is giving you the “talk” without considering your dog and you as an individual, find another trainer.
6. Client Retention is High.
A trainer who is not very good can recruit clients and have them complete a program. They may not be satisfied, but they are not so happy that they sign up immediately for the next series of classes.
Dog owners who have trained their dogs for years at a training facility or brought their new puppy back because they were so satisfied are often “lifetime clients” of good trainers. This is especially true for those who have experienced high-quality Puppy Training in Perth, where professional guidance helps build a strong foundation for long-term obedience and behavior.
Ask around for feedback from previous clients. It will be more valuable than any sales pitch.
You’ll find the perfect trainer if you try! Don’t be afraid to ask around and shop around. Do not settle for something that doesn’t feel good. Do not be afraid to tell your trainer that it’s not working and you want to look elsewhere. If the trainer is doing it for good reasons (to help people and their pets), then they won’t mind.
Enjoy your training!
