What to Look for in a Trainer
1. Above all, does his or her methods align with your viewpoints. I cannot even begin to express how important this is. I have had countless clients who followed the instructions of a trainer even though they weren't completely comfortable with it, and when it didn't work, they only regretted hurting their dog more. Those types of scenarios have invariably been using aversion and negative training. If "popping" your sweet dog on the neck doesn't seem like the right solution then it probably isn't.
Don't let a trainer bully you into doing something to your dog. You are your dog's biggest advocate. Sure a trainer has much more knowledge about dog training than you do, and perhaps his/her method works on other dogs. However, a good dog trainer works with the client to find a solution that works. A good dog trainer does NOT enforce his will on his client. If you're not comfortable with something, don't do it, and make your trainer come up with an alternative, or else find a better trainer!
Always trust your gut feeling. In life and in dog training.
2. Look for explanations of why a specific method or trick will work. If you trainer can't come up with an explanation for you then it probably doesn't work logically. By this I mean, for example, enough pain caused to a dog will eventually make him shut down (heck with me too, how many times have you ever seriously been hurt so you just stopped moving to avoid any further pain?). So these types of training don't typically come with an explanation other than the outdated dominance theory. Show your dog who's boss, if he step out of like we jolt that crap out of him and he'll learn to obey.
That is not the type of training that we are moving toward in the 21st century. We are moving forward for a reason, studies upon studies have proven those types of dominance or pain theories to be false.
So make sure your trainer can give you the "why" of what you're doing. Otherwise find a different trainer. We are educators for dogs AND people.
3. Look for someone with credentials of some sort. By this I do not mean a Bachelor's or Master's degree, though those are always plus points. (However, if you are going to see someone who is claiming to be a Behaviorist then they should definitely have college education credentials.)
Common credentials for dog trainers are CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed) or CABC (Certified Animal Behavior Consultant). There are tons of certification programs but not all are created the same. These are 2 examples that are extremely reputable. (If you are a trainer with other credentials I am not necessarily saying that they are inadequate so don't freak out).
If you're not sure what the letters after someone's name mean, do a quick Google search! You never know what you can learn. CPDT-KA, for instance, means the recipient has been tested on their knowledge of dog behavior, animal husbandry, basic psychology, learning theory, humane practices, and more. In addition there is a minimum amount of teaching hours they must have done so you know they are at least a little bit experienced.
Additionally, look for membership to some sort of professional organization. APDT (Association for Professional Dog Trainers) is merely one example of many. Why this is important is it shows their commitment to their profession and their desire to continually learn. Once someone stops learning (especially in an organic field such as animal behavior) then it's a slippery slope down.
If your trainer isn't part of any such organization, at least ask them what types of things they've been reading (case studies, new books on dog behavior, etc.) Chances are some will say they're too busy to read, which may be totally valid. But what you're really looking for is the trainer to show that they're current on their field. Like I've said previously, studies are continually published that are advancing our dog behavior world, particularly studies that disprove the dominance theory (for one example).
Just as you would want a veterinarian or personal physician that is current on the latest medical technology and pain-free procedures... you should absolutely expect the same from your trainer!!!
4. Is he or she a people person? You might think this doesn't matter so much, but I'll tell you why it does. After all, they're just working with the dog right, who cares if they like people?
Being a professional dog trainer is not JUST about working with dogs. Sure that's pretty much the first reason why people get into the field, and rightly so, but there is so much more to it. Just as I talked about continuous education being important, so are people-skills.
If the trainer has a boarding facility where you literally drop your dog off for training and then pick it up, then fine, maybe they're just good with dogs. (Although I would still want to meet ANY person I was leaving my dog with).
Here's the deal. Dog trainers work with dogs, yes, but they also work with the owner or handler (AKA a person). If a trainer can't effectively communicate to you what they are doing or what types of follow-through you should do at home, then you should work with a different trainer. Like I mentioned above, if the trainer can't explain WHY they are doing a method or WHY it works, then look somewhere else.
Additionally, if a trainer suggests something and it's unrealistic for the owner's lifestyle, or it's something the owner is uncomfortable doing, then the trainer needs to work to figure out a different solution that is acceptable to the owner and address the dog. Dog trainers are people trainers too! And they must be able to work with both sides of the team, the dog and the person. (Also dog training should be fun and you want a trainer who you can have fun with while learning!)
1. The trainer's methods align with your viewpoints.
2. The trainer provides explanations of the methods they suggest, and why it works or how your dog will perceive it.
3. The trainer has professional credentials and is current on the latest in the field.
4. The trainer is an effective communicator and people person.
There are loads more reasons, but here are four to start with! Happy training.
