No two dog trainers are the same. Right now there is a battle of trainers and philosophies that will make your head spin. Some trainers focus on positive reinforcement, others on more “Alpha” methods, and some in-between or balanced methods.
The dog training industry is unregulated, therefore you don’t need any education or certifications to call yourself a dog trainer. Believe me, watching a documentary on dog training or reading a book does not give an individual enough of an education for them to be a dog trainer. Continuing education by reading more books and watching more documentaries can show you that the “dog trainer” values education and wants to know how to better communicate with dogs and their human clients.
I graduated from Animal Behavior College in 2007, if I stopped my education there, I would be a very different trainer. As a positive reinforcement trainer, family dog educator, some would call me a “cookie pusher”. I disagree, when you go to work you expect to get a paycheck, for some dogs that includes food or toys. If you do a really good job you probably would expect a bonus. This is where you will hear “high value” vs kibble or “low value” treats/toys.
How to find the right dog trainer:
When looking for a dog trainer please keep the following in mind to see if they will be a good fit for you.
- Check their socials and their website. Do the dogs and owners look happy? Are any credentials, education, or philosophies listed?
- Ask them. What are their philosophies about dog training?
- Next, do your philosophies match?
- What do you want? Do you want a dog that is happy and healthy and you can communicate with, or one that obeys but only because of the device you are using?
- Is the trainer going to keep you a part of the training process?
Remember, if a trainer is doing all the work and building a bond with your dog, your dog will respond better to them. YOU need to be a part of the training process and be doing the work with your dog. Your bond with your dog will allow you to accomplish more. Remember, most of the work happens at home when the trainer isn’t around.
Finally, take the information you have gathered only then is how to find the right dog trainer in the area that works best for you and your dog’s needs. What works for one person doesn’t always work for you.