Anyone can claim to be a Trainer, so ask questions
like the following if you’re thinking about
hiring someone:
How were you trained?
Look for someone who has had life experience,
someone who has been around animals, not just
taken classes. Ask about formal training, but
keep in mind that many good trainers are selftaught
through experience. Also, the best trainers
keep themselves well-informed about new
training methods and theories.
What training methods do you use?
You want to find a trainer who uses humane
training methods – someone who will give you
and your pet a positive experience. You don’t
want a trainer who uses punishment or compulsion
training (in which the dog is compelled to
perform a behavior and physically corrected for
noncompliance).
How much experience do you have?
The trainer should have at least six months of
experience. Anything less and the person may
not know how to work with problem behavior in
a calm, confident manner. Animals can sense a
lack of confidence, and the training will be less
successful as a result.
What types of animals have you trained?
Some trainers work with a variety of animals
and some only work with one type. It’s most
desirable for the trainer to have had experience
working with a wide variety of animals, since
you learn something different from training each
type of animal.
Are you certified by the Certification
Council for Professional Dog Trainers?
This is the only national certification for pet dog
trainers.
Can I contact a few of your customers?
Often the most helpful information comes from
those who have used the services of the trainer
you are interested in.
While you’re talking to the trainer, take note of
whether the trainer is patient and clear when explaining
the training process and answering your
questions. After all, your dog isn’t the only one
who will be in training. You will be, too, and
you’ll need to have good communication with
the trainer.
like the following if you’re thinking about
hiring someone:
How were you trained?
Look for someone who has had life experience,
someone who has been around animals, not just
taken classes. Ask about formal training, but
keep in mind that many good trainers are selftaught
through experience. Also, the best trainers
keep themselves well-informed about new
training methods and theories.
What training methods do you use?
You want to find a trainer who uses humane
training methods – someone who will give you
and your pet a positive experience. You don’t
want a trainer who uses punishment or compulsion
training (in which the dog is compelled to
perform a behavior and physically corrected for
noncompliance).
How much experience do you have?
The trainer should have at least six months of
experience. Anything less and the person may
not know how to work with problem behavior in
a calm, confident manner. Animals can sense a
lack of confidence, and the training will be less
successful as a result.
What types of animals have you trained?
Some trainers work with a variety of animals
and some only work with one type. It’s most
desirable for the trainer to have had experience
working with a wide variety of animals, since
you learn something different from training each
type of animal.
Are you certified by the Certification
Council for Professional Dog Trainers?
This is the only national certification for pet dog
trainers.
Can I contact a few of your customers?
Often the most helpful information comes from
those who have used the services of the trainer
you are interested in.
While you’re talking to the trainer, take note of
whether the trainer is patient and clear when explaining
the training process and answering your
questions. After all, your dog isn’t the only one
who will be in training. You will be, too, and
you’ll need to have good communication with
the trainer.
