How to Choose a Dog Trainer

We all can’t hire Cesar Milan or Victoria Stilwell to train our rambunctious dogs. But if your pup’s behavior is consistently bad, and certainly if you’re a first-time dog owner, you’ll want to hire a professional dog trainer to show you the basics.  Before you begin, check out a few dog training books and DVDs, so that you know what you are looking for in a trainer, and what it is you want your dog to learn.  They will even help give you ideas about how to train your dog around the house.

For your convenience, we’ve broken down the selection process into seven basic considerations:

Most Dogs Need Professional Training

1. No Harm, No Foul

The trainer should use techniques that do not harm the dog in any way. This means no choke chains, shock collars, or any other physical, mental, or emotional technique which serve to injure your pooch. The trainer should treat your dog firmly but fairly, never in an unkind manner. At the end of the day, the entire training process should be positive. In fact, your dog should actually get genuinely excited about it!

2. Personality and Energy

Your trainer should get to know you and your dog very well. People understand personalities; dogs understand energy; a good dog trainer must understand both. Every good trainer knows this, and they also understand that certain training methods work better for certain human personalities and certain dog energy levels. This means that your trainer should customize the instruction for your dog. So take note early on. Does your trainer get familiarized with your personality and your pup’s energy beforehand? If not, then you should seriously question that trainer’s abilities.

3. Active Participation is Key

Does the trainer require your presence during the actual training? Are you an active participant…or merely a wallflower who stands by idly watching the pro? The ultimate goal of hiring a professional dog trainer is for you to learn the proper procedures for looking after your dog. But how can you truly learn the methods without physically doing them in the presence of an expert who can provide interactive instruction? Also, the trainer keep you informed on your pup’s progress? Is she improving? Did she hit a plateau? This feedback is crucial, as it allows you to adjust the daily regimen.

4. Money, Money, Money

Although we don’t like to harp on this point, at the end of the day you need to know how much the training will cost. I say we don’t harp on this aspect because it’s very difficult to assign a price tag to the positive mental, emotional, and physical health of your beloved pooch. Even though we joked in the opening, if you can hire Cesar Milan…well, then you’re going to spend thousands doing so. On the other hand, maybe you can’t find Cesar, but there’s a trainer in your town who can dog whisper with the best of them. If that’s true, then reach deep into your pockets because it’s gonna cost you! I have to say that we’ve actually found tremendous success her in Atlanta at our local PetSmart store. For any of you seeking an incredible training experience, visit the Ponce De Leon store (next to Whole Foods) and ask for Rebecca…truly amazing. And for only $99, we received a 7 one-hour training sessions inside the store. They even provide treats and coupons for discounts on all kinds of doggy goodies!

5. Is Your Dog Comfortable Around the Trainer?

Many owners often forget this critical detail, but make sure to observe your dog when she’s in the presence of the trainer. Take note of your pup’s body language, attitude, and general disposition. Is she afraid? Happy? Calm? As described above, dogs operate in the language of energy, and an effective trainer understands how to project the appropriate energy to create an environment which is conducive to effective learning and positive reinforcement.

6. Homework Time

We hated it in the 11th grade, but now you’ve got to review (and actually do) the homework you’re given. A good trainer will provide information that you should use after each training session. This could be practicing a new trick, working on properly walking, or anything else. If you’re not willing to do the homework, then just save your money. We can honestly say that training—no matter how great—will not stick unless you’re willing to do the extra work at home alone with your pup.

7. Consider the Group Approach

Many owners (including this one)find group dog training class to be rewarding experience. When a dog is trained alongside other dogs, she tends may actually be calmer since the rest of the pack is around. Additionally, socialization is vitally important for your dog, and this group atmosphere is a wonderful way to introduce your pup to other dogs. And if cost is a major consideration, then group classes are almost certainly going to be less expensive than solo instruction.

Dog Human Training

The first part of training usually doesn’t involve your dog at all. The trainer usually begins with…you! This is because you must first understand dog psychology. For example, one key to controlling the dog’s behavior is by becoming the leader of your pack. Once the dog understands you are the “alpha” of the household, she will better obey your commands. Of course, earning your position as pack leader will take time, but with appropriate professional instruction, it can be accomplished calmly, caringly, and lovingly.