How To Choose A Dog Trainer
Do you need a dog trainer?
If you're struggling to train your dog or if you've reached a plateau in your training, working with a dog trainer can be incredibly helpful. Dog trainers can help you teach your dog basic obedience commands, address behavioural issues, and achieve your specific training goals.
Looking for a good dog trainer can be a bit like looking for a good doctor or a good mechanic. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there who claim to be dog trainers but who don't actually have the knowledge, skills, or experience to do the job properly.
How to find a good dog trainer
Here are a few tips for finding a good dog trainer:
- Get referrals from friends, family, or your veterinarian.
- Look for trainers who are certified by a reputable organization, such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
- Interview potential trainers and ask them about their experience, training methods, and philosophy.
- Visit the trainer's facility and observe their training methods in action.
- Check the trainer's references.
What to look for in a dog trainer
When choosing a dog trainer, there are a few key things to look for:
- Experience: The trainer should have several years of experience training dogs.
- Certification: The trainer should be certified by a reputable organization, such as the CCPDT or the IAABC.
- Training methods: The trainer should use positive, reinforcement-based training methods.
- Philosophy: The trainer should have a philosophy that is compatible with your own.
How to work with a dog trainer
Once you've found a good dog trainer, it's important to develop a good working relationship with them. Here are a few tips:
- Be open and honest with the trainer about your goals and expectations.
- Be patient and consistent with your training.
- Work with the trainer to develop a training plan that is tailored to your dog's needs.
- Attend all of your training sessions and practice the training techniques at home.
- Be positive and encouraging with your dog throughout the training process.
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