Selecting a Dog Trainer
By Martin Deeley and Karen Palmer

The correct selection of a professional dog  trainer to help a family with their dog training and behavior problems is essential. A good dog  trainer should combine a variety of methods and be sensitive to the individual needs of the owner and the dog. While convenience, cost and scheduling are considerations, finding a dog training class, having in-home consultation or placing your dog into a Board and Train facility where you feel comfortable and successful should be your primary concern.

These guidelines have been developed to help in that selection and permission is granted to copy them for clients. Shop around until you find a dog trainer that will work for you.

1. Ask your veterinarian for referrals for dog training. Vets see many well-behaved dogs often. Ask owners of well-mannered dogs where they received their dog training.

2. Dog Training methods vary among the professional dog training community. Call or visit your local dog trainers, ask them about their dog training theory, tools, and methods to help determine which would work best for you. Keep in mind that many dog trainers have flexible programs which can be tailored to your needs. Others have specific areas which they specialize in. Speaking with them can help you decide which dog training methods may suit your needs best.

3. If you have a specific problem with your dog, ask dog trainers how much experience they have had with this problem. Ask if they have experience with your breed.

4. Ask questions if you don't understand their dog training program or if something doesn't sound right.

5. Where possible observe the dog trainer with other dogs before enrolling. Are lessons orderly and enjoyable? Are students struggling with their dogs without getting help? Does the dog trainer use assistants to manage large classes? If a dog trainer won't allow you to observe them, look elsewhere.

6. How does the dog trainer interact with the dogs? Is the treatment too rough? Does the dog trainer genuinely enjoy dogs? Do the dogs enjoy the trainer? How does the dog trainer's own dog relate to the instructor? Would you be proud to have a dog that behaved like the trainer's dog?

7. A class instructor/trainer only spends a short time each week with the students' dogs. Is the dog training instructor preparing the student to practice until the next lesson?

8. Interview the dog trainers you are considering. Ask where they got their experience. How long have they been teaching? Ask about failures as well as successes.

9. Not all dogs and owners can be trained to the same performance standard in the same length of time. Look for dog trainers who offer to make time for students who need extra attention.

10. Some dog trainers offer guarantees for their work. Be sure you understand what their guarantee implies. Dog trainers stake their reputation on the satisfaction of their clients, and some make great efforts to assist them in reaching their dog training goals. Remember, the level of training a dog attains depends greatly on an owner’s or handler’s contribution and not on the instruction of a dog trainer alone.

11. Refuse to deal with dog trainers who make you uncomfortable.

12. Is the dog trainer a member of a Professional Trainers organization such as The International Association of Canine Professionals or National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors?

13. Has the dog trainer received any type of professional education, including schooling, seminars, conferences, etc.? How are they continuing their education in the canine profession? Have they received certification from any specific dog training school, dog training program, or organization? Remember that there is currently no government-regulated licensing required for dog trainers. It is up to the individual trainer to educate themselves in every way they can.