Training should be a pleasure for you and your pet. If you are considering working with a trainer or attending a training class, please keep the criteria below in mind:

Signs Of A Good Trainer

• Uses primarily reward-based training*

• Methods are enjoyable for both humans and dogs

• Behaves professionally and respectfully, communicates well with people and dogs

• Teaches you how to train your dog. All family members are encouraged to participate

• Good teacher: explains, demonstrates, allows time for owner to practice, personalizes advice, is available by phone or e-mail for follow-up

• Collaborates appropriately with other professionals (veterinarian, behaviorists)

• Knows limitations with behavior problems

• Allows you to observe a class in advance

• Requires vaccinations

• Facility is secure, clean, and of adequate size

• Experience, graduate degrees, meaningful certifications, continuing education

​

Signs Of Trainers To Avoid

• Equipment recommended for basic obedience is  a choke collar, pinch collar, or shock collar*

• You feel uncomfortable with what the trainer does or asks you to do to your dog

• The trainer offers any kind of guarantee

• Send-away trainers or “boot camps”

• Refuses to use food rewards

• Only qualification is living with dogs

• Vague or defensive when explaining methods

• Relies on dominance and wolf theory

• Instructs you to knee chest, hit, forcibly hold down, frequently yank the collar

• Recommends “alpha rolls”, “scruffing”, “helicoptering”, choking, or other painful methods*

• Claims to specialize in specific breeds

• Diagnoses medical conditions or recommends specific medications or medical treatments

*Why positive reinforcement?

​

References:

1. Good trainers: How to Identify one and why this is important to your practice of veterinary medicine Journal of Veterinary Behavior              (2006, vol. 1, pages 47-52)

2. American Society of Veterinary Animal Behaviorists "How to Choose a Trainer"

3. American College of Veterinary Behaviorists "How to Hire a Dog Trainer"