Choosing a Trainer: Two Key Considerations

Although many dog owners successfully train their pets without
outside assistance, some benefit greatly by using a professional
dog trainer. A quality dog trainer can help instruct the dog
while also providing the owner with invaluable guidance and
assistance. Very problematic dogs, those who seem inordinately
aggressive or unruly, for instance, often pose training problems
that outstrip the ability of even a relatively well-informed dog
owner and a finding a great dog trainer becomes essential.

Dog trainers do not require specific licensing. Any person with
a desire to do so can simply proclaim himself or herself a dog
trainer, hang up a shingle, and begin soliciting customers. The
bar for entry into the dog training profession is set so low
that it is no surprise that there are many inadequate trainers
trying to do business.

When choosing a dog trainer, how is a dog owner to decide who
they should trust with their pets care and education? Choosing a
dog trainer can be a very difficult proposition but separating
the untalented and amateurish from the truly gifted is essential
to your dogs well being. Making a mistake in hiring a dog
trainer will not only fail to help your dog, it could worsen his
behavior and make it harder to correct later.

There is no magic formula for choosing the right trainer. There
are any number of factors you may want to consider to find
someone with whom you can successfully work and upon whom you
can truly rely. However, there are at least two considerations
that should guide most any selection of a dog trainer:
Experience and reputation.

Experience

One should try to search out a trainer with significant
experience. Experienced trainers are more likely to be able to
successfully deal with the unique circumstances of your pet
based on their track record with other animals.

Additionally, experience inherently communicates at least a
reasonable likelihood of talent. One is not likely to have
stayed in business as a dog trainer for any significant period
of time if they lacked talent and failed to produce desired
results. Experience, in essence, is also a proof of at least
some ability.

What about new trainers? After all, even the most veteran and
experienced trainer began as a rookie. Does this mean one should
pass over every trainer who lacks a long track record?

You may be able to find a truly great trainer among the ranks of
the less experienced. There is, however, the increased risk that
the trainer will be unable to satisfactorily train your dog. If
you are considering a novice trainer, grill them about their
past experiences prior to entering the profession. Find out what
kind of dogs they have dealt with, if they have a more
experienced mentor, and how they feel they have qualified
themselves to work with your dog. Picking a rookie trainer could
work out perfectly, but it does increase the chances of dealing
with someone who is woefully unprepared to handle the job
responsibilities of training.

Reputation

Experience is an indicator of talent, but it is not a foolproof
way of assessing a trainers talents. It is possible for a crafty
marketer to stay in business a long time, after all, regardless
of the quality of their work. As such, it is appropriate to
inquire about the reputation of the dog trainers you are
considering. Solicit opinions and references from a variety of
sources in order to find the right trainer for you.

Great sources for information regarding wonderful trainers and
those you should avoid might include veterinarians, breeders,
pet storeowners and close acquaintances who have used a dog
trainer. By asking around, you can find out which trainers are
most highly regarded.

Ask the trainer himself or herself, too. See if they will
provide some references you may contact, preferably past
clients. Any trainer who is unwilling to do this should be eyed
with some degree of suspicion. Most qualified and talented
traders will be happy to give you references to contact. Be sure
to follow through. Talk to the references and find out all you
can about the trainer and the quality of training the former
customers and their dogs experienced.

There are a variety of factors that one may want to consider
when seeking out a trainer for their dog. The importance of a
trainer to a dogs life is significant and great care should be
taken during the selection process. Two things that must be kept
in mind when seeking a trainer are the trainers experience and
reputation.