Everybody needs a little professional help now and then, and pet ownership is no different. Books and videos can have good ideas, but they don't really tell you what to do if your dog doesn't respond the way the one in the book does. If you've tried these sources and are still having trouble, it might be wise to get some one-on-one with a real live trainer.
How do you know a good one from a bad one? Trainers say "The only thing two dog trainers can agree on is what a third one is doing wrong," which points out the many conflicting theories floating around each claiming to be the answer to all your doggy woes. Should you use a clicker? Treats vs toys? How about a choke chain, an electric collar or a head halter or no-jump harness? Massage Therapy? Anxiety wraps? If you listen to everyone, you'll probably just give up and go get a goldfish.
First, check local listings to find trainers within your area, so you can meet and talk with them. Ask for local references from their students and follow through. Ask veterinarians, groomers and other dog owners whom they trust, then call or visit the trainer directly.
They should be professional and willing to talk to you and ask you about your dog and your goals.
Most trainers have their own dogs and you should see how they interact with them. Is there a lot of yelling and threatening, or constant feeding of treats for every behavior? Do the dogs seem well adjusted and responsive or fearful and nervous? Do they have to wear special appliances or apparatus in order to behave?
Results speak louder than theories.
See what they have accomplished in the world of dogs. While you may not be interested in showing your dog in performance sports, such as Obedience Competition, someone who has earned titles in these venues has had to train to a much higher standard and may have some extra tricks in their bag.
It is fair to ask for some background and references, and accomplished trainers are happy to show you their awards.
Most importantly, see if they communicate well with you. Some trainers are great with dogs but no good at explaining to people what they are doing or how they can do it at home. Chose someone who communicates in a style you can relate to, someone with whom you are comfortable.
There is a flood of newly christened "trainers" coming out of big box pet stores who have very little actual experience, but lots of indoctrination and theories about dog behavior and suggest you can solve every problem with every dog with only treat reinforcement. While "+R" as it is known in the industry is a very powerful tool for teaching, it requires great patience and excellent timing, and most people tend to slip into luring rather than reinforcing and then don't understand why their dog's manners have not improved.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who insist the only way to teach a dog that "sit means sit" is to use an electric collar. While this kind of collar can be a useful training tool when thoughtfully employed, it is far from the only way. Each dog is different and good trainers can adapt.
Look for someone who has experience in many different styles of training and who can adapt that method to you and your dog. Theories are great as far as they go, but results are what you are after, and that result should include a trusting, well adjusted dog who is neither a constant beggar nor a cowering fearful captive. Good trainers are balanced trainers who know how to use lots of tools to get results.
What about franchises? In order to be a "certified" trainer within a franchise, you have to pay for the privilege and attend some short period of training, usually a few weeks, which you also pay for. Once your check has cleared, you are anointed as a professional trainer and can go out and offer your services under the franchise name. Don't be surprised if your expensive trainer has less time with dogs than you do, and has to consult a manual when working with your dog.
In home ? Private Lessons? Group Classes? Board and Train?
In-home training is the gold standard, but also the highest cost training. However, if you get a good trainer to come to your home and work with your dog, and you listen to what they tell you and put the training in practice you should have excellent results, as well as the support of the trainer in between visits. You'll save money and time on traveling back and forth ( they come to you) and just like most quality items, you get what you pay for.
Next on the scale is private lessons. Once you have decided on a trainer , book a private lesson to get started. You'll pay by the hour, and you should get at least one good solution to your dog's issue in that hour ( and probably more) so its pretty cost effective. At that point you and the trainer can decide if you would like to continue with private lessons or whether your dog could go into a Group Class.
In a group, you'll pay less per session, but you'll also get less individual attention. However if you have a pretty good handle on your dog and enjoy the group experience its a good way to go.
Don't be in a hurry to choose your trainer. You'll be developing a relationship with this person and you need to feel comfortable. Check them out, ask for references and contact them, and have a conversation about your goals. Then get busy and get some help so you and your pal can enjoy life together. A well trained dog gets to do so much more than an untrained dog.
Call (209) 367-4901 or email k9julie@earthlink.net
