Looking for a dog trainer? Here's how to find the right one for you

Are you planning to hire a dog trainer in your area? Great idea!

After all, professional training isn't just for "bad" dogs (in fact, we don't think that exists) - every dog ​​can benefit from practicing new skills.

Not only does obedience training help animals and humans live in harmony, but because it's a mental challenge for your dog, it can build their confidence and reduce anxiety. It can also be a wonderful experience you can share together, building new bonds.

However, finding the right professional isn't as simple as doing a Google search like "dog trainers near me." You need to find someone qualified, of course, but more importantly, you need to find someone who takes the time to get to know your pet's personality. Finally, you need to find someone you 'll enjoy working with.

Since choosing the right dog trainer can be a bit tricky, we asked 169 dog trainers from around the world to share their expert advice. This guide will help you narrow down your search by asking the right questions and understanding which types of dog training should be avoided.

How do you recognize a good dog trainer?

He or she has many different solutions to a problem

When it comes to training a dog, there is no one right answer. Just like us, our puppies each have their own learning styles and are motivated by different things.

“A good dog trainer will have a thousand different ways to get a dog to do something,” says Nichole Petrie of Bella's K9 Training . Bella, of Mikotusar Kennels & Aviary, adds that good trainers learn about the dog's personality and home life. They should also be able to explain their methods and work with you, the owner, as well. She concludes, “A good trainer will always want the best for the dog and will do their best to help ‘problem dogs.’”

He or she does not guarantee miracles, but he or she can guarantee the quality of his or her work.

First, let's be clear on this: while dog trainers shouldn't promise that you'll have a perfect dog at the end of training, they should be able to adhere to their methods and be willing to work with you until the unwanted behavior improves.

“Be wary of trainers who ‘guarantee’ results,” says Alan Baldwin of Legacy Dog Training . “A good dog trainer will be confident in their abilities, but dogs are individuals, and from one dog to the next, there is never a guarantee of behavior change.”

However, Zach Holland of Beach For Dogs points out another guarantee that might be worth considering. "Ask about the trainer's refund policy, or if they have a lifetime guarantee that means they'll come back and fix any mistakes for free," he says. "A good trainer believes in what they're doing and won't charge you every chance they get."

He or she has references and positive reviews (and is willing to share them)

“A good trainer has a proven track record of satisfying clients,” says David Levin of Citizen Hound . “If necessary, see if your trainer can provide you with some references.”

'Educates' both people and dogs

If you want your puppy to learn new skills, it's important to stay consistent and continue training at home. "Dog training isn't just about dogs," says Levin. "The results will only be permanent if the owner understands the concepts and applies them. Your trainer should be as adept at training humans as they are at training dogs!"

Uses modern and updated techniques

“A good trainer is committed to continuing education, keeping up with modern best practices. They have a mix of training AND experience,” says Ursa Acree of Canis Major Training . “[They] seek and maintain certifications that independently measure knowledge and skills. They can cite sources for their protocols that go far beyond ‘this works for me’ or ‘I’ve always done it this way.’”

Respect the owner's wishes

“A good trainer should keep in mind, at all times, both your emotional well-being AND your dog,” says Acree. “No trainer should ever make you feel stupid or guilty, or pressure you to do anything with your dog that makes you uncomfortable.”

Has genuine qualifications

You don't need to be a pet professional to question a dog trainer's credentials—you just need to know a few tricks. "When it comes to credentials, all certifications should be earned through independent organizations, not from schools that issue a 'certificate of completion,'" says Sue Brown of The Light of Dog . "Ask what the credentials actually mean and whether they were earned through independent certifications or are just made-up credentials."

Seems to be the right person for you and your dog

It's not just a matter of finding a 'good' trainer versus a 'bad' trainer, but finding one that you and your companion are comfortable with. "Even if a dog training center has been recommended to you, they [the trainer] might not be the best fit for you," says Brown. "Some people are great at training dogs, but not so good at people. Some are great at working with people, but not so good at training dogs. Find someone who's a good fit for you and your dog!"

How can you recognize an incompetent or inexperienced dog trainer?

His training philosophies are outdated

Paul Owens of The Original Dog Whisperer emphasizes that dog training should be a fun and positive experience. He says to be wary of: “Anyone who says the adopter must show the dog who’s boss or uses the words ‘dominant’ or ‘pack leader’ [and] anyone who hits, kicks, shocks, immobilizes, or threatens a dog. We advocate for positive, force-free training, which means ‘never correct your dog, correct your dog’s behavior.’”

Uses physical correction methods or devices

Owens continues, "No choke, shock, or prong collars should be used. No ground restraints, no leash corrections, no threats or punishments should ever be used. Everything should be a 'trick,' and training should be fun and safe. Our motto is, 'If it doesn't make you laugh, it doesn't make your dog laugh either!'"

Shows his exasperation, provoked by the dog

Pet professionals need to be passionate about animals and their work, so any trainer who acts otherwise should be challenged. “ There are a few things that can raise red flags,” says Vanessa Berrios of Fur Life K9 Academy Inc. “Lack of patience, exasperation, poor attitude, [and] an unprofessional appearance, to name a few.”

...or by the master

" “Good educators teach their human students with patience and kindness, never making them feel incompetent or stupid,” Berrios adds.

Seems to be an amateur

"Hobbyists aren't necessarily bad trainers," says Clark of Intelligent K9 Training . "They may simply be limited in their knowledge, waiting to gain more experience."

He gives a few clues that betray an amateur trainer, including: not being able to explain things clearly (or at all), having only one way to teach a dog a skill (e.g., not knowing how to train a dog that isn't food motivated), or simply seeming to lack a wide variety of tools and in-depth knowledge about dog training.

Has a bad reputation

It's easy to find reviews online, and they should be read and scrutinized carefully. If there's a trend toward negative feedback, take it seriously.

“Read the reviews on their website,” recommends Anthony Catapanode of Worry Free Dog Training . “If they don’t have a website or don’t have reviews, look for someone with more proven experience.”

Reduce the choice

Meet potential educators

Judi Schmidt of Cutter's Quarters Border Collies suggests that owners and their puppies interview at least three dog trainers. Consider observing how they interact with your friend and assess your dog's reaction as well.

Catapano agrees: "If your dog doesn't like them, that's the most obvious red flag to take into account. Also, if you don't get along with the trainer, move on to the next one! You need to have a healthy relationship with the trainer, as all the information and instructions will come from them."

Ask the right questions

Not sure what questions to ask? Here are some suggestions from the professionals we interviewed:

• How long have you been a dog trainer and how many dogs have you trained?

• What is your specialty and how long have you been practicing this specialty?

• What is your type of dog training?

• What are your positive reinforcement methods?

• What certificates and diplomas do you have?

• Why did you get into dog training?

• Can you give me some references?

Research reviews

Do your research for reviews by checking their websites, Facebook pages, and third-party sites like Yelp and Angie's List.

And, whenever possible, the best 'reviews' come from trusted people you know in your community. "Check out the trainer's reputation with nearby shelters, rescue organizations, or other trusted companies," suggests Ann Davidson of Canine Therapy Corps .

Hiring a professional dog trainer can help you and your companion learn new skills and strengthen your bond.

Our dogs are intelligent, emotional creatures who are always eager to learn. But even more so, they are always ready to please us—we just need to teach them how!

If you enjoyed the tips you found in this article, don't miss our next post on the best dog behavior training resources , according to our expert contributors. This will complete our ultimate dog training guide, which we hope will help improve the bond between you and your furry friend!

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