A great trainer can help your dog learn basic obedience or advanced training for dog sports. This is especially true for novice dog owners. Even if your experience is extensive with dogs, a professional trainer can assist you in solving problems and improving your skills. You can also socialize with your pup in group classes. How do you know you have the right trainer?
Dog training is an industry that is not regulated. You can charge anyone for your services by printing business cards. It is vital to carefully evaluate potential trainers before you give up your hard-earned cash and your beloved pet. Choose the best training school. It would help if you researched to find the right trainer for you and your dog.
How do I select a good dog trainer?
A GOOD DOG TRAINER SHOULD HAVE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT AS THE NUMBER 1 THING.
Positive reinforcement refers to rewarding your dog’s engagement rather than punishing them if they do not do something. Training can include rewarding your dog with a treat or praise when gently walking by your side. Research shows positive reinforcement is the best method to increase a dog’s confidence. You and your dog will be happier and more likely to engage in social interaction.
One phrase that you want to search for is “force-free Training.”
Force-free training doesn’t involve fear, intimidation, or pain. It is cruel, abusive, and damaging to the dog’s health and well-being to forcefully use tactics such as hitting, yelling and striking, shock/prong/choke collars, and grabbing their necks are all examples of cruelty and abuse. These fear-based and painful methods stress and scare dogs making them more likely to be aggressive.
The one who is holding the leash starts training. A good trainer can help you to be more understanding of your dog, be consistent, meet your dog’s needs, and be consistent. If you are not receiving training, it is time to look for a new trainer.
Dog behavior
Dogs can be anxious at first. Help the anxious dog’s owner and instructor. Later classes should be more relaxed for the dogs. Be aware if dogs are nervous, agitated, or have their tail between their legs.
Class size
The APDT UK recommends that eight puppies are allowed in a class with one assistant and an instructor.
Environment
Is it calm and quiet in the class? Shouting or barking is a sign of high stress.
Tailored for you
Dogs are driven by different things and make progress at different rates. Can the class help dogs feel relaxed before taking part in activities?
The best decision in hiring a trainer for your dog is
Choosing a trainer who uses rewards-based training methods for dogs would be best. This could be positive reinforcement, forceless, or humane.
However, seeing those words on someone’s website does not mean they use these methods. See below for some questions.
Reward-based training for dogs is based on giving a reward to make the behavior more likely to happen again or withholding a tip to make it less likely.
Positive reinforcement refers to using rewards to increase a behavior’s frequency. Dog trainers who use positive reinforcement are called positive reinforcement dog coaches.
Others are called force-free or humane dog trainers. This distinguishes them from people who use aversive methods such as electric shock, prong cols, leash corrections’, alpha rolls, and the like.
Food is the best reward. Although it’s possible to use other reward types, such as play or praise, food works the best.
It would be best if you had a dog trainer that uses food to train your pet.
Because aversive methods are not always the best for dogs. These risks include making the dog afraid or aggressive, which can cause serious problems that may take some time to resolve.
See my article Seven Reasons to Use Rewards-Based Dog Training for more information.
Check out my dog training science pages for more information. There are articles on various dog training methods and places to read them.
An AnimalKind certified dog trainer is available in British Columbia, Canada. AnimalKind, a BC SPCA accreditation for animal welfare, is used by certified trainers for reward-based methods.
If your dog is on a special diet, don’t worry. There’s always something tasty to go with a special diet that will keep your dog motivated. When you find a reliable dog trainer, tell them your dog’s dietary needs.
Find a Trainer
From your local dog park staff to your neighbor, there are many places you can get recommendations for trainers. The AKC has a list of CGC evaluators who are approved. You may also want to check out the Association of Professional Dog Trainers Trainer search or Certification for Professional Dog Trainers directory. Do your research, no matter how impressed other dog owners maybe with a trainer. Finding the right trainer for your dog, your personal needs, and you are essential. An excellent trainer will guarantee a lifetime of harmonious and happy living with a well-behaved pet.