10 Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Trainer

Not every owner can hire “The Dog Whisperer” to train their dog.  When a dog’s behavior is consistently bad, however, or if you are a first time dog owner, you may want to hire a trainer to teach your pet the basics.  To this end, here are 10 tips for choosing the right dog trainer.

1. The trainer should use techniques that do not harm the dog in any way. His methods should be above reproach and treat the dog fairly and firmly, but not in an unkind manner.
2. Does the trainer get to know the dog?  In other words, does he become familiar with his personality and needs before he commences training.
3. Does the trainer keep you informed as to how the dog is progressing
4. Does the trainer require your presence during the actual training
5. How much does the trainer charge?
6. Does the trainer give you a time-frame as to when you will see real results?
7. Does the trainer include you, the pet parent, with exercises to perform at home inbetween sessions?
8. How does the trainer use praise in his training?
9. Does the dog seem comfortable with the trainer?
10. Does the trainer provide you with information that you can utilize to continue after he has completed the training process?

There is another factor that you should also consider.  Ensure that the trainer is certified and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.  You can access this online site for additional information at: http://www.apdt.com.

While these are just 10 tips to for choosing the right dog trainer, sometimes it could be the owner that cannot seem to get a handle on the dog’s behavior.  One of the things that most good trainers will tell you is that when new dogs first enter a home, they establish their territory.  They become the alpha male.  Thus, they want to rule the home leaving you at your wits end. 

The key to the successful training of any dog or any breed, is to become the alpha male.  Once the dog understands you are the “pack leader,” he will conform to your commands no matter what they are.  Of course, this will take time, but it does work and it can be done calmly, caringly, and lovingly.

Finally, there is one more consideration in choosing the right trainer.  You can join group training classes.  The same questions apply, but in this case you may want to ask if your dog could be given individual instruction in addition to group training.

Most owners find this an enjoyable experience and the dog does as well.  When a dog is trained with other dogs, he tends to be calmer since he is part of a pack which is natural for him.  The socialization of the dog is an important one and can prevent unpleasant encounters with other dogs in the future. 

Most experts advise that having a personal dog trainer and attending a group session can be the best of both worlds.  The personal training can help you cope with the dog, and the group training can help the dog learn how to live a more structured life.

Originally posted 2009-02-01 15:20:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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