Did you know that anyone, and I mean anyone, can call herself a 'Dog Trainer?   The field is completely unregulated, with no licensure, educational or legal requirements: however, there are efforts to improve this, such as The Alliance for Professionalism in Dog Training.  This would be a huge step in the right direction, but until then, it is crucial that you carefully vet all trainers by ensuring they are certified by a respected, modern organization (CCPDT is the industry standard), educated, and have the expertise you need - such as separation anxiety, aggression or fear based behaviors.     

Pay attention to the language the trainers use, particularly the ones below.

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• Pack Leaders:  Trainers who emphasize 'dominance' or being a 'pack leader' generally base their methods on discredited theories of dog behavior, serving to justify harsh training methods such as jerking on the leash ('corrections'), using choke, electric, vibrating, citronella or pronged collars, or other aversive equipment - which are not only cruel, but leave dogs stressed, fearful, and at greater risk of aggressive behaviors.  

• Balanced Trainers:  This euphemism simply means that they rely on positive and negative techniques, as those mentioned above.  

• Breed Specific Trainers:  Although it is true certain breeds might be predisposed to specific behaviors - the principles and laws of animal behavior apply to (you guessed it) all animals - humans included.  Therefore, be weary of trainers who suggest that the principles of animal behavior, or methods, somehow do not apply to certain breeds, such as German Sheppards or Pit Bulls.

• Certified Trainers:  Not all education and certifications are created equal.  Some trainers mention they are 'certified' but do not specify the organization.  Vet thoroughly, no less than you would for a child.

• Board and Train Programs:  Board and train programs, particularly with a trainer you are already working with, can help in limited scenarios:  but be extremely skeptical of anyone who guarantees results or quick fixes, these trainers often rely on fear-based techniques, punishment and aversive equipment; which can result in severe trauma to your dog.  Even in the best case scenario, dogs do not generalize well.  This means that if your dog learns new behaviors during her stay does not mean that behavior will be offered when in a different context.  Dogs learn best in their home environments and from their guardians.