Choosing a Dog Trainer 

Finding the right dog trainer can feel overwhelming.  Unlike many professions, dog training is largely unregulated, which means anyone can call themselves a dog trainer regardless of their education, experience, or methods.  As a result, dog owners are often faced with conflicting advice and may not know what questions to ask. While there is no single "best" trainer for every dog and family, there are several important factors worth considering when making your decision.

 

Education, Credentials, and Continuing Education

​

​Organizations such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) offer certifications that require documented experience, examination, adherence to ethical standards, and continuing education. While credentials alone do not guarantee expertise, they can demonstrate a commitment to professional standards and lifelong learning.

​

When selecting a trainer, consider not only their credentials, but also their education, expertise, and commitment to ongoing learning.  Dog training is a broad field, and not all trainers have experience with the same types of cases.  A trainer who specializes in puppy development may not have advanced education in separation anxiety, aggression, fear, or other behavior concerns.

 

Training Methods, Ethics, and Welfare Matter

 

Training should not be judged solely by whether behavior changes.  Ethics matter. Welfare matters. How we get there matters.

 

Modern animal behavior and welfare science have greatly expanded our understanding of learning, emotions, stress, and behavior. As a result, leading professional organizations have developed Joint Standards of Practice that establish humane, evidence-based standards for professionals working in animal training and behavior.

​

Welfare is about more than preventing fear, pain, or discomfort.  It is also about helping dogs feel safe, confident, and successful in their daily lives. It means giving dogs opportunities for choice, freedom, positive experiences, and the skills they need to thrive in the world they live in. 

 

Aversive methods are techniques that rely on fear, discomfort, intimidation, pain, or the threat of those things to suppress unwanted behavior. Examples may include shock collars, vibration collars, prong collars, leash corrections, physical corrections, and similar techniques.  While these methods may suppress behavior, the underlying issue often remains unresolved. They may stop a dog from expressing a behavior without changing how the dog feels or teaching the skills needed to succeed in that situation.

​​

How a trainer achieves behavior change is just as important as whether behavior changes.

​

Board and Train Programs

 

Many dog owners, particularly new puppy owners, are attracted to board and train programs because they hope to bring home a well-trained dog with all the hard work already completed.​  Unfortunately, learning does not work that way.

​

Dogs are learning all the time, not just during formal training sessions.  They learn through their daily interactions, their environment, and their relationships with the people they live with.  Training is not something that is done to a dog.  It is an ongoing process of learning that involves both dogs and their families.

​

For this reason, I encourage owners to think carefully before sending a dog away for training. While a trainer may be able to teach certain skills, they cannot teach you how to live with your dog, communicate with your dog, or build the relationship that develops through everyday life together.​  This is particularly important for puppies. Raising a puppy is not simply about teaching cues such as sit, down, or stay.  It is about helping a young dog learn about the world, develop confidence, build resilience, and establish a foundation for a lifetime of learning.

 

Many board and train programs also rely heavily on aversive methods, including shock collars, prong collars, leash corrections, and other forms of punishment.  Before considering any program, carefully evaluate the methods and tools being used.  Training is not simply about producing behavior.  It is about understanding behavior, building skills, and strengthening relationships.   In my experience, the most meaningful and lasting results occur when dogs and their families learn together.

 

Trust Your Instincts

 

A good trainer should listen carefully, answer questions openly, explain recommendations clearly, and make you feel comfortable throughout the process.  Ultimately, the goal is not simply to find someone who can teach behaviors.  It is to find a professional who can help you better understand your dog, build practical skills, and support a successful life together.  The relationship between trainer, dog, and family matters.  Choose someone whose methods, philosophy, and communication style align with your goals and values.