It can be very difficult to choose a dog trainer so I want to point out some key things to look for.
1. Contact - any good dog trainer or business will return any messages within 24 hours. If it takes multiple attempts to contact the trainer or business how are they going to make time for your appointments. Remember that just because a trainer doesn't train full-time does not mean they are not qualified or a good trainer. Many dog trainers that work full-time have to supplement with boarding, breeding, pet sitting, grooming, and other services.
2. References - a dog trainer should be able to provide you with professional and client based references upon request. They may even have testimonials on their website.
3. Customer Service - although a dog trainer trains dogs they should be very friendly and personable. If you aren't getting a good "vibe" keep looking!
4. Professionalism - they should have a website or social media page, business cards, and shirts/jackets with their company information and logo.
5. Media - the more photos and videos that a trainer posts the better! If they train so many dogs they should have lots of photos and videos to show off. Look for videos that a unedited, a heavily edited video will only highlight the best parts of the training, so uncut and unedited will give you the best of a trainers ability.
6. Training Styles - there are multiple different styles of dog training ranging from Clicker Training (Karen Pryor style), tradition leash and collar training, and remote collar training. Great trainers are educated in many different styles of dog training and can customize a training style that will best suite your dogs breed, age, temperament, and behavior. If you search the web you will find advocates of certain styles as well as out dated information about traditional leash and collar work and older styles of remote training. The most important factors are that the training is humane and effective.
Things to watch out for!
1. Trainers that only use one style of training.
2. Sending your dog away for training without follow up private instruction with you and the trainer.
3. Read reviews of the trainer/business and see what people have to say. If you have any concerns about reviews you have seen bring them up to the trainer.
4. Avoid trainers that speak badly about other trainers or training styles.
5. Remember if you aren't getting a good feeling or don't like how the trainer is treating you or your dog don't continue training with them. Training should be a positive experience building a respectful and trusting relationship between you and your dog.
Costs vary depending on region, trainer's experience, private vs. group lessons, and how much training you plan to do with your dog. Remember a well trained dog will allow you to take the dog with you more places, visitors in your home will enjoy your well behaved canine, and you'll be setting a good example of proper dog ownership! It's worth the time and investment to have a dog that you enjoy spending time with!
If you ever have any questions feel free to ask or contact me via email or our facebook page at K9 180!
Thanks,
Krystal
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