Getting the Right Dog Trainer

Not all dog trainers are alike. How can we be? We are all individuals with our own beliefs and biases. We're only human!

But which one is right for you and your dog?

Well, think about it a minute. When you're learning something new, you want someone to be patient and walk you through the new situation. Then you want praise for doing it correctly on your own and to be shown again when you get it wrong. You want to be guided by someone who respects you and makes you feel good about your efforts, whether correct or incorrect. Now, couple that with the person teaching you speaking a language you don't know and  teaching you an intricate method of doing things from their cultural background. How difficult would that be?

Surprise! This is what your dog is doing! They will never fully understand our language and they only know dog-culture rules.

In the recent past, a trainer put a rattling chain around a dog's neck then yanked and jerked to get them to do something. What would be seen is a dog that would probably cower, lower his tail, show the whites of his eyes, and/or pant. This usually means the dog is stressed and confused. I don't blame the dog. I wouldn't want to be treated that way by a total stranger or my beloved owner, either.

Now consider the next trainer. They insist on a flat nylon or leather collar, a six foot leash, a clicker, and some yummy treats. They smile and never say a word to the dog. Then, suddenly, the dog sits down, there's a click, and a wonderful morsel is popped into its mouth. "Heck," he decides, "I'll try that again!" Another click and another treat. Too simple!

I suppose the moral of the story is, even if you and your dog have had a bad experience with one trainer, that's no reason to continue having a bad relationship with your dog. This only leads to your unhappiness and the dog probably ending up in the pound. There are many wonderful books, videos, and dog trainer advocate websites. Now more than ever there's hope in finding someone you can connect with.

There are many more dog trainers in this country that are dedicated to you having a fantastic relationship with your dog. Ask lots of questions on their training methods. Ask about videos they may have done so you can see them working with a dog. If you feel they may be a good fit, ask them over for a session and let your dog tell you what they think. You know the signs of a happy dog.

Just tune into that pup of yours and let the fun begin!