Choosing a trainer is a very important decision and one that requires a fair amount of research and consideration. How your trainer works with both you and your dog will impact your relationship with your pet both during the trainings sessions as well as in the future. Many owners have hired a trainer only to find out they don't agree philosophically with the methods that the trainer uses or are completely opposed to some of the exercises the trainer uses.
To avoid these issues be sure to answer the following questions about your trainer:
1.What qualifications does he or she have?
There are numerous training certifications and credentials that trainers may hold depending on where you are located. Check with other breeders, groomers or even vets and other dog owners to find out what trainers are in the area and then research their credentials on the internet or from the various credentialing bodies.
2.What references does the trainer have?
Does the trainer have any particular awards or recognition for their school or training program? Are they endorsed by a kennel club, breed organization or other organization? Most trainers will have references that will allow you to contact them and talk to regarding their training process.
3.Does the trainer use only positive methods or do they use punishment-based training?
Most trainers no longer use any punishment based methods and do not encourage yelling, physically punishing or using corrective devices such as choke collars, shock collars or other potentially harmful devices with the dogs. Clicker training, behavior modification training and reward training methods are all positive based and works on a dog's natural behavior and the relationship between dog and owner.
4.Will the trainer let you sit in on a class or private session?
This is often the best way to see how you will do under the trainer's guidance. Is the trainer positive to the owners and the dogs, or does he or she seem to become upset, frustrated or even angry with the participants? Would you be comfortable in the same environment if you were treated that way?
5.Finally, does the trainer offer flexible scheduling and what is the cancellation or no-show policy?
Many trainers have a 48-hour cancellation policy and a non-refundable no-show policy if you simply don't come to the class. Other trainers will refund you the cost of lessons that you don't attend. Some trainers will insist that you attend a make-up class before you can proceed with your original class as everything builds on the previous lesson.
Be sure to meet with the trainer in advance and feel comfortable with them before you commit to lessons or leaving your dog in their care. In addition find out if they need your dog to be housed with them during the training or if the dog will remain with you.
There are some basic tips or requirements if followed sincerely will surely fulfill your dream to become an efficient dog trainer. Loving your dog will not make you a successful trainer but it will pamper your dog. Prior to considering becoming a dog trainer you must have sufficient knowledge about dog behavior, learning theories, behavior modification, first aids (both human and canine), dog competition, marketing and business management.
In order to become an efficient dog trainer first and foremost you need to deepen your knowledge by reading good books and watching videos on dog training. After going through several books thoroughly, decide on the best way to get practical skills for becoming a dog trainer and that could be achieved by attending the dog training seminars and conferences where handling skill is not taught which is very unlikely. There are several other ways where you can get hands-on experience. You may attend a school for dog trainers if there is any in your area. If you have a degree on a related area (veterinary, biology, psychology, zoology, etc.) then you can opt for it. Just watch out for a program that provides hands-on experience. You can also enroll yourself in some college programs that offer undergraduate studies on animal behavior only if they offer hands-on experience. Enrolling yourself in a canine club if there is any in your area to practice any dog sport schutzhund, agility, freestyle, etc. is a great way to get hands-on experience while you learn from experienced trainers besides training your dog.
In case if you do not have any such organizations in your area then volunteering at an animal shelter will be beneficial for you because it will help you to understand dog behavior and to gain experience with dogs with several personalities including many aggressive non-socialized dogs. Next you can do is to hire a professional dog trainer which is the best way to gain hands-on experience and become an efficient dog trainer and even if you cannot find a good trainer then the last options that remains for you is to take some distance courses on dog training and animal behavior though they are not so useful.
Apart from receiving hands-on experience you also need to get involve in canine activities and discuss with vets, breeders, handlers, certified dog trainers, behaviorists, etc. who are involved in canines health care and nutrition so that you get knowledge about overall dog care, besides handling.
Both Kelly Marshall & Peter John are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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