How to Hire the Best Dog Trainer for Your Pet
When I decided to leave the boardroom behind, it just made logical sense that I would need to return to school to gain the skills and knowledge I needed to become a dog trainer. Imagine my disbelief when I came to find out that dog training, in the US, is an unregulated industry.
Now, let that sink in for moment. Potentially the person you hired to have a profound impact on your puppy or dog’s learning and behavior may not even understand how dogs think and learn. YIKES!
If you want a transform your dog’s behavior you will need patience, consistency, and the right guidance. Yet due to the lack of regulation and industry standards amongst dog training professionals are not straightforward. In this post, learn what to look for when hiring a trainer so you can make the right choice for you and your beloved pet dog.
Unfortunate Truths due to Lack of Regulation in Dog Training
Most of us have expectations when it comes to our pet’s behavior. Whether you have tried and failed or don’t have the time to train or want to give your puppy a head start, many will turn to a dog trainer in support of their training goals. A well-intentioned pet guardian that Googles ‘dog training near me’ will have a varying degree of quality leads returned due to the lack of industry oversight.
Qualifications: The absence of standard means trainer qualifications range from self-proclaimed so-called experts, like Cesar Milan, to those with an extensive education in behavior.
Methodology: Training methods span the pendulum from force-free, positive reinforcement, balanced approach, and dominance resulting in a perpetual spread of dog training myths.
Potential for Harm: When behavior isn’t understood, it’s too easy to reach for punishing equipment to be used. Leashes are meant for guidance and collars are meant to hold pet identification; neither are meant for correction. Punishing a defenseless dog is not only unfair but it damages the human-canine relationship we seek .
While normally I try to write with layers of positivity and optimism, I can’t help but get fired up because our beloved pet’s physical and emotional welfare is at stake. For those of us that wholeheartedly believe our pets are family the sad truth about dog training may leave you feeling disillusioned – but there is good news.
R+ Dog Trainers Lead with Education and Ethics
Education, positivity and safety are only 3 of the ways we stand out!
A segment of dog training professionals that already hold themselves to a higher standard -- R+ dog trainers. Using positive reinforcement methods, R+ dog trainers teach your dog what to do, instead of what not to do so that overtime your pet learns it pays to behave in the way that you want, rather than doing what may come naturally to them (i.e.jumping). (BTW- If you’ve given your child more screen time for proactively doing chores; or complimented your spouse for cooking dinner you’re already a natural at using a positive reinforcement approach). Here are 3 reasons why choosing a R+ dog trainer matters:
Guided by Science: Positive reinforcement is supported by decades of research in animal behavior. It's proven to be fastest and most humane way to train a dog.
Continued Education: Learning doesn’t stop with graduation for a certified R+ dog trainer. Certified R+ dog trainers are required to complete continuing educational credits ensuring their knowledge remains current.
Ethics: Committed to ‘doing no harm’, a R+ dog trainer understands there are no such thing as a ‘quick fix’ and will not offer meaningless guarantees.
What You Should Look for When Hiring a Dog Trainer
When you hire in a dog trainer, it shouldn’t be a crapshoot; it should be an informed decision. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Education and Certification: Effective dog training goes beyond mere affection and familiarity with dogs. A professional dog trainer should have in-depth knowledge of dog body language, learning theory, and the instructional skills to ensure your success.
Training Methods: You’ll want to know what approach the dog trainer will use to solve your problem. Does this dog trainer believe in using treats, praise and play to motivate your dog, will they use a combination or treats and leash corrections or will they train with a remote training collar?
Guarantees: There is no way anyone can guarantee the behavior of another being. So, if you hear these baseless claims, abandon that call as quickly as possible.
Where to Look for Help with your Pet’s Behavior
How many certified dog trainers (CPDT-KA) live in your state? As of May ‘23, there were just 151 in all of New Jersey!
Look no further! I’m available for in-home visits servicing Bergen County and have success with live online dog training consults. If you are reading this blog from afar and desire in-person help, conduct an online search for a certified dog trainer (CPDT) or dog behavior consultant (CCBC) with CCPDT.ORG or IAABC.ORG. Each of these organizations test applicants at a secure facility same place as where SAT, GMAT, MCAT are administered. More importantly these organizations are independent and do not guarantee a passing exam grade for credentialling.
Choose R+, Choose Love
Although the dog training industry is lacks standards, there are dog training professionals who a committed to your pet’s overall well-being. Choose a trainer that holds themselves to the highest degree of ethics and prioritizes continued learning. If it’s possible to train a horse, bird of prey and marine mammal without the use of force, so can you dog. Commit to your beloved pet’s well-being – choose R+, choose love.
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