TOP 10 TIPS TO SOURCING A DOG TRAINER 1. Trainers have different approaches so do your research. Theres lots of terminology out there - balanced, positive, rewards based, aversive - research the terminology so you will have a better idea of what questions to ask the trainer about their approach. Also, some trainers prefer working with specific breeds, so find out if they work with bull breed dogs. 2. Vets treat the health of your pet. Some vets may have undertaken additional studies but as a general rule they will not claim to be experts in training your dog just as you wouldnt expect your dog trainer to give you complex medical advice. 3. Source trainers in your area either online or via recommendations to find a trainer with the skills and experience to deal with the behaviour issues you want fixed. 4. Talk at length to the trainer just as you would interview someone for a job. Ask questions, find out their qualifications, ask for references (and double check them) or ask to speak to other clients. Check out their social media presence and the comments on their posts. Dont take anything for granted. Anyone can pick a great name for their company or website but do they have the qualifications and experience to back it up? They should be asking you lots of questions as well in order to formulate a plan that suits your dog. 5. Groups training vs private consultation. Group training can be ideal for socialising dogs and getting the basics locked in but its not the place to fix behavioural issues. Having said that one-on-one training isnt cheap, even more reason to choose the right trainer. 6. A good trainer will have a training plan and will be happy to sit down and discuss it with you. They will explain the likely reasons behind your dogs behaviour, and what methods they will use to get the outcome you want. There are no trade secrets with dog training. Trainers who wont tell you what they plan to do probably dont have a plan. 7. If a trainer states they are a behaviourist then what course have they completed? A Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) is a 3 year degree. If someone states they are an expert in animal behaviour or psychology then find out where they gained those qualifications or what their hands on experience has been. 8. All dogs are different. We post lots of follower questions on this page and everyone has an opinion on how they fixed that issue with their dog ... I repeat their dog. We love everyones input but every case will be different and we often dont know the underlying issues or the individual circumstances. That is where a good trainer is key to isolating the issues and devising a training plan to fix them. 9. Be open minded, thorough, but most of all committed to follow through the training plan the trainer gives you. Dont tweak the plan based on a Facebook comment or a friends advice on what they did with their dog. Follow through on the training plan you agreed with your trainer. 10. Have fun! After all, it is about having a fabulous, fun, furry family member who makes you smile.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 21:23:00 +0000
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