How Do I Choose the Right Dog Trainer for Me?

Published 01/26/2025

In This Section:

• Considerations When Choosing a Trainer

• Types of Training

• Conducting Your Research

• Reliability Checklist

Choosing the right dog trainer is an important step in determining the future outcome of your relationship between you and your dog. A good trainer will employ positive reinforcement techniques while fostering a supportive environment where you and your dog can thrive. Additionally, it’s important to have an open communication with your trainer. You will want the ability to readily discuss any specific behaviours or concerns and ensure your trainer is willing and able to tailor their approach to meet your needs. Remember, training isn’t just about teaching your dog cues and mannerisms. It’s about building a strong, trusting bond that enhances your overall relationship. With the right trainer, you can set both you and your dog up for a successful and harmonious life together.

Where to Start?

So, you've decided to join many dog owners in their quest to conduct an online search for a reliable trainer. Whether you’ve recently added a new puppy or dog to the family, or you are wanting to seek more specific training, the options are limitless. This essential task can be both enlightening and a bit daunting. To help you streamline your search, here’s a helpful list:

• What kind of training are you looking for? Examples:

  • basic, intermediate, or advanced puppy training

  • behavioural therapy

  • aggression therapy

  • service dog training

  • puppy imprinting

  • sports and agility training

  • group format

  • one-on-one private sessions

  • specialty or custom training

• Who is in your area ready to assist you?

• What services do they provide that meet your needs?

• Do their prices align with your budget?

• How flexible is their schedule?

Conducting Your Research

Begin by creating a detailed list that reflects your lifestyle, needs, and the goals you wish to achieve. As you progress in your search, refine this list by adding more specific criteria based on your findings. This will help you develop a set of expectations when hiring a trainer and outline your personal plan effectively. Before ever coming to a decision about a trainer, ask yourself, WHO will train your dog, WHAT are you looking to achieve, WHY does your dog need training, HOW are you going to get results and WHERE should the training take place.

A widely used tool for surface research is Google Business Reviews. There is also Yelp, Reddit and other forum-based platforms to express opinions and experiences. All verified business listings enable the community to share their opinions and feedback based on personal experiences, while also allowing them to rate the services provided. It's crucial to remember that summarized business reviews and ratings should not discourage you from exploring the website itself. For instance, I recently searched “positive dog trainers” in my area and found several in the organic search results, each with varying reviews and ratings. One particular facility claiming to employ positive dog training techniques caught my attention with its 5-star reviews. However, when I explored their website further, I found a video demonstrating how to fit a prong collar on a dog. Any trainer who is committed to following positive training standards would not recommend or endorse this tool during training sessions or otherwise. While you have every right to form your own opinion and make your own informed decision on the use of these tools, conducting thorough research is essential.

Should you disregard a business based solely on a negative review? My short answer is NO. Here’s why…

In all honesty, I have mixed feelings about the existence of Google Reviews, more so the credibility of the reviewers themselves in many cases. On one hand, positive reviews can significantly enhance a business's online presence, improve customer experience, and increase SEO, leading to increased sales and demand. Conversely, negative reviews can foster a damaging stigma and erode credibility. While both positive and negative reviews are crucial in determining reputability, Google lacks the means to filter out false or malicious reviews. This can cause a divide a conquer effect between businesses amongst consumers and each other, as well as result in an ethical business being overlooked.

Last, but not least. Who’s your trainer and how do they uphold their services?

Your first interaction with your trainer is crucial and should provide you with valuable insights. First impressions matter significantly. Just like you with a family doctor, a legal representative, or a first responder, you are placing your dog's well-being in the hands of your trainer. Ignoring this important step can lead to unfortunate, and even tragic outcomes.

Dog training revolves around equipping humans with the skills to interpret their dog’s behaviour and respond appropriately. Equally crucial is your trainer's skill in providing the essential tools for reaching your goals in a straightforward and understandable way. For example, consider a dog that learns to associate a positive reward with making the right choice. To achieve this outcome, your trainer must apply the same positive approach with you as they do with your dog, thereby enhancing both your learning potential and overall success. The most common complaints I hear in the dog training industry:

• “my trainer always seems too busy to respond”

• “the class was overcrowded and chaotic”

• “training cost me a fortune and we learned absolutely nothing. We had to find a new trainer”

• “my trainer was very unprofessional and derogatory”

• “we’ve been on a waiting list for months with no communication”

• “the trainer used harsh methods and traumatized our dog”

• “our classes were cancelled, and we didn’t receive a refund”

• “my dog was attacked by another dog during training”

• “my trainer raises their voice when I’m doing something wrong. I’m there to learn.”

^^^^^ These are the reasons why first engagement, combined with thorough research is so important. ^^^^^

In this field, dogs, like all animals, can exhibit unpredictable behaviour. Fear-based bites can be devastating, not only for the bite victim but also for significantly impeding training progress. It's crucial to trust that your trainer will prioritize the safety of both you and your dog. Several years ago, I placed my trust in a dog training mentor to facilitate a supervised introduction with a German Shepherd while my husband and I considered adopting the dog. Although we were informed of some reactivity issues, I believed my mentor would take all necessary precautions to ensure a positive interaction. Unfortunately, that was not the case. My husband left the training facility with puncture wounds, and as someone who at the time was an inexperienced aggression handler, it left me feeling defeated. While I could instinctively place the entire blame on the mentor who ensured our safety and failed, I also take accountability for ignoring the red flags that surfaced throughout our business relationship. Note that in all cases, accountability is minimal in comparison to the end result.

Below, I have put together a checklist of important factors to consider when assessing the reliability of your future dog trainer specific to your needs. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!

• Pre-training consultation and availability

• Training techniques

• Detailed Behavioural Assessment and Evaluation form to understand you, your dog, and your future objectives

• Proof of formal education from a reputable dog training organization

• Ability to provide community references, including reviews, testimonials, or references from veterinarians, fellow dog trainers or other dog owners

• Clear explanations of services, requirements and terms/conditions

• Transparent refund policy and eligible criteria, including scheduling changes and cancellations

• Materials and resources for training maintenance, including unlimited guidance

• Business Insurance Certificate (where applicable)

J.Sauder