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Choosing A Dog Trainer

Read Below First

Red Flags:

My Opinion

Never Let a trainer take your dog from you to train them; (There is a good possibility that your dog will return home afraid & with new problems;)

Bonding is the most important training you and your dog will need and if rover is away from you, your not bonding with him. Someone else is and it is usually not a good bond it is normally out of fear as you will see when he comes home, it is only a matter of time before the old behaviors return and you call your trainer because he gives a life time guarantee -

(try to get him back).

There are several things to look out for before you engage a trainer. You might want to consider these factors first before you engage one from a list of good contacts you got. I would say the trainer should have the following traits:

Be humane and gentle with the dogs during training.

and a effective communicator / teacher.

Both you and your dog must be able to understand his teaching for effective training. In short, “Do you understand the words that are coming out of his mouth?” A good dog trainer should involve both you and your dog, you must also be able to understand his teachings so that you can practice them when your home alone.

Trainers should never use electronic aids like shock collars which will hurt your dog and can damage your bond with him.

Rubbing your dog's nose in an "accident" will never work and will only confuse your dog. This method is harmful, unnecessary, unsanitary, and shows your dog that you do things to him that are scary and unpleasant.

Screaming is not training.

While a confident tone of voice is helpful, yelling may work against you by instilling fear in the dog. Dogs will learn better when they feel safe and secure. Screaming takes that feeling away.

If your dog is afraid of a trainer, you should be too. A dog who is not normally fearful should not be cowering or whimpering around a trainer. If your dog is not comfortable, the training will not be successful and you should stop the session immediately.

Never let a trainer dominate you or your dog. People who try to physically dominate their dogs may get bitten. Trainers should never sit on, kneel on, or otherwise force your dog onto his back. Do not let anyone talk you into doing this. Your dog may try to bite or could get seriously injured from this process.

Choking is not training. Always avoid the use of choke-type collars and trainers who would lift a dog off of the ground by his collar. Recent scientific studies show that choke collars cause injury. Even if the trainer uses a regular collar or harness, they should never yank your dog around on the leash.

"Don't worry, he's fine," is something a trainer should not have to say if they have explained what to expect out of their training methods, Like a head halter some dogs may rub & roll on the ground etc... to get it off there head this would be explained before it goes on. If your trainer is constantly reassuring you that their methods are safe, it's time to look for another trainer. Training techniques should always appear safe without reassurances.

Physical violence is unacceptable. This may seem obvious, but never let a trainer hit or kick your dog. Such methods are ineffective, dangerous, and possibly illegal. Training should never be abusive.

Bleeding is bad. Your dog should never bleed, vomit, or foam at the mouth as the result of a training session. If any of these things occur, contact your veterinarian immediately. Injuries should not be a part of a training session.

Trust your instincts. If you are ever concerned or uncomfortable with anything that your trainer is doing to your dog, end the session. Your dog depends on you to keep him safe, and you have an obligation to speak up to protect him.

When you choose to work with a trainer, you must be sure that the trainer's methods are safe. Here's some tips to help ensure that your dog is trained safely and successfully, as well as the red flags that may signal abusive training.

Must be experienced and up-to-date with the latest training methods. Keep in mind just because a trainer has letters after there name and/or trains at a dog club or similar facuility does not mean they are a schooled dog trainer, some trainers put letters after there name just to fool you into believing they are more than they are, Ask to see there degrees/certificates of completion of there schooling. Moreover Ask the trainer how up to date they are on there techniques just because they say there certified does not mean there up to date this only means they got there certification ---

(who knows when).

When a trainer has to list of all there Completed Educational Courses and the list is longer than your arm - Ask the dates of the seminars I'm sure you will be as surprised as I was on how many are many years gone by. -- MOST --

Don’t be afraid to ask him/her questions about there training background, training techniques, methods etc. An experienced trainer should have no problem answering your questions.

Just because your Vet or Neighbor says this person is a trainer still does not mean they have any schooling or training, they read a book or two - watched a video and bam they're a trainer. HUH -- Don't be fooled....

Dog owners often seek professional advice when it comes to training their animal companion and there are many options available. From DVDs, books and television programs, to local dog trainers offering private lessons and group classes, consumers have choices about the methods and styles in which they want to raise their pup.

Are you supposed to be your dog's parent or pack leader? Do you want your dog to be an obedience champ or do you just need him to stop jumping on strangers? What are the boundaries you want set?

Just like with human communications and psychology, there are varied philosophies, methods and approaches when it comes to communicating with your dog. It is important to define your goals and find a system that works best – and safely -- for you. Unfortunately, There are many cases in which a private trainer's methods were abusive and the animal was injured or killed.

Plus

K9 Korral Obedience Training Center