Choosing the Best Obedience Trainer for a Dog
Tips to Help Dog Owners Find a Good Dog Trainer
May 18, 2009
Choosing the right obedience trainer for a dog is an important decision for a dog owner. There are many dog trainers available with differing levels of skill and vastly different training methods.
What Type of Dog Training Method is Preferred?
Despite what some trainers prominent in the public eye would have a dog owner believe, punishment-based training or dominance training is rapidly losing favor among veterinary behavioral specialists. Current recommendations specify that reward-based training methods are not only safer for the trainer, but also produce a dog which is well-adjusted and not as likely to become aggressive.
According to Dr. Gary Landsberg, a veterinary behavioral specialist, in the May 2009 edition of DVM Newsmagazine, studies have shown that dogs trained with reward-based training methods were less likely to display attention-seeking behaviors, avoidance and aggression. On the opposite end, dogs trained with punishment-based methods were more likely to show signs of aggression, not only to strangers but to their owners and handlers as well.
What Should a Dog Owner Look for in a Dog Trainer?
A Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) is a dog trainer who has completed an intensive program studying dog behaviors and dog training. A CPDT has not only completed a minimum number of hours of training, but has also obtained references and passed an examination to gain the title of Certified Pet Dog Trainer. This is a good starting point when evaluating the qualifications of a dog trainer and deciding which trainer is the best dog trainer for an individual dog. Always ask to see a dog trainers credentials and find out about his/her experience. Avoid dog trainers who have no formal training and indicate that their training is self-taught.
Ask Questions of the Dog Trainer being Considered
A dog owner is well-advised to speak directly to the dog trainer being considered and ask questions about their training methods and techniques. The best dog obedience trainers will not be afraid to answer questions and will speak freely about training methods. The best dog trainers will embrace training methods which are reward-based and force-free.
The dog owner should also ask what kinds of rewards are used by the dog trainer in the training program. The best dog trainers will use treats, toys, clickers and/or verbal awards.
Watch the Dog Trainer at Work with Other Dogs in Training
Watching the dog trainer work with other dogs during a training session is a good way for a dog owner to determine whether the trainer is the best candidate for working with their own dog. Training sessions should be positive and fun for the dog. Techniques like alpha rolls and other confrontational techniques are not desirable training methods.
Ask for References Verifying Successful Training Methods Used by the Dog Trainer
A good dog trainer should be able to provide references from other dog owners whose dogs have been successfully trained.
By taking the time to do some investigation, finding the best dog trainer for a dog should be a relatively easy task. Remember to insist on a dog trainer who used reward-based training methods and avoids methods of confrontation during the dog training process.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
