“A good professional should be able to help you to form a stronger and healthier bond with your dog”
“With every Trainer, as with every tool, you need to find the professional who fits your philosophy and values, and you should first have a conversation with him or her about views and methods before trying the trainer on your dog. Its been said that if there’s one thing any two animal professionals can agree on, its that one out of three are doing it wrong. Trust me- there are enough viewpoints, methods, and philosophies out there for you to find one that you feel right about in your heart….”
Cesar Millan (on obedience tools and trainers)
I, for one, couldn’t agree more with all of the above statements. I frequently get clients, who tell me that I am there 2nd or 3rd trainer and some of them unfortunately have had negative experiences with their past trainers. It saddens me greatly to hear that they trusted their trainer as a “professional” only to later regret it. I’m not saying there are a lot of bad trainers out there, but it does happen.
My best advice is to always listen to your instincts! Never allow ANYONE to do something to your dog that you don’t feel is cruel or abusive. That is not proper training. Research the trainer beforehand and get to know their methods and philosophies to be sure they match yours. Get a referral from a friend if possible, talk with several trainers, ask to watch a class or have a private consultation if they offer one. If the trainer isn’t open to speaking with you, or able to answer your questions, that’s a red flag.
There are many training methods out there, and I don’t believe one is better than another, but there are definitely some tactics I avoid. As I openly discuss on my website, I consider myself an open minded and balanced trainer. One who believes different things work on different dogs and the core is about understanding, respect and communication between two species.
Although it is not a guarantee, you can also check to see if your Trainer has any professional designations (for example I am a member of both The Canadian Association Of Professional Pet Dog Trainers and the International Association of Canine Professionals).
A Little Positivity Goes a Long Way
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