Find The Best Dog Trainer
Find the Best Dog Trainer - Conventional Methods
Introduction
It is a must to choose the dog trainer with the right credentials, extensive experience, and the skills that can help shape your dog into a disciplined, happy pet. However, coming across the best dog trainer is easier said than done. As if the routine questions pertaining to when to start training and what style of training should be adopted weren’t enough, you also have to consider the kind of trainer you will rely on for ensuring that your dog turns out the way you want it to. That is a huge responsibility, so it is only natural to want to hire someone who has far more than just some know-how to train a dog.
The ground reality is that dog trainers have varying degrees of education and experience and may specialize only in one or a few aspects of dog training. For example, a trainer who specializes in basic training for puppies may not be the perfect pick for individualized training meant for canines with behavioral problems. What’s even more important is to know that the dog training industry is unregulated- which means anyone can claim to be an ‘expert trainer’, ‘dog psychologist’, ‘behavior consultant’, and so on.
Certification
When it comes to dog trainers, you can try and scout for an independent trainer who has been certified by the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers. An individual with this certification may bear the (CPDT-KA) title, which stands for Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed. Such trainers not only have an accreditation when it comes to training for dogs, but they also often have a lot of experience and need to get recertified every three years.
Other fundamentals
Despite the preference for certified dog trainers, there are several professionals who have carved a niche for themselves without any formal accreditation and helped many dog owners train their dogs to perfection. It is prudent to conduct thorough research on a trainer before you shortlist him or her.
For starters, the best dog trainer will not use submission, dominance, or fear-based dog training techniques. The most reliable and notable dog trainers only use humane training processes that harbor a relationship of mutual respect, trust, and understanding between the dog and its owner.
Also of equal importance is finding a trainer you can be comfortable with. Ask your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or family members if they know a good trainer in your area. Once you have created a list of the handful of trainers you think you can pick from, get in touch with each of them and try to learn more about their background. Ask them if they use dog-friendly techniques even when it comes to bad behavior, because there are a few trainers who use positive reinforcement for good behavior, but use fear-based tactics and ‘traditional’ dog training devices to correct unwanted behavior.
Last but not least, the best deal for you would be to set aside some time and observe the trainer in action while he or she is conducting dog training courses or dog obedience classes. Make a note of the safety measures used, whether both the owners and their dogs seem to be enjoying themselves, whether there are too many people in the class, if there are any assistants around, etc.
If you do come across a reliable dog trainer, you can be rest assured that you will have a well-mannered four-legged companion you can be proud of for life.
Jessie from Next Level Canine’s note:
Finding a dog trainer is a project within itself. Even with all the certifications and recommendations, one needs to feel comfortable with their dog trainer. This person may be coming into your home and working with your family. So it is important that the dog trainer you hire is someone you feel comfortable not only letting them train your new puppy but also feel comfortable letting them into your home.
Certifications
Certifications are great, but you don’t want someone that is only book smart because all situations are not by the book. I personally don’t want a by the book dog trainer. I need someone who knows dogs, not just train s dogs. Just like school teachers anyone can read the curriculum and assign text book school work. It takes someone special to see that not everyone learns at the same pace. I need my dog trainer to see if my dog is a treat, praise, corrections, toy, and or any combination of these. I need a dog trainer that is going to give me feedback and doesn’t mind me challenging him/her. When I do challenge the trainers techniques and methods I need them to educate me in their method. “The Talking Dog Method” is a perfect example of a training style that is not limited to one dimension. “The Talking Dog Method” was created with individual characters in mind making it ideal for any and everyone.
Fundamentals
The only way to create a true relationship, trust and understanding between the dog and his owner is by using a method that is understandable by both parties. Just because it makes sense to us doesn’t mean it makes sense to them. Dogs view respect through trust, trust through leadership and leadership is given to the alpha which is the most dominant dog of the pack. Dogs only see life dominance and submission terms, and its okay with them. Dominance and submission is in scripted in their DNA. The canine species doesn’t fear, but respects its dominant peer, since that is what they were created to do. “The Talking Dog Method” incorporates dog law making it easy to create a healthy and happy relationship.
I agree one should never use fear based dog training techniques. Submission and dominant training techniques are natural and effective when implemented properly.
Jessie Suarez, the creator of " Talking Dog Complete DVD Training Series"
