Finding a Dog Trainer 101

Here are some clarifications to help you decide what kind of trainer and training you need for your dog. Resources and links to listings of certified trainers are at the end.

A trainer trains you and your dog to do specific commands -- sit, stay, heel, come, etc.
A behavior consultant or behavior counselor helps you and your dog with problem behaviors -- jumping on people, aggression, separation anxiety, etc.
A behaviorist is a person who has a degree in animal behavior.
A veterinary behaviorist is a veterinarian who specializes in treating behavior problems and can run medical tests and use drugs to modify your dog's behavior.

So if you want help on, let's say, aggression, a person who only trains classes in obedience (or one who is just starting out as a trainer) may not be the best one for you. However, many trainers call themselves trainers but are behavior consultants or counselors as well and actually do behavior modification in addition to as obedience training.

Training Formats are, in general: group classes, private lessons for training your dog, private lessons for training you and your dog, board and train, or a combination of any or all of the formats.

Group classes are with a number of people and dogs generally held at a set time and place with a set format.
Private lessons are held at a time and place mutually acceptable to you and the trainer.
Board and train is where you send your dog away for training.

Training works best if you are involved in the process at some point. Otherwise, the trainer can get your dog to behave, but you can't. You have to know what to do to get the desired response from your dog.

Group classes are generally for teaching obedience skills -- sit, down, come, stay, etc., and some specialty training such as agility. Classes are for teaching cues or commands to groups of people. If your dog tears up your house while you are away, that is a behavior issue which is best addressed in private sessions because the trainer or behavior consultant needs to work with you individually to develop a program specifically to meet the needs of you and your dog.

Some Questions to ask the trainers as you decide which is right for you:

1. What are the exercises and/or procedure used?
2. Does the trainer provide handouts or written materials?
3. What kind of equipment is used? Will you need to bring it yourself, or is it furnished?
4. Has the trainer had experience with your breed of dog or the issue you need help with?
5. Should all your family members attend the training?
6. What kind of insurance does the trainer carry?
7. Does the trainer give information about care and ownership?
8. Will the trainer give referrals and recommendations, or are there some on his or her Web site?
9. Does the trainer belong to or work with any obedience clubs, dog-related organizations, or rescue groups?
10. Guarantees?? There are so many variables in temperament of dog (and their owners/guardians!!!) that a trainer should not make a guarantee as to the outcome of his or her training but should guarantee the thoroughness of his or her professional services. If a guarantee is offered, find out exactly what it is for.
11. What is the cost, and what is the method of payment?

Other information you may want to know and ask:

1. How did the trainer become a trainer, and what is his or her education?
2. What experience does the trainer have and with whom?
3. Does the trainer train full time or part time, and for how long?
4. Does the trainer have knowledge of your specific breed traits?
5. Has the trainer worked with the specific problem you are calling about?
6. Does the trainer specialize in any type of training?
7. Does the trainer keep up with innovations in training, tools, and techniques -- in other words, does he regularly attend any seminars or conventions?
8. Does the trainer belong to any professional organizations, and what are the qualifications for those organizations?
9. Is the trainer certified? Where did that certification come from?

Lists of certified trainers/behaviorists:

http://www.ccpdt.org/rstr/index.html
http://www.apdt.com/po/ts/default.aspx
http://www.sfspca.org/academy/referral.shtml