Author: Kelly Marshall
Choosing a trainer is a very important decision and one that
requires a fair amount of research and consideration. How your
trainer works with both you and your dog will impact your
relationship with your pet both during the trainings sessions
as well as in the future. Many owners have hired a trainer only
to find out they don't agree philosophically with the methods
that the trainer uses or are completely opposed to some of the
exercises the trainer uses.
To avoid these issues be sure to answer the following questions
about your trainer:
1.What qualifications does he or she have?
There are numerous training certifications and credentials that
trainers may hold depending on where you are located. Check with
other breeders, groomers or even vets and other dog owners to
find out what trainers are in the area and then research their
credentials on the internet or from the various credentialing
bodies.
2.What references does the trainer have?
Does the trainer have any particular awards or recognition for
their school or training program? Are they endorsed by a kennel
club, breed organization or other organization? Most trainers
will have references that will allow you to contact them and
talk to regarding their training process.
3.Does the trainer use only positive methods or do they use
punishment-based training?
Most trainers no longer use any punishment based methods and do
not encourage yelling, physically punishing or using corrective
devices such as choke collars, shock collars or other
potentially harmful devices with the dogs. Clicker training,
behavior modification training and reward training methods are
all positive based and works on a dog's natural behavior and
the relationship between dog and owner.
4.Will the trainer let you sit in on a class or private
session?
This is often the best way to see how you will do under the
trainer's guidance. Is the trainer positive to the owners and
the dogs, or does he or she seem to become upset, frustrated or
even angry with the participants? Would you be comfortable in
the same environment if you were treated that way?
5.Finally, does the trainer offer flexible scheduling and what
is the cancellation or no-show policy?
Many trainers have a 48-hour cancellation policy and a
non-refundable no-show policy if you simply don't come to the
class. Other trainers will refund you the cost of lessons that
you don't attend. Some trainers will insist that you attend a
make-up class before you can proceed with your original class
as everything builds on the previous lesson.
Be sure to meet with the trainer in advance and feel
comfortable with them before you commit to lessons or leaving
your dog in their care. In addition find out if they need your
dog to be housed with them during the training or if the dog
will remain with you.
About The Author: Four out of five dog trainers recommend
shopping at http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com for dog beds & dog
feeders.
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