Finding a Dog Trainer: “Right Fit?”
The search for a dog trainer can be overwhelming and daunting. Everyday more dog trainers are popping up. The only thing people seem to care about when seeking out these services is the cost, “How much?”. This process can be time-intensive, but it can be rewarding experience finding a dog trainer that listens to your needs, as well the wants and goals you have for your dog, and a dog trainer who understands your dog’s issues. It’s important to find a dog trainer who can customize a dog training program that fits your needs and end goals, but that teaches you as much as they teach your dog.
The first question as a small business owner that I would ask when looking to hire services like this is, “Do you have a business license?”, “Are you insured and bonded with your business?”, and “What type of hands on experience in the field do you have?”, and “Where did you obtain that experience?”.
Just because you think about hiring cheaper dog trainer that is a more convenient option for you, does NOT mean this is a better option for your dog. Ask yourself when researching for these cheaper and more convenient services, “Why do they have an immediate opening?”, “ Why are they so underpriced compared to their competitors?”.
Is it because they care more about quantity or quality? Do they have the proper hands on experience, the proper staff? Can I trust my dog with this company? Do they have the proper insurance incase of an emergency? Do the have the proper paperwork when starting? When searching ask if a business has insurance polices, and contracts, if they don’t you should look else where! If the dog training company you are looking into is NOT insured, then you can’t afford to use them. Try to think about all the risks involved.
Is it “OK” to shop around for a dog trainer?
It is absolutely fine to shop around for a dog trainer! You should do multiple IN-PERSON consultations before making that decision. You are the best person to advocate for your dog because you are responsible for their well-being, so take your time and ask your questions to determine if any of these dog trainers will be a safe investment for you and your dog. Ask these potential trainers “How can you help me achieve the goals I have for my dog?”, “What style of training methods do you offer?”, “What type of approach will you be suggesting for my dog?, “What type of programs do you offer, if any?”, “Will you be training my dog personally, or will I be working with a different trainer every week?”, “Are you available for video chat, text, phone calls when I need help?”, “What support do you offer outside our private one on one sessions?”, “Will you be teaching me how to work and train my own dog, not just training my dog by yourself?”.
These are all important questions to ask! Keep in mind and remember to not be afraid to ask questions. If the potential dog trainer gets defensive, uncomfortable, even angry, and or can’t answer any your questions, do NOT be afraid to move on and try another dog trainer until you find someone who accepts your request for more information.
Preparing yourself for the training sessions with your dog and trainer:
Before you start training with your dog, it’s important that you think about what exactly you want out of the training experience, the goals you have in mind for your dog, and understand the realistic expectations that might be there for the dog.
Write down any questions that are important to you to ask your trainer.
Ask how training sessions will be laid out, what is expected of you, ask how your trainer is going to help your dog achieve their goals, what will training be like, what do I need to bring to be prepared, what is the approach you will be using, what style training do you use, do you use more than one method of training because every dog is different and everyone learns differently.
The answers to these questions will give you a clear insight of what kind of dog trainer they are and what kind training they do. If the prospective dog trainer doesn’t offer up these kind of details, or doesn’t know how to answer these type of questions, this should be an indication to not hire this trainer. The dog trainer you hire should be confident with the training strategies they offer.
Making a commitment to your dog and to the training:
Your dog can’t ask you to train them! It is your responsibility to train your dog, NOT your dog trainers. Do not believe a dog trainer if they say “They will guarantee you results.” Why is this? Because a dog trainer CAN’T guarantee you are going to do the work! They can however make a good prediction, but lasting results is up to you, It is important to remember that dog training is not an overnight fix, it is a process that takes time. It takes approximately 60 to 90 days to properly condition a behavior into a dog. However, there are great experienced dog trainers out there to help you.
In conclusion, I hope this article has been informative in your search for a dog trainer. Remember that every dog is different, that everyone learns differently, and there are dog trainers out there that are experienced enough to not have a “one size fits all program and training method”. A good dog trainer will train the dog in front of them, and teach you as much as they teach your dog. Try to do your due diligence when researching for the “right fit” dog trainer for you!
