Selecting a Trainer - Rational Dog Training

SELECTING A TRAINER
YOUR DOG DESERVES THE BEST CHANCE FOR LIFE
By: Martin Deeley Copyright © 1999

Owning a good well-behaved dog should be and is for many Americans one of life's greatest pleasures. Whether it is as a pet, a service dog, a working dog, a hunting companion or many of the other reasons for owning a dog, the warmth and feeling of completeness a dog can give to a family has little comparison. The love and unselfish devotion of a dog, mans oldest and most loyal of companions is something that many dream of but not everyone achieves. Pictures abound of Rin Tin Tin, Eddie or Lassie, and images in our minds are conjured up of evenings spent in front of the fire with our loyal companion at our feet. A good dog that behaves acceptably can bring so much happiness and togetherness within a home but rarely does this come naturally.

Although we realize having a dog is a responsibility for shelter, food, and companionship we often forget that our dogs have to be shown and guided into ways that are acceptable in the human family to which they now belong. As with every skill some people are good at developing good behavior in dogs and some are not. Dogs have their own inherited and in bred skills, habits and traits and not every owner is able to mold and use these to guide a dog into behaviors that we as humans consider good. A badly behaved dog can create much expense, frustration, and even fragmentation within a home and the 'cost' of not training and developing good behaviors in a dog is far greater than those involved in ensuring he grows up as a 'model citizen'.

Ask any owner who has had their home chewed by their dog, their carpet destroyed by urine, or even litigation expenses in court. The fact is that dogs are dogs and will do dog things - chewing, barking, chasing, biting, and eliminating wherever they will, unless guided into the 'rules' and recognized acceptable behavior of the humans they now live with.

As parents we spend considerable time ensuring that our children not only receive the best education possible but also are brought up in a way that will make them good citizens and liked by people they meet. Their behavior often reflects our way of life. We also owe this responsibility to our dogs.

We can lose and gain respect from our friends and others because of our dogs. Life can be hell because of our dogs. Or it can be wonderful though their well-behaved good manners and companionship.

It is no shame to admit that we are not all able to train a dog, yet most owners believe at first it is easy.

Some owners have a natural talent, some dogs are naturals, but in the majority of cases we all need help. So where do we look to for help. There have always been obedience clubs able to provide group class training to help owners with basic controls but more and more we are seeing independent professional trainers offering wide and varied services. Everything from the group classes to private in-home individual tuition with methods of training that are 'guaranteed' to solve all your problems - and of course the dogs.

As a profession there are few requirements to setting up in the dog training business - a name board and a business card. Too often individuals have entered the profession because they 'love' dogs or have a desire to work with dogs but have little experience. Similarly short courses providing 'certification', and experience with one or two dogs using limited methods does not make a complete dog trainer. Only last week I read a flyer offering dog training based on 25 years experience, and then in the flyer it stated 'Franchises available'. I doubt the franchised trainers have had 25 years experience. Another corporation has advertised for dog trainers and stated:

No Experience Necessary. They have provided 120 hours of theoretical and practical experience to their trainers and issued them with a Certification.

A one months course in car mechanics and practical work on one engine does not make a Car Mechanic, and a wood worker that can only use a hammer and screwdriver is not a complete carpenter. Dog training is a profession where a wide practical experience of dogs and a wide variety of training methods is essential. It is also a people business as often it is the behavior of owners that has to change in order to guide or change the behavior of a dog. The profession demands, and owners of dogs deserve, a comprehensive 'apprenticeship' to have been completed by their trainers.

So how do you know who is the best to help you with your 'best friend'. The International Association of Canine Professionals has developed a checklist to help dog owners and potential dog owners with this problem. There are highly experienced trainers to teach, help and support dog owners, to make your lives happier and fulfilled through partnership and companionship with your dog.

With hundreds of thousands of dogs abandoned in shelters or euthanized because of bad or unacceptable behavior every year, the importance of a good experienced dog trainer cannot be over-emphasised. You owe yourself, your family and your dog the opportunity of a loving and devoted life together, which a good dog trainer can make very possible.

SELECTING A TRAINER:

The correct selection of a professional trainer to help a family with their dog training and behavior problems is essential. A good trainer should combine a variety of methods and be sensitive to the individual needs of the owner and the dog. While convenience, cost and scheduling are considerations, finding a class or having in-home consultation where you feel comfortable and successful should be your primary concern.

These guidelines have been developed to help in that selection. Shop around until you find a trainer that will work for you.

1. Ask your veterinarian for referrals. Vets see many well-behaved dogs often. Ask owners of well-mannered dogs where they received their training.

2. Good training is flexible and suits the needs of the dog and the owner. Competent trainers modify their methods so that everyone can succeed.

3. Find a trainer who can deliver what you and your dog need. If obedience competition is your dream, find a successful competitor. If you want to train your dog to assist you in your disability, find a trainer with that specialty.

4. If you have a specific problem with your dog, ask trainers what their experience is with this problem. Ask if they have experience with your breed. Ask questions if you don't understand their program or if something doesn't sound right.

5. Where possible observe the trainer with other dogs before enrolling. Are lessons orderly and enjoyable? Are students struggling with their dogs without getting help? Does the instructor use assistants to manage large classes? If an instructor won't allow you to observe them, look elsewhere.

6. How does the instructor interact with the dogs? Is the treatment too rough? Does the instructor genuinely enjoy dogs? Do the dogs enjoy the instructor? How does the instructor's own dog relate to the instructor? Would you be proud to have a dog that behaved like the instructor's dog?

7. Instructors only spend a short time each week with the students' dogs. Is the instructor preparing the student to practice until the next lesson?

8. Interview the instructors you are considering. Ask where they got their experience. How long have they been teaching? Ask about failures as well as successes.

9. Be skeptical of instructors who offer guarantees. Not all dogs and owners can be trained to the same performance standard in the same length of time. Look instead for instructors who offer to make time for students who need extra attention.

10. Refuse to deal with trainers who make you uncomfortable.

11. Is the trainer a member of a Professional Trainers organization such as The International Association of Canine Professionals or the NADOI?