How do I choose a dog trainer?

Steps to choose a dog trainer

1. 1
   Start with your goal. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) makes identifying training goals Step 1 in its handout.
   AVSAB
2. 2
   Rule out medical causes. The ASPCA says some behavior problems can be caused or exacerbated by physical problems, so have a veterinarian check.
   ASPCA
3. 3
   Ask about methods. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says to ask the trainer about methods and training philosophy and to be comfortable with the approach.
   AKC
4. 4
   Ask about education and credentials. AKC and the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) both tell owners to ask.
   AKCPPG
5. 5
   Ask for references. The ASPCA suggests asking for a couple of references from former clients or veterinarians.
   ASPCA
6. 6
   Watch a class. AKC says to try to observe a class and to watch the dogs and students as much as the trainer.
   AKC
7. 7
   Check the scope. Humane World for Animals says some trainers do not work with aggression cases.
   Humane World
8. 8
   Trust your reaction. PPG says to get another opinion if anything a trainer says makes you uncomfortable.
   PPG

Red flags when choosing a dog trainer

Organization	What it warns about
CCPDT	Dominance language such as “dominant” and “alpha,” and a trainer who uses primarily punishment based methods, which it says does not meet the standards of science-based training
AVSAB (newer handout)	Words such as boss, alpha, pack leader, and dominant/submissive, prong or shock collars, the term “balanced training,” and punishing or correcting unwanted behavior
PPG	Methods that use pain or startle, which it says should be avoided at all costs, and a past client taught to be a pack leader or show dominance
ASPCA	Any training equipment that causes a pet to experience physical discomfort or undue anxiety
Humane World for Animals	Yanking on leashes or making your dog scared in a class

An older AVSAB handout says a conscientious trainer cannot and will not guarantee the results of a training program. Humane World says dog trainers are not miracle workers and behavior change takes time.

PPG says a trainer who will not provide references or allow you to view a class probably has something to hide.

APDT and AVSAB word this differently.

The Association for Professional Dog Training International (APDT) says its LIMA statement does not justify aversive methods in place of effective positive reinforcement, but an experienced trainer may find a more intrusive procedure necessary in some situations.

AVSAB’s newer handout calls methods that rely on force, intimidation, or pain unnecessary and unethical.

Credentials to look for

CCPDT says CPDT-KA means a trainer passed an exam and has at least 300 hours of dog training experience. CPDT-KSA adds an objective skills-based assessment, and CBCC-KA is for dog behavior consultants.

• CPDT-KA1,268 trainers
• CPDT-KSA117 trainers
• CBCC-KA124 trainers

AKC says certification is not mandatory for trainers but shows dedication and interest in continuing education. AVSAB’s newer handout says credentials alone do not guarantee quality.

PPG says the length of time someone has been a trainer is not a credential in itself, nor is a passionate interest in dogs.

Compare the dog trainer credentials on Goody Doggy or search the CCPDT directory.

Class, private lessons, or board-and-train

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  The ASPCA says you might benefit most from group obedience classes for basic manners and skills, and that a specific behavior problem is best handled by a professional outside a classroom.

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  AKC says a class gives socialization and distraction training, but some dogs learn best one-on-one.

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  The ASPCA says day training and board-and-train work only if the trainer teaches you skills to maintain the behavior, and it says to know and agree with the methods because you will not be there to supervise.

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  Humane World says trainers can assess a dog through virtual chats and videos.