Recommended Behavior Professionals
Dogs
Training should be a pleasure for you and your pet. If you are considering working with a trainer or attending a training class, please keep the criteria below in mind:
Signs Of A Good Trainer
Uses primarily reward-based training*
Methods are enjoyable for both humans and dogs
Behaves professionally and respectfully, communicates well with people and dogs
Teaches you how to train your dog. All family members are encouraged to participate
Good teacher: explains, demonstrates, allows time for owner to practice, personalizes advice, is available by phone or e-mail for follow-up
Collaborates appropriately with other professionals (veterinarian, behaviorists)
Knows limitations with behavior problems
Allows you to observe a class in advance
Requires vaccinations
Facility is secure, clean, and of adequate size
Experience, graduate degrees, meaningful certifications, continuing education
Signs Of Trainers To Avoid
Equipment recommended for basic obedience is a choke collar, pinch collar, or shock collar*
You feel uncomfortable with what the trainer does or asks you to do to your dog
The trainer offers any kind of guarantee
Send-away trainers or “boot camps”
Refuses to use food rewards
Only qualification is living with dogs
Vague or defensive when explaining methods
Relies on dominance and wolf theory
Instructs you to knee chest, hit, forcibly hold down, frequently yank the collar
Recommends “alpha rolls”, “scruffing”, “helicoptering”, choking, or other painful methods*
Claims to specialize in specific breeds
Diagnoses medical conditions or recommends specific medications or medical treatments
References:
Good trainers: How to Identify one and why this is important to your practice of veterinary medicine Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2006, vol. 1, pages 47-52)
