Navigating the world of dog behavior and training really can feel like sailing on choppy waters, especially when you're facing challenging issues. It can be so consuming at times that it can even leave you seasick! With countless trainers, behaviorists, and self-proclaimed experts vying for your attention, it can be overwhelming to find the right professional to help you and your dog. We would like to offer you a bit of a compass to help navigate these turbulent seas and find a qualified and compassionate expert to guide you on your journey.
Understanding Some of the Different Types of Professionals:
Dog Trainers: Focus on teaching specific skills and behaviors, often through group classes or private lessons. May have varying levels of experience and certifications from absolutely none to multiple certificates and decades of experience. Many trainers are more concerned with obedience and the dog following through with cues than getting down to the root of the behavior.
Behavior Consultants: Specialize in assessing and modifying problem behaviors, often using a combination of training and behavior modification techniques. May have certifications like Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) or Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CBCC). These professionals are often looking to change the underlying feelings/emotions that the dog may be experiencing that causes outward behavior. Their focus lays in working on the actual cause of the behavior.
Veterinary Behaviorists: Veterinarians with specialized advanced training in animal behavior. These specialists can diagnose and treat extreme behavioral issues, including those with underlying medical causes. Hold a Diplomate certification from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB). These professionals are vital to the field, often being able to work with extremely complex behaviors.
Questions to Ask:
What is the training philosophy? Do they use positive reinforcement, balanced training, or other methods? Make sure that you ask what happens if your dog gets a behavior right and what happens if the dog gets the behavior wrong. If something doesn't seem right - go with your gut. Some trainers that lean towards compulsion training may advertise themselves as positive reinforcement because they may offer an occasional pet or treat - if there is more correction than guidance and reward, which is problematic.
What are their qualifications and experience? What certifications do they hold? How long have they been working with dogs? Do they attend continuing education classes to renew their certifications? Are the certifications through the company or franchise that they work with or through a third party. Often when trainers are certified directly through the franchise they're employed with, they lack broader knowledge of dog behavior and have a very narrow scope of how to handle complex issues. They also aren't generally held to completing continuing education to maintain their credentials.
What is their approach to your dog's specific behavioral issues? Do they have experience with aggression, anxiety, or other behavioral concerns that you may be experiencing with your dog? Can they easily answer questions about the behavior?
What are the fees and policies? What are their rates for consultations, training sessions, and follow-up support? Are you forced into a package, or can you do individual sessions?
Can I speak to previous clients or see testimonials? Hearing about other clients' experiences can be helpful - especially if these aren't listed on their website.
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
Promises of quick fixes: Behavior change takes time and effort. Be wary of anyone who guarantees instant results or heavy changes in just one session. Guarantees on the behavior of another sentient being is false hope and many times sets dogs and humans up to fail.
Emphasis on dominance or punishment: Aversive and compulsive training methods can be harmful and damage your relationship with your dog. A lot has changed over the years with dog training. and finding professionals who adhere to humane methods and the most up-to-date standards is so important for your dogs general and overall well-being and your own peace of mind.
Lack of transparency: Be wary of trainers who are evasive about their methods or qualifications. Remember that training their own dogs or their family's dogs or having dogs their entire lives does not and should not count as professional experience.
Felons and criminal histories: Since the dog training industry is not regulated, it is often a career choice for people just looking for something 'fun and easy' (which this career choice is a labor of love and can be extremely emotionally and physically exhausting). There have been many people who completely switch careers and start taking client dogs without any previous knowledge or experience at all (with a few even stating that watching certain TV dog trainers is how they learned everything). Some trainers may have just gotten out of prison and/or have extensive records and are looking for quick work since it's hard to find work with a record. This is absolutely something to consider if you are having a trainer come into your home! Does your trainer have clearances and background checks?
Use of tools on all dogs, for all issues: If they insist on your puppy wearing a correction collar immediately at a young age or they move right into an electric collar and corrections without trying any other methods first, this is a huge red flag that they do not have the skills necessary to be training dogs. Aversive techniques should never be the first stop. The sales pitch that it's just a tingle is also a falsity. If it wasn’t uncomfortable, it simply would not work.
Negative reviews or complaints: Do your research thoroughly and check for any red flags online or through word of mouth. While some people complain unfairly, if you notice a pattern, there may be a reason why.
Finding the Right Fit:
Trust your gut: Choose a professional who not only understands your dog and their needs, but that you are comfortable with and treats you well too. I've heard so many stories of trainers who have called the owners names or blamed them for their dogs' behaviors. This is not just unfair, but unprofessional.
Open communication: Effective training requires clear communication and a collaborative approach - if there is no way to reach your trainer in case you need them, it won't be of much help. Having a text line or open email communication is vital.
Realistic expectations: Behavior change takes time and consistency. Be patient and celebrate small victories. Anyone that promises instant fixes simply isn't getting to the root of the problem. Understand your dog's body language. If they're uncomfortable during training and your trainer tells you they need to be uncomfortable, it's okay to not continue. It's okay to stop training with trainers that make you feel uneasy.
Remember:
You are your dog's advocate: Prioritize your dog's well-being and choose a professional who aligns with your values. Sure, seeing behaved and perfectly obedient dogs makes us often wish ours were too, but all dogs are individuals - some are more social than others and it's okay to have differences. Learn who your dog is, meet them in the middle and work there. You are your dog's voice, always. Make sure your choice in a trainer will advocate as strongly for your dog as you do.
Don't be afraid to ask questions: A qualified professional will be happy to answer your questions and explain their approach entirely. If they don't have the answer or your issues are beyond their scope, they should refer you out to someone at a higher level.
Seek a second opinion: If you're unsure about a trainer's methods or recommendations, don't hesitate to consult with another professional. Remember it's okay to say no if something just doesn't seem right.
By following this compass and asking the right questions, you can navigate the treacherous deep waters of dog behavior and training and find a qualified and compassionate professional to help you and your dog sail towards a brighter future together.
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