In many cases, dog trainers (especially certified trainers) are also "behavior consultants" who are skilled in working with behavior issues. If your dog has an issue such as reactivity (aggression), fears or phobias, or separation anxiety, you should look for a professional who deals in behavior modification. This is where things get a little messier. A reputable trainer understands that success depends on many factors, and will approach your dog's training as a journey in communication, trust, and skill building. Would your therapist, teacher, or doctor guarantee that he/she can "fix" your problems? No way! Programs that promise to fix obedience problems often use pain or fear to get results. Take caution with trainers who promote themselves using words like "dominance," "corrections," "discipline," or even in some cases, "pack leader." This may indicate training methods that are outdated, based on myth, and potentially dangerous to your dog.Īlso be wary of any trainer who guarantees results. Do they mention mentors? Does she/he have a social media presence, and if so, are you comfortable with what you see? Does the trainer work closely with others who are certified? That's a good sign. Don't automatically rule them out, but look more deeply into the trainer's philosophy and experience. There may be excellent trainers out there with no certification. Since positive training is backed by extensive research and can do no harm to your dog, I strongly encourage you to prioritize programs using positive methods. If these letters refer to a specific dog training school or program, check the program’s website to read about its philosophy. If you see letters you don’t recognize, the best thing to do is google them. Both of these programs emphasize positive training and show that the graduate has completed coursework in training theory and hands-on training. For instance, KPA CTP is used by graduates of Karen Pryor Academy, and PMCT refers to Pat Miller Certified Trainers. Other letters might indicate the dog training program from which a trainer graduated. To maintain certification, trainers must earn continuing education credits and promise to use safe and humane training methods. If you see CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA after the trainer’s name, this means the trainer has passed an assessment test that focuses on scientifically proven models of training, and also has at least 300 hours of hands-on dog training experience. There are few things that indicate a trainer is trustworthy and qualified. Some trainers specialize in areas such as therapy dog training. This could include your basic "sit, stay" type cues, tricks, and resolving issues like leash pulling and jumping on people. Most trainers can help with puppy issues, such as house training and play biting, as well as all levels of manners. Let's break down the different kinds of trainers and behavior specialists, so you can find the right professional for your needs.ĭog trainers tend to focus on manners (obedience). When looking for a dog trainer or behavior specialist, qualifications count. While there may be excellent dog trainers out there without any certifications or formal education, I always feel more comfortable knowing that a professional has made the effort to earn certain credentials. The goal of good training is to prevent and avoid conflict, not to let it happen and then "correct" the dog. If your only exposure to dog training has been through TV shows, you might be surprised to find that science-based, humane training methods are actually quite boring to watch. To complicate matters, dog training is currently an unregulated field, meaning that anyone can call him or herself a trainer or behavior expert with no substance to back it up. Dog trainers, behavior consultants, vet behaviorists, oh my! When your puppy needs training or your dog has developed a behavior issue, it can be confusing to know which kind of professional you should contact.
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