Having a dog can improve the quality of life of many people, and this is even truer if the dog is well-trained. It’s easy to teach a dog a few tricks, but proper behavior and obedience training may take the work of a real professional. You need to look for the best dog trainer to make sure that your dog behaves appropriately.
There are many aspects of home life that you would want your dog to be well-behaved in. The best dog trainer would consider what these should be, and what your needs are.
8 Things to Look for When Choosing the Best Dog Trainer
There are many trainers around. If you want the best dog trainer for your dog, here are 8 things to look for before you choose.
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The kind of training you want for your dog.
The most basic training courses usually include obedience training and behavioral training. These two are also the most common courses that dog trainers offer.
Behavioral training helps your dog behave better when with other animals or people. This is the most essential type of training for your dog if you have small children or other pets at home. Obedience training, on the other hand, involves teaching your dog commands that it can follow.
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The other training services that the trainer can provide.
Other dog trainers will have a broader range of training services, such as agility training, or more specific training courses for working dogs. Consider what kind of training you want for your dog, and then choose the best dog trainer based on who offers it.
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Check the dog trainer’s credentials.
Aside from the kind of training that you are looking for, you also have to consider the credentials that a dog trainer has. Where did the trainer get trained? Did the trainer get formal education in dog training, or was it more of an apprenticeship that was done? If it was the former, where and how did he perform? If it was the latter, how long has the trainer done it for?
Don’t be shy to ask your potential dog trainer questions. You are entrusting the safety and well-being of your precious dog to him or her, after all.
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Make sure of the dog trainer’s methods.
This is probably the most critical factor that you need to consider. Make sure that the potential dog trainer does not use any technique that involves pain for the dog or anything that can potentially harm your dog. The best practices include positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding good behavior.
Ask to see the equipment that the trainer uses. This can give a hint of as to what kind of training that your dog will undergo.
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Memberships in any associations or certifications.
Ask the potential trainer if he or she is a member of any dog training associations, and any certifications for seminars and training that he may have. These are good indicators of if the trainer is brushing up on methods, and if he is keeping up with the latest trends. The best dog trainers always keep up to date. If you want the best dog trainer for your dog, make sure that you check for any memberships or certifications.
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How well can the dog trainer communicate with clients?
Training does not end after your dog goes home. It goes on every single day, as the things that can happen to you and your dog at home can affect your pet’s behavior. A good dog trainer also teaches a dog’s owner about the things to do, and things to watch out for.
Make sure that your dog’s potential trainer can also communicate well with people. This is to make sure that the trainer can also teach you what to do with your dog to continue the everyday training, once the formal classed end for your dog.
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Observe how the dog trainer is with dogs.
Once you’ve considered everything above, ask to see a training session to give you an idea of how your dog will be treated. And finally,
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Ask for the contact of some other clients.
This is because testimonials are a good way of knowing how well a training course worked. Don’t just talk to one, contact as many as you can.
Looking for the Best Dog Trainer for Your Dog?
Whatever type of training you want with your dog, make sure that you get the best dog trainer to ensure your dog’s well-being. We have the most experienced dog trainers, and we use the best methods that will ensure that your dog learns without compromising health and well-being. Contact Kimberly Gracner, Certified Canine Behavior Counselor and Certified Professional Dog Trainer at 636-352-3104. You may also send your inquiries to positivepaws@sbcglobal.net.
