Top Tips To Find A Good Trainer
Welcome back my fur-loving followers, this blog post is all about how to start off your training the right way. Unfortunately, the dog training world and the trainers within it are not currently governed by any ‘dog training laws’ that may say, ban the use of harsh equipment. This means that when you go out looking for that brilliant trainer who will know everything and anything you want to know, it isn’t that easy. Whether you’re a first-time owner and new to training or haven’t been successful with training in the past, or have started hearing phrases like 'positive training' and 'modern training', finding the RIGHT trainer is your first important step.
As I’ve just mentioned, dog training isn’t regulated. So there are several different opinions out there when it comes tow to training dogs and I’ll just say it now… they aren’t all right! This includes top trainers, not everyone has caught up with the modern methods that are kind and effective. There are still ‘old school’ trainers out there who may give you the wrong advice! But worry not, I am here to give you the top tips on finding a top trainer:
Top Tip No.1
Get googling. (where we all start nowadays…) Just because dog training and trainers aren’t regulated doesn’t mean there aren’t organisations who attempt to do this. The organisations listed below have trainers that use modern, kind and effective techniques. So, If they are a member of one or more of these associations then you are very likely to be in safe hands:
- ~APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers)
- ~ICAN (International Companion Animal Network) Founded by many top trainers including Victoria Stilwell from 'It's Me or The Dog!' TV program.
- ~PPG (Pet Professional Guild)
- ~ICB (International Canine Behaviourists)
- ~APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors)
If you use our old friend Google to look up these associations, they will have a list of all the trainers that are registered with them so you can look up if there are any near your area. It couldn't be easier!
Top Tip No.2
Go and Observe. Found a trainer from one of the above associations? Great! You’re probably safe to book yourself in but don’t hesitate to go sit in on a class first to see how the classes go and ask the trainer or other clients any questions you may have. Found a local trainer that’s easier to get to or cheaper but they don’t say they are with any of the associations I’ve mentioned? Then a viewing is definitely in order. Several websites or advertisements may sound like they train using kind methods, but this isn’t always the case. So before signing up to 8 weeks of unnecessary stress for your dog (and you!), go and sit in on a class. Firstly, look at how the trainer teaches the dog a behaviour, take ‘sit’ for an example. There should be no: pushing the dog’s bum to get them to sit or yanking on the collar. A behaviour should be asked for not forced and then rewarded with a treat/a toy/praise. But more importantly, watch how they try to stop a behaviour. This is when you will see what methods your (possible future) trainer uses. An example: a dog in the class won’t stop barking. A good trainer would never: yell at the dog, hit the dog (even a ‘tap’ on the nose), use a choke chain, drop a tin of coins loudly on the floor or tell the owner their dog is ‘too naughty/troublesome for their class'. If you observe any of these things, then this class isn’t worth your time, money or your dog’s happiness. There are FAR better ways of training wanted behaviours and stopping unwanted behaviours which I talk about here ("Modern Training 101" coming soon). Any method that causes fear or pain is not the right method, is less effective and can cause problem behaviours (click here to read how) It is often when a trainer has tried all the 'kind' methods to no avail, that they may then resort to using more forceful methods, just to get the desired result. REMEMBER- this is never necessary. Just because the dog hasn't responded to one force free method, does NOT mean you then need to resort to harsher methods. There may be other methods that can be tried first, as well as an assessment of the situation and the dog's emotional state. There may well be a very good reason why a dog won't stop barking, such as stress or anxiety. In this instance, not only can a good trainer recognise stressed behaviour, but would also never try to scare the dog into being quiet as this can do more damage than good. (How? click here to find out). A dog trainer that will use 'any' method to get the desired result will not consider your dog's welfare before training, and therefore can not ensure that your dog will not experience pain, fear or stress during the training; all of which actually PREVENT learning. Not all trainers are aware of the negative impacts training can have when you use methods based on punishment (anything that can cause a dog discomfort physically or emotionally), and sometimes it does look like telling a dog off or yanking the lead does work, but is it working or is there something else going on? Read my 'When Punishment Looks Like It's Working' post to understand more (coming soon). And I wouldn't leave you hanging by telling you there are better ways to train a dog to stop barking but not tell you what they are! So go check out my “DON’T CHEW THAT!” (coming soon) post which will reveal all the kind and effective ways you can get rid of unwanted behaviours without even raising your voice.
There's quite a lot to take in there ^ so to sum up:
- ~Check out what associations the trainer is a member of
- ~Go and observe a class without your dog to see what training goes on
- ~Make sure the training is reward-based and force-free
Top Tip No.3
Don’t hesitate to ask your trainer any questions about your dog’s behaviour: why does your dog listen to your husband but not you? Why does your dog run towards any and all dogs it sees? What should you do if your dog stresses when you leave the house? Your trainer should have an answer for all of these questions and more. It’s almost guaranteed they’ve heard it before so, don’t be embarrassed, take the opportunity to learn a bit more about your dog’s behaviour. Remember if they don’t know, they can’t help. But most importantly, your trainer can not help you change your dog's ways unless you are ready to put in the practice at home. Training is a process not a magic switch, dogs learn at different speeds just like we do. Remember to be patient, consistent and have fun!
Top Tip No.4
If you're about to get stuck into training or are already full speed ahead, you are probably all stocked up ready, but in case you're not, my last tip is to get your training tool box in order! There are many things that should make up your tool set, and many that shouldn't! Make sure you have lots of yummy treats and a fun toy. Training doesn't always require copious amounts of food and if you are like me and have a dog that's really not too fussed about food, don't fear! There are many more ways to make training fun for your dog and reward their efforts without buying gourmet treats they won't eat half the time. For a full list of everything you need in your training repertoire check out the post: 'All The Training Tools You Need' (coming soon) Unsure what treats to buy or which toy is suitable as a reward? Then this post is a must read. And for the owners who have dogs that don't care how much you just spent on treats: 'Training Without Treats' (coming soon) will give you a complete guide to training using toys, games and tone of voice.
I hope you find these tips useful and locate a wonderful trainer who can provide you with the information and motivation you need to get that well-behaved pooch through kind and force free methods.