Team Dog! Learn the Secrets of Effective Dog Training!Reliable and Gentle Dog Training Based on Clear Communication

Most people understand that providing quality training for their canine companion is an integral part of the overall balance in the dog’s life, and their relationship with their dog…but, where does one turn to find a quality dog training professional that not only meets their needs, but helps them to understand their role for the rest of their dog’s life?

Let’s dig in to this and make sense of all that should be considered! As always, if you have any questions, or want to add something that can enhance this article or site, please email me at brice@teamdog.com! Here are my considerations, in no particular order:

Do you get along with the trainer? Regardless of how skilled the trainer may be, their people skills can keep you from getting the most out of the lessons. Training should be fun on all levels, for all participants! If your trainer is unapproachable in any way, look elsewhere. There are many complex considerations in dog training and behavior modification, and if you can’t talk to the person in “the know”, then how are you going to learn it?

How does the trainer’s dog look? Is their dog obedient? There are many trainers that do not have a dog, which has always made me wonder, but I am sure that there are certain circumstances that would trump this. It is easier to see the relationship between the trainer and their dog, but it is not imperative. Sort of like the mechanic that has a car that always breaks down…I would not use them, even though there may be a good reason for it.

Avoid trainers caught up in “Only”. Those that limit themselves will always find an audience or following, but your dog needs neither of those. A person that “Only” teaches Clicker, “Only” teaches remote training collar, “Only” teaches with positive reinforcement, etc., usually do not fully understand how dogs learn. A balanced approach is necessary, as balance is seen throughout all of nature, from ecosystems to behavior. Quick fact: there is no such thing as positive reinforcement only, and the trainer that claims that is unaware of how Operant Conditioning works…there is an opposite for everything. When the treat is used to lure Fido is withheld because he jumps, this is actually Negative Punishment (taking the existing food away to decrease the likelihood of Fido jumping), though many trainers will never admit to using “Negative Punishment” due to the pictures that the term conjures up.

Are you having fun? Classes or individual lessons should be fun, overall. Sure, there are times of confusion for both you and your dog, but the trainer should be skilled in helping you to navigate your way through the confusion and on to the “good stuff”! There are always cases where we should be serious in life, but in general, we should be enjoying it…the same is true of your canine companion and their training.

Obedience vs. Behavior Modification. Why choose? They go hand in hand many times, BUT, obedience is not always the solution to modifying behavior. Just because a dog has a wonderful recall, sit, down, stay, etc. does not guarantee that your Prada boots won’t replace their Kong ball, or that Thanksgiving dinner is safe up on the counter while it cools. Training should involve not only an action, but a behavior. Behavior is more of a state of mind, rather than a specific action. Unfortunately, even within the science community, the word behavior is used interchangeably, causing confusion. As an example, “the dog offered a sitting behavior” tells me more that the dog sat, rather than why or what his state of mind was. Yes, he offered it, but was it offered out of guesswork, fear, conditioning, etc. I want a calm state of mind, one that is clear. A frantic dog is less likely to learn. A frantic dog is typically more reactive. A frantic dog needs behavior modification more than learning how to sit. A good trainer can incorporate both into their training, and they should!

Does your trainer impress upon you the responsibility that you now have? Dogs are always learning, so we need to be sure to consider our ongoing influence upon them. Are you prepared for that? I make sure that my clients are fully aware that this animal is not disposable, lives, breathes and can be one heckuva companion, providing that they take the time to shape the dog’s experiences and behaviors. They are not furry little children, however, like children, they are in need of direction on a continual basis.

Does your trainer belong to any associations, and if so, what does it mean? Staying current on training techniques, ideas issues, etc. is the sign of an open mind (usually) and a continuing effort to bring the best information and help to the table. Most of us talk about having as many “tools in our toolbox” as possible, as no two dogs are the same, and we need to have as many different ways to get from point A to point B as possible, as you never know when you will run across “That Dog”! A good trainer also needs to know how long to pursue a particular approach before changing gears and trying something else, as changing too soon can cause confusion, and never gives the dog a chance to figure out the desired result. Do they continue their education?

What experience does your trainer have? While it is not necessary, if they have competed in any organized titling or competitions, you know that they are more likely to have a strong work/preparation ethic, know how to handle stress (things are different in training then when you have everything on the line!), and are usually pretty good at problem solving. The experienced trainer also understands the importance of mindset for the handler/trainer, which is definitely an important in all aspects of the dogworld. What training certifications do they have. How did they learn about dog training? An apprenticeship is ideal, but there are some quality schools out there as well. Nothing takes the place of experience. Experience takes years to get, though years does not mean experience. A person could have been training for 20 years, but never stepped outside of their own little world to see what was out there!

Does your trainer encourage the whole family to be involved? They should…keep the training as close to the real world as possible. I have seen many dogs that were awesome in the show ring, but at home, they were incorrigible. Once again, training should be about a state of mind, not the mechanics of sit!

Is your trainer helping you to build a relationship based on trust? Fear based training is usually a short term fix, and has long term psychological effects on your dog, some of which may not rear their ugly head until years down the road. Trust – without it, you do not have a companion.

Does your trainer look to help you work through a problem…or are they quick to move on or separate you from the rest of the class? In my group classes, we fix things in front of everyone, as we can all learn from what we see! In one-on-one lessons, I do not leave until we have reached some sort of progress on an issue, and the client has a clear plan on what to work on until the next lesson, and they have my contact information in case they run in to a problem that cannot wait.

Does you trainer have respect for people, and for dogs? That tells you a lot. What does your gut tell you when you interact with your trainer, or when you watch your trainer interact with others? Most of the time, we should follow our gut. If you differ in opinion with a technique, do you feel comfortable asking the trainer?

This is the minimum for what I would expect a person to look for in selecting a trainer. While I do not prescribe to dogs being furry little children, they are parts of our families, and as such, need to be given every opportunity to be successful in their learning and living with us. Finding a trainer should be fun as well, not a chore…have fun…have fun!