Guide: How to find a dog trainer.
Allow me to share a little secret: the dog training industry is entirely unregulated in many parts of the world. This means that anyone can wake up one morning and decide to label themselves as a dog trainer, behaviourist, or even a dog psychologist (although, by the way, that’s not a word!) without acquiring any education or qualifications.
Consequently, this lack of regulation permits individuals to apply any methods to your dog. In stark contrast to veterinarians, who are required to attend veterinary school, dog trainers have no licensing requirements. Can you imagine the uproar if someone woke up and declared, 'I’ve had dogs all my life; I’m going to call myself a veterinarian'? That scenario would quickly result in massive lawsuits. So, why is it that we permit individuals with no qualifications and education to potentially harm our dogs in the name of training?
Now, what should you look for in terms of qualifications?
CTC - Certificate in Training and Counseling by Jean Donaldson’s The Academy for Dog Trainers.
KPA CTP - Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner.
VSA-CDT - Victoria Stillwell Certified Dog Trainer.
PMCT - Pat Miller Certified Trainer.
Dog Trainer Professionals may also possess an undergraduate or master's degree in Animal Behaviour.
Some other positive indicators to consider: dog trainers who are members of the PPG also known as Pet Professional Guild. This membership organization is committed to being force-free..
Additionally, force-free trainers have access to continuing education options. Remember, science continually evolves, and force-free trainers are eager to stay updated.
Fear Free Certified - making vet visits for our furry friends less stressful.
CSAT - Certified Seperation Anxiety Trainer by Malena De Martini.
SA Pro - Julie Naismith’s Seperation Anxiety program.
Acceptance into these programs indicates that a trainer has been certified by one of the force-free programs mentioned above.
For further insight into transparency in dog training, check out this video by Jean Donaldson.
Before hiring a dog trainer, be sure to ask numerous questions.
Questions include, but not limited to:
What are your qualifications?
Do you intend to use any shock/prong/choke collars, slip leads, water sprays, rattle cans, raising your voice, pet correctors on my dog?
What happens to my dog when they get it right?
What happens to my dog when they get it wrong? (A force free trainer will tell you nothing will happen to your dog, we want your dog to win a lot so we may consider making it easier for them or ask them to try again.)
Avoid falling into the trap of hiring an unqualified dog trainer.
Happy training!