Choosing a trainer.

Working one-on-one with a professional dog trainer is the best way to learn to train your dog. Unfortunately, finding a good trainer can be challenging. Several schools offer certifications worth looking for. Among the best are The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers in California, The Tom Rose School in Missouri, and Ivan Balabanov’s Training Without Conflict in Florida. Unfortunately, graduates of these prestigious programs are hard to find in the Northeastern United States.

Many trainers are certified by the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers. This private, not-for-profit organization offers a Certified Pet Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) certification. Earning this credential requires proof of three hundred hours of experience and a passing grade on a basic knowledge test. The International Association of Canine Professionals offers a similar certification (IACP-CDT) with even more extensive requirements. However, while the initials after a trainer’s name may reflect their training philosophy and suggest a commitment to continuing education, they do not guarantee expertise. The best way to find a good trainer is through referrals from the trainer's other clients, a veterinarian, or the staff at a reputable boarding facility.

Once you find a trainer, I recommend scheduling a consultation to meet with them before investing in an expensive training package. Look for a trainer who inspires confidence, preferably a kind, friendly person with whom you enjoy spending time. A good trainer should know how to train dogs, but must also be a good teacher. Their job is to enable you to achieve and maintain sustainable results. A new student learning to play the cello does not need Yo-Yo Ma as their instructor; they need a competent cellist who can teach.

At the end of your first session, gauge success by how much you understand rather than what your dog has learned. A capable dog trainer can get your dog to do almost anything in an hour, but please hold your applause. Building lasting behaviors and reliable responses will take time and effort on your part. If you do not understand how or why your trainer did what they did, you will not be able to maintain the results for long-term success.

Similarly, you must be comfortable with the recommended training techniques and exercises. Trainers give advice, not orders. Consider the information they share through the lens of your own experiences and sensibilities. If something doesn’t feel right, ask questions, and if you don’t like the answers, find another trainer.