What to look for in a dog trainer.
Don't risk your dog's safety. Choosing a dog trainer is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your dog.
At Pawfection we cover all of Central Florida and beyond, but our radio followers come from a variety of other states and we are often asked for trainer referrals for areas outside of our scope of travel. If you are too far from us, we've put together this handy guide to help you make an informed decision and avoid the scammers.
Anyone can call themselves a professional.
Dog training is an unregulated industry, which means anyone can call themselves a “professional dog trainer” regardless of their qualifications or experience.
Every week we receive calls from people across Central Florida, and even from other states, who have already spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars with trainers who failed to solve their dog's problems. Sadly, many dogs are left more confused, fearful, or anxious than when they started.
A little research before choosing a trainer can save you money, frustration, and, most importantly, protect your dog.
One call in particular inspired us to create this page.
A lady contacted us after paying $1,500 for a two-week board-and-train program for her 10-pound dog, who was deaf and blind in one eye. When her dog came home, it was wearing a shock collar and had completely lost its confidence.
Imagine being unable to see properly, unable to hear, separated from your family, and not understanding what is happening for two weeks.
Sadly, stories like this are becoming increasingly common.
We are not a shock collar company.
Unlike a great number of other “trainers,” we are not a shock collar company. Many so-called trainers run to the shock collar because it is easy and compensates for their lack of knowledge and experience. They will dress it up as a “communication collar,” but that is just a different name for the same thing.
Unlike many trainers who rely on just one technique, we use a wide range of training methods and choose the approach that best suits the individual dog.
No two dogs are identical, so no single training method should be either.
Our philosophy is based on:
No pain
No punishment
Distraction-based correction
Correct timing
Praise and reward
Individual training plans for every dog
Be cautious if a trainer recommends any of these.
Multiple lessons for simple behavior problems
Most behavioral issues should show significant improvement quickly. If you're immediately being sold large packages of lessons without a clear explanation why, ask questions.
“Board and train” programs
Dogs learn best where the behavior actually happens: in your home and everyday environment. When dogs are removed from their family and trained elsewhere, they're often not displaying the behaviors you're trying to solve. Whenever possible, we believe owners should be involved in the training process.
One method for every dog
If a trainer only offers one system, whether that's shock collars, e-collars, “communication collars,” vibration collars, or any other single approach, ask what alternatives they offer. Experienced trainers have a toolbox of methods, not just one.
Paying everything up front
Be cautious about paying large sums before any training has taken place. If you're buying a package of multiple lessons, ask how many sessions are realistically expected, what results you should expect, and whether there is a guarantee.
Being sold things you don't need
Be wary if you're told you must purchase special dog food, numerous obedience lessons for behavioral problems, or expensive equipment that conveniently happens to be sold by the trainer.
Always ask these questions.
In Florida, verify that the business is registered and active with Sunbiz. A legitimate business should have no problem being transparent.
Ask to see proof of liability insurance.
Don't simply be impressed by letters after someone's name. Many memberships are little more than paid associations. Research every qualification and understand exactly what it represents.
Professional working-dog experience is very different from owning dogs or completing a short instructor course. Ask where they gained their practical experience, and don't accept “always owned and loved dogs.” If their bio starts with that, stop reading.
A reputable trainer should be happy to provide previous clients who are willing to discuss their experience.
Read reviews from several independent sources. Commercial review sites are often used to sully the name of a competitor or to pressure a company into a refund, so local neighborhood sites or places like Reddit are often better. Online reviews can be manipulated, so personal recommendations remain one of the most valuable forms of feedback.
Ask about background checks (are they police checked?), insurance (ask for a copy), business registration (do they file every year with Sunbiz, and are they current?), and professional reputation. Your family's safety matters just as much as your dog's.
Credentials that aren't credentials.
“I've always loved dogs…”
Loving dogs doesn't automatically make someone qualified to train them. We've all loved electricity at some point; it doesn't make us electricians. Experience, education, and proven results matter.
“They're a veteran”
Military service deserves enormous respect. However, military service alone doesn't necessarily mean someone has professional dog training experience. If working dogs were part of their career, ask about that experience specifically. We have tremendous respect for military and police handlers because we know what they have been through to earn the respect they are due.
“They're a veterinarian”
Veterinarians are experts in animal health and they are surgeons. That doesn't automatically make them experts in dog behavior or behavioral rehabilitation. Behavior training should always be judged on the trainer's practical knowledge and results. Veterinary “behaviorists” often just resort to medication and are very expensive.
Look for someone who can clearly demonstrate:
Proven experience
Professional qualifications
Insurance
Business registration
Excellent independent reviews
Transparent pricing (can you get a fixed final price before they attend?)
A willingness to answer your questions
Training methods suited to your individual dog
Most importantly, choose someone who focuses on solving the actual problem, not simply selling you more lessons.
Three things to remember.
Never allow yourself to be pressured into expensive packages.
Never allow yourself to be blamed because training isn't working.
Never feel guilty into continuing lessons that aren't producing results.
A good trainer should educate you, support you, and give you confidence, not make you feel like a failure. If your dog still has exactly the same problems immediately after training, don't automatically assume it's your fault.
Sometimes the problem isn't the dog. Sometimes it isn't you. Sometimes it's simply the wrong trainer.
Take your time. Ask questions.
There are many excellent dog trainers, and there are many who simply aren't qualified enough for the responsibility they've taken on. High prices do not automatically mean high quality.
The best trainers are those who put your dog's welfare, your family's safety, and lasting results ahead of selling the next package of lessons.
Don't pay the full amount in advance. Remember that “free evaluations” are often either an assessment of your personal wealth to see how much they can get away with charging you, or an opportunity for a high-pressure hard sell.
Do your research. Your dog deserves nothing less.