03/17/2025
Hey everyone!
I had an incident today that made me really think about putting out some reminders about when you’re shopping for a trainer or when you’ve already committed to a training program and you’re working with a trainer. I’m going to give you a little list to make everything go as smoothly as possible:
1.). Make sure the technique that the trainer uses is one that fits with your philosophy on training. If you’re not sure you approve of the technique, ask a LOT of questions of the trainer. Get them to explain why they do things the way they do them. Make sure you’re comfortable with the methodology BEFORE signing up. Not all trainers are the best fit for everyone. Make sure who you hire is someone you’re going to be comfortable with.
2.) TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!!!! If something doesn’t feel right about the trainer you’re interviewing, it probably isn’t. This industry is NOT regulated at ALL. ANYONE can hang up a sign and call themselves a trainer. Get references, and check them!
3.). Understand that no matter what your trainer does with your dog, YOU will be an integral part of training at some point. Take it seriously. A dog is only as good as their worst handler.
4.). If the trainer is working with the dog first before working with you, understand that time is a lot of times not a factor in dog training. A good dog trainer will speak dog very well, and a lot of times can get something across to a dog very quickly. If a trainer works a dog too long, the dog will burn out and will actually go backward as opposed to forward. One of the biggest rewards is getting to quit. So if the dog is doing well, the training session may be short.
5.). READ YOUR CONTRACT!!! Do NOT expect a refund if the contract says no refunds after the first day of training. This is why it’s important to really vet out the trainer you’re thinking of using BEFORE starting training.
6.). If you are at the part of training where you are working with the dog, whether it’s a group class where you’re teaching the dog, or the trainer taught the dog first and now you’re learning to work with the dog, understand that this is the MOST important part of training. It doesn’t matter what a trainer can get your dog to do. It only matters what YOU can get your dog to do. No trainer is going to wave their hands and magically fix your dog. The trainer doesn’t live with you. You need to learn the technique. Go into lessons ready to learn, not occupied by other thoughts, and not over tired. ABSOLUTELY do NOT go into a lesson under the influence of any substances, whether legal or not. To do so is to waste your money and the trainer’s time.
7.) Understand that every human has a different learning curve. Working a dog is not easy, but it’s also not rocket science. Anyone can learn how to work a dog. Some just take more time than others. You only lose if you quit. Keep trying and you’ll get it.
8.). DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!! This is essential if you don’t want to waste your money. If you don’t do your homework, you will consistently have to repeat the same lessons over and over again, and that is not the trainer’s fault. Nor should they give you a discount because you’re not doing your part.
9.). Yes, you do want to hire a good trainer that is good at their job. But understand, even the best trainer in the world is not going to give you a robot dog that does no wrong. Your success ultimately depends on how well YOU work with your dog. Follow the rules, and again, do your homework.
