Before hiring a dog trainer, read This (Part 1)

The dog training industry in the US isn’t regulated.  It’s regulated very few places in the world actually. 

This means that it’s hard to find accurate, science-based, up-to-date information – not only online, but when trying to find a professional to work with.  It’s not fair to ask dog owners who are just trying to do the best they can for their dog, who may already be feeling overwhelmed and on the edge of giving up hope, to also sift through a ton of conflicting information.  That’s what you’re looking for help for in the first place!

Unfortunately, until there’s GOOD regulation practices set in place, you are responsible for doing some research to get the best possible experience and care for you and your dog.  This post is to give you a guide to make that process easier – to inform you of some of the dirty little secrets and red flags in this industry as well as the things you want to look for.

As always, there are exceptions to every rule, so the number one thing to keep in mind is how you and your dog feel about the experience you have. 

Ask yourself these questions when working with a dog trainer:

1.  Do I feel comfortable with this person?

2.  Do they listen to me and my concerns?

3.  Does my dog look happy during training?

4.  Does my dog appear to be excited/happy when they see the trainer? (Obviously this doesn’t apply if your dog has a history of reactivity, fear of strangers, or they don’t seem to care for anyone outside the family already)

5.  Does your dog get to make choices during the training process and choose to be involved in the training process?

6.  Does the trainer force your dog to do things they don’t like?

7.  Does the trainer customize the training plan for your individual dog (for private lessons) or do they use the same tools/exercises for every dog they work with?

8.  How does the trainer respond to negative reviews?  If something happens, do you feel comfortable with them responding the same way to you?

9.  Is the training plan effective? Changing behavior can take time. Some behaviors take more time than others, but if you’ve been training for weeks or months with no change at all, that’s a red flag.

10. Is the trainer willing to refer you to someone better qualified if needed?  Are they willing to place your dogs’ best interests over their paycheck?

Marketing Terms    

 Because most labels are not regulated, dog trainers have come up with a variety of titles to better market themselves.  The vast majority of these don’t actually mean anything.  There are no credentials, levels of experience or knowledge/skill assessments behind them.

These include: Dog Psychologist, Master Trainer, Expert in Dog Psychology, Dog Behavior Specialist, Expert Consultant in Dog Psychology, or any similar variations. People make up some weird stuff. Additional terms like Balanced, LIMA, Science-based, Positive Reinforcement, Force Free, Fear Free, etc, usually give you more information as to the trainer's methods and tools.  However, you still need to carefully vet the trainer to ensure they actually use and understand the methods instead of simply using marketing buzzwords. 

     Real Terms

These are actual dog trainer terms based on tested levels education, knowledge and skill.

Dog trainer – this is your basic dog trainer. Literally anyone can call themselves a dog trainer and charge whatever they want and practice however they want. Again, it’s not regulated.  Many dog trainers have very high levels of education, knowledge and skill though.  They may have one or more certifications, they may be members of one or more professional organizations, and they may have earned one or more titles on their dogs.  This takes a lot of work and skill.

Example: Us! Though we have aspirations to become behavior consultants soon!

Behavior Consultant – this is a dog trainer who has earned this title through a butt-ton of experience and through passing a knowledge (and sometimes skills-based) certification exam.  They have to agree to a code of conduct and ethics and must upkeep their certification with continuing education units.  Those who fail to do so will lose their behavior consultancy status.

Example: Allie and Emily with Pet Harmony

Behaviorist/Behaviourist – This is a professional who has a master’s degree or higher in one of the behavioral sciences and has passed their certification test.  They are usually affiliated with a veterinarian organization.  They are able to diagnose and prescribe.
(Note that true Behaviorists aren’t common and this is a regulated field.  There are trainers who claim to be behaviorists, who don’t even know what a real Behaviorist is.  Check their credentials!)

Example: Lynne with Pets Decoded

Veterinarian Behaviorist – This is what it sounds like – a veterinarian who also has their Behaviorist certification.  These pros are the top of the behavior food chain and take the most extreme cases.  They often use a combination of behavior modification, management and medication.

Example: Chris Pachel with Instinct Dog Behavior and Training