What’s the right way to train a dog? A professional explains how and why finding right dog trainer is personal.
I’ve worked in the industry for almost 8 years now, and I’ve seen it all. There is a wide spectrum in the dog training world; from pain-inducing corrections to purely positive motivation, where every negative behavior is completely ignored. And there’s one thing in common every trainer will tell you: that their method is the only method that works. And I’m here to disagree. Different methods work for different dogs and people, but there are a few basic rules to follow when hiring a dog trainer:
Personable/Dogable:
As much as you need to like your trainer, the same goes for your dog. If he is scared of the person, your dog isn’t going to learn as well as he should. Find someone you both get along with.
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Relatable: We aren’t all dog trainers. If we were, then you wouldn’t be in the position of hiring one. You are looking for a professional to help you understand your dog better. This means you should be able to understand them. Stay away from trainers who only use technical terms and speak down to you. The point is for you to understand them, not to be confused.
Professional:
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Methods You Approve:
With that being said, as long as you stay on the positive spectrum of the obedience training, there’s a little bit of leeway. Dogs are just as much individuals as people are. Some dogs will work solely for toys, where others require a clicker and treats. Pick what works for you and your dog. Personally, I love using the clicker and I believe it’s a wonderful tool. But I also understand that training can be overwhelming, and some people can’t manage the clicker on top of the dog, the hand signals, the verbal commands and the praise. It only works if it’s used properly, so I introduce it on a case-by-case basis.
When done properly, dog obedience training can save a life. The entire reason I opened my own company was because I lost my dog due to a car accident. Hers wasn’t due to a lack of training, but so many times it is. It may seem like a chore, but the payoff is worth it. Just make sure to find a trainer that you and your dog give two paws up.
Rachel Leavy lives in Rochester, New York with her dog, Maria, and her gecko, Nigel. She has loved animals all her life, and has owned her own dog training and walking company for five years. When she’s not playing with puppies, she can usually be found writing short stories, riding horses or out at a play.
