When a dog comes into your home, they have no idea what behaviors are unacceptable. As dog owners, we are responsible for teaching them right from wrong and learning to communicate with them on their own level. We often need professional help to achieve our goals, and knowing how to choose a dog trainer is essential to cohabiting happily with our four-legged friends.

Of the 65.1 million United States households that own a dog, only 8% take their dogs to obedience training. Working with the right trainer for your pet is essential for getting the best results.

With a few tips and tricks, you can find a great dog trainer to create a harmonious and happy home.

Qualities of a Good Dog Trainer

Choosing a dog trainer is one of the most important decisions you can make for your dog and household. The right leader will improve your dog’s life.

Quality, experienced trainers help dogs understand what their owners expect from them. They allow the animals to tap into their natural instincts to coexist peacefully with human beings.

The best dog trainers have specific characteristics that set them apart, including:

Patience and consistency: Every dog has a unique personality and quirks. Some learn faster than others, but they all require repetition and structure. Find a dog trainer who understands and accommodates dogs with varying capabilities. Your trainer should be patient and consistent, creating a positive learning environment where your dog can easily understand, learn and grow.
Verbal and physical communication: A dog’s primary form of communication is body language, and you need to look for subtle physical cues to understand them. A successful dog trainer can pick up on these small changes. They quickly learn whether a dog is fearful, territorial or confused and react accordingly. They can also use their knowledge of canine body language to communicate with your dog and translate these cues to you. That way, you can get the most from training at home.
Empathy and compassion: The best dog trainers put themselves in the dog’s shoes, building a trusting relationship based on positive reinforcement. Instead of ignoring or misinterpreting a dog’s anxieties, they understand each dog as an individual and adapt their training to make every experience positive.
Knowledge and professionalism: Only 28% of dog trainers in the U.S. have certifications. Your trainer should be committed to furthering their knowledge and deepening their understanding of canine behavior and effective training methods. They should also maintain the highest professional codes of conduct, using only humane training methods in a pleasant, positive environment.

Dog Trainer Green Flags

Much of the dog training industry is unregulated, meaning almost anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. As a dog owner, you only want the best for your pup, and doing extra research is essential to find a trainer who understands your dog’s needs.

Consider these key factors when choosing a dog trainer:

Positive reinforcement: This is a training method that rewards good behaviors. Phrases like “force-free” and “reward” are excellent signs that your potential trainer has your dog’s best interests at heart.
Favorable customer testimonials: Other people’s experiences with a dog trainer are one of your most critical green flags. If your potential trainer has positive reviews, it speaks volumes about the type of experience you can expect.
Adaptability: The best dog trainers understand that every dog is different. They adapt their training practices to support each dog as an individual. They will avoid making generalized claims about how they plan to work with your dog or training timelines until they can assess your dog in person.
Proper certifications and credentials: Look for a dog trainer with up-to-date certifications and a commitment to ongoing learning.
Deep understanding of canine behavior: A knowledgeable trainer can explain why your dog exhibits certain behaviors. Many behaviors we consider unacceptable are normal for dogs, and a trainer with a good understanding of dog behavior can get to an issue’s source.

Dog Trainer Red Flags

Consider your dog’s temperament and training objectives when selecting a trainer. A trainer whose methods align with your goals is the ideal fit. With a mix of dog trainers out there, you must also be aware of any red flags, including:

Dominance-based training methods: Many fear and dominance dog training methods are outdated. If your potential trainer uses dominance-based language or recommends using aversive tools and punishment to train your dog, find someone new.
Guaranteed results: As every dog is different, guaranteeing results, especially in a specific time frame, often indicates fear-based training methods or lack of knowledge.
One-size-fits-all approach: Trainers who use the same approach for every dog lack a thorough understanding of dog behavior. Suppose your potential trainer ignores your dog’s body language or forces them into stressful situations. In that case, they often do more harm than good.
Lack of qualifications: If a trainer is unable to demonstrate their qualifications or commitment to ongoing learning, it is best to forgo working with them.

Questions to Ask a Dog Trainer

Choosing a dog trainer is a big decision. Any reputable trainer will happily provide insight into their methods and approach to working with your dog.

Set up an interview with your potential trainer and ask the following questions:

What education, certifications and memberships do you hold? Remember, your trainer should have current memberships with ethical training organizations and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing education in their field.
Can we visit the training center and watch some sessions before we commit to working with you? A great dog trainer will welcome a visit. Any trainer who refuses is an immediate red flag. When you visit, focus on the dogs and look for signs of fear, stress or punishment.
How do you address unwanted behavior? Good trainers try to understand unwanted behaviors and address them slowly. They never punish these behaviors but rather try to replace them with more desirable ones.
How do you work with anxious or fearful dogs? The correct answer here is to build their confidence.
Do you guarantee results? Trainers should always aim to achieve desirable outcomes. However, they should admit that they are only sometimes possible and explain that every dog develops in its time frame.

Find the Best Dog Trainer for Your Needs With Off Leash K9 Training Maryland

At Off Leash K9 Training Maryland, we have an experienced and certified team of trainers with a genuine passion for working with dogs. Each has a long and varied history with animals and the skills and experience to work with any breed, age and size. We offer many unique training programs to meet dogs where they are, using positive reinforcement and recognized training methods.

We treat every pet as an individual and offer free consultations, helping you identify the best training programs for their unique needs. Contact us for more information, and let the bond with your dog be off-leash.