Finding a Good Dog Trainer This information comes from:
The American Humane Association
Contributed by Susan Hetts, Ph.D, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist |
- Look for trainers who use positive reinforcement for good behavior, rather than punishment for unacceptable behavior.
- Observe an obedience class without your pet. Are the animals and people having a good time? Talk with some participants after the class. If someone won't let you sit in on a class, don't enroll.
- Don't allow trainers to work your dog unless they tell you beforehand exactly what they plan to do.
- Don't be afraid to tell a trainer to stop if he or she is doing something to your dog that you don't feel comfortable with.
- If a trainer tells you to do something that you don't feel good about, don't do it! Don't be intimidated, bullied, or shamed into doing something that you believe is not in your dog's best interest.
- Avoid a trainer who offers guarantees. That trainer either ignores or doesn't understand the complexity of animal behavior.
- Avoid trainers who object to using food as a training reward. Food is an acceptable positive reinforcement training tool.
- Avoid trainers who won't let you use any training collar other than a choke chain. Head collars are a humane alternative to choke chains and pinch collars.
- If you believe your dog has been subjected to cruel treatment by a trainer, get the names and phone numbers of witnesses. Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately for a complete physical checkup. Tell them that the results of the exam may be used as evidence in a court case so that they will document the procedures with that in mind.
- If you witness cruelty, don't be afraid to file charges. Talk to your local humane officers or animal control officers about what you saw. They can help determine if abuse occurred and what next steps should be taken.
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BE INFORMED, DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Make sure that you and your dog are in educated and experienced hands.
BUYING A PUREBRED DOG?
Make sure you see where your pup comes from, how it was raised, and the temperament of the parents. A large part of a pup's behavior comes from the breeding and the way it was cared for in the first few weeks of life.
Just because the AKC is registering your puppy does not mean it will be a good dog automatically!Educate yourself on your choice of breed. If you are adopting a mixed breed rescue, make sure you will have support if problems arise.
Nutrition is very important.
Remember not all foods are right or healthy, nor is just one brand the only food your dog should eat. Quality proteins, not by-products, and organic pesticide-free ingredients are best for your dog!
Training should begin consciously by the owner as soon as you bring your puppy home. Remember, if you are told to force your pup to do things that scare him, DON'T do it, get some help. Research trainers use reward methods and not scare tactics to train. A "Certified Professional Dog Trainer" is a good bet; check out the website to see what this really means. Not all certified dog trainers are CPDT's.
Make sure you get your puppy vet checked in the first 5 days after you bring him home. Pick your veterinarian the way you would pick a doctor for yourself. You should be able to ask questions about vaccination schedules and how these vaccinations might affect your dog's health. Make sure your vet is up-to-date on the latest puppy health and behavioral needs. Don't lose time getting your puppy socialized in a safe environment. |
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