What to look for in a dog trainer and why

Does your new canine family member need some help fitting in? Peruse your local shoppers guide or newspapers, and you will find dozens of ads for a dog trainer service. Do you know how to choose one to fit you and your dog's style?

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There are many, many different ways and methods of approaching dog training, ranging from the downright violent punishment and "alpha"-based types to gentle, positive reinforcement methods.

For many years, dogs were intimidated into "obedience," and it seemed to be working. Out on the farm, a dog was expected to learn to behave with very little, but usually forceful, training or it was shot.

Suburban dog owners were told that the dog needed to be taught to "obey the master", and that master did everything they could to make it so: scruff shakes, newspaper beaters, alpha rolls, rubber hose pieces, choke chains, electronic collars -- you name it, it's been tried. Dogs respond differently to avoid the punishment -- many just shut down; others go into fear-mode and cower, or they may turn that fear into aggression. The lucky ones learn to overcome the violence and mature into esteemed family members.

A dog trainer now has learned that, in the wrong hands, choke chains can lead to permanent damage of the trachea and larynx; that the theory behind being "alpha" has been proven wrong; that punishment is an ineffective teaching tool. Nowadays, positive training methods are more popular for the simple reason that they work and leave you with a happy, outgoing dog.

Dog trainer methods still vary widely, and most long-time trainers will have adapted a particular method to fit their style and clientele. Many are shifting their focus to a more positive approach.

The dog itself needs to be considered. What is his background? Did you just get a puppy, or is he a rescue with issues? What are your goals beyond basic obedience: family pet, agility, conformation shows, tracking, or any of the many other ways you can enjoy your dog's participation in a dog sport?

With your dog's makeup and your training goals in mind, look through your local newspaper or shopper's guide and make a list of the trainers' contact information; check out their web sites. Ask other dog owners how and where they trained their dogs. Contact local kennel clubs and veterinarians for recommendations.

For best results, look for a dog trainer who uses positive methods. Ask for referrals. Some dog trainers will work with you and your dog at home, but you will be missing important socialization for your dog. Find out when they hold their beginner classes and ask to observe one; if the dogs are being dragged around by choke collars, go elsewhere!

Puppies should be enrolled in puppy kindergarten or playgroup as soon as possible for socialization. If, on the other hand, your rescue dog has aggression issues, you may need to enlist the help of a certified animal behaviorist rather than just a dog trainer. Never take aggression lightly!

Dog trainer tools like pinch collars may have a place with a very small percentage of dogs, although a "Gentle Leader" head collar may well be just as, if not more, effective.

Do not be surprised if the first class is without dogs in attendance. That is a good sign! Positive training, especially clicker training, requires a "train the trainer" introduction to teach you how to communicate with your dog effectively and how to use the tools to do so.

How to recognize a positive training class:

--the general tone will be upbeat
--training is reward-based: a desired behavior is rewarded with a treat, praise or something else the dog values
--undesired behaviors are allowed to extinguish; there will be as little punishment as possible, and usually all that's required is an "eh-eh growl" to divert the dog's attention and to tell him he's done something wrong
--undesired behaviors are counteracted by asking for an incompatible desired behavior, e.g., "sit" to stop a dog from jumping up on people
--there's usually a playtime, if the dogs are compatible
--patience; dogs are allowed time to decide to comply or offer a desired behavior.

There are many good books and websites on dog trainer and training as well. Do a search on "clicker training" to find out about the most effective animal training method. This is how non-human Hollywood stars learn their tricks, and so can your dog!

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