Trainer recommendations

Found some great information about dog training and resources for finding a dog trainer and thought to pass it on.

According to the Humane Society at http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/dog_care/choosing_a_dog_trainer.html they give you some good tips on why and how to choose a trainer. To sum up:

Too many dogs are abandoned or given up to shelters due to extremely easy to modify behaviors that are allowed to become into larger problems. To prevent your dog from becoming a sad statistic, consider finding a dog trainer or utilizing the myriad of advice and suggestions provided online. You’d be surprised how many free classes there are through shelters and agencies if you just around. You’d also be surprised how establishing a simple exercise and feeding schedule or routine and some basic house rules (like staying out of the kitchen or sitting when you put a leash on him to take him outside, or whatever works) would drastically improve things.

Whether you are intentionally teaching him or not, your canine friend is always learning. If you do not teach your pet your rules, he will invent his own. Training allows caregivers to safely and humanely control their dog's behavior. Positive training enhances the bond between dog and owner, and helps ensure that your dog will respond happily to your instructions.

It's essential that the dog trainer you select uses humane training techniques that encourage appropriate behavior through such positive reinforcement as food, attention, play, or praise. Look for a trainer who ignores undesirable responses or withholds rewards until the dog behaves appropriately. Training techniques should never involve yelling, choking, shaking the scruff, tugging on the leash, alpha rolling (forcing the dog onto his back), or other actions that frighten or inflict pain. Another thing to consider is your dog’s breed. Not all breeds are the same. Some dogs take well to “pack” training, others may respond better to reward training. Your Chihuahua may require different methods than say a Husky or a Chow.

So where do you find a trainer? A recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society, boarding kennel, pet sitter or groomer is a good place to start. Don't assume that a trainer's membership in a dog trainer association qualifies him as a suitable instructor: Not all associations' membership criteria will meet your expectations. Also, because no government agency regulates or licenses trainers, it's that much more important to investigate their qualifications before enrolling in a class. Find out how many years of experience they have, how they were educated, and what training methods they use. Ask prospective trainers for several references from clients who completed the classes. And of course try them out and see how comfortable you feel. There are also different types of training sessions from group classes to individual classes. From board n’ training to private sessions. There is also a great deal of resources that are self-help online. Do what works best for you and your pet. Just remember training is not solvable overnight and the dog isn’t the only one training (you are learning too) so be involved in the process and don’t expect results with the first training session.

When possible, all family members should participate in the dog's training. By learning to communicate humanely and effectively with their canine friend, they will develop bonds that will form the basis of the entire relationship.

More suggestions as to what to look for in trainers also listed on the Humane Society’s website as well such as: Is class size limited to allow for individual attention? Are there separate classes for puppies and adult dogs? Are training equipment and methods humane? Is proof of vaccination required? Are the students, both human and canine, enjoying themselves? Is praise given frequently? Are voice commands given in upbeat tones? Are lesson handouts available? And so on.

Training costs may vary from free to very expensive, depending on where you live and the type of instruction you want. Don’t be discouraged by cost, who knows….a barter may be a possibility. Good dog trainers will work with you as it is in the best interest of the animals as well as the humans. The best time to train is when dogs are puppies, but that is not to say that adult dogs will not respond to training. Older dogs can learn new tricks. It just may take a little longer and require more consistency and perseverance on part of the human.

Another thing the Humane Society suggests is once you have selected the right training program to have your dog examined by your vet to make sure the pet is healthy and free from parasites, etc. They also suggest not to feed the dog a large meal, as they will be given tons of treats during training. After all you wouldn’t eat a huge meal and then go to the gym would you? Also make sure to bring what the trainer has recommended and practice between classes with brief training sessions.

Since there are no certification standards required to become a dog trainer, Layla Dean of http://www.findoutaboutpuppies.com/How_to_Choose_a_Dog_Trainer.html also suggests what to look for on dog trainer qualifications:

Certifications: How a trainer obtained their certification should be taken into consideration. A trainer should be certified through a specialized organization which trains dogs for services work or a dog training school which gives a credit equivalent to a college degree. Be aware that there are many companies which offer certifications on-line or through the mail; this involves a short written course which, for a fee, they will send you a certification. There are no standards to theses tests, allowing each company to determine what qualifies an individual to pass the “course”. Ask what type of certifications an instructor has.

Verify: how many years the trainer has been teaching professionally and not as a sports trainer or hobbyist. While years alone are not enough to determine the quality of a trainer’s experience, it will tell you something if they have had the ability to continue in their profession.

Licensed: Is the trainer licensed as a business and meets all city, county, state and federal regulations?

Here are some more resources as where to go next, both locally and online that I have found to be extremely helpful:

All Breed Obedience Club Inc, San Diego, CGC - http://www.aboci.com
Association of Pet Dog Trainers - Dog Training Resources - http://www.apdt.com
Behavior Issues using Dog Psychology - http://www.cesarmillaninc.com
National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors - NADOI - http://www.nadoi.org
ProTrain, Mark Castillero, North County - http://www.protraindog.com/
SMRTDOG, San Diego – http://www.smrtdog.com
Dog Breed Info (great for brief tips on temperament, exercise, training and more) – http://dogbreedinfo.com
Victoria Stilwell’s Forum (great for advice on positive and effective communication with your pets with regards to training) – http://www.victoriastilwell.com