Training is a must for dog owners. Knowing how to find the right dog trainer is essential. Especially for first-time dog owners, investing in a good trainer is highly recommended. Trainers are professionals when it comes to knowing animal behavior and communication. They will assess your dog and know which training methods to apply based on your dog’s needs. The right dog trainer can transform your and your dog’s life for the better. This is why finding the right dog trainer is essential for your dog’s success. Here are four things to consider when looking for a dog trainer.
Distance and Proximity
Practicality is essential in finding the right dog trainer. A trainer close to home or willing to travel can be ideal for convenience. Realistically we know our customers have busy schedules, and traveling far for training can be less attractive to clients. This will affect the consistency of your dog’s training. Be sure to research dog trainers close to your area. It is more convenient for your schedule and saves on travel time. Proximity will also allow you to stay on track and be more consistent with your training. It can also give you more flexibility if the trainer offers both in-facility or in-home training sessions. Having the ability to choose can help in consistency in case plans change.
Education and Credentials
Researching a trainer’s education and credentials is a great way to determine if they are the right one for you. Some trainers may specialize in specific behaviors like reactive dogs or fearful dogs. Knowing these specializations will help decide whether they suit your dog’s needs and behaviors. Reading about the trainer’s experience will also be helpful. Trainers are open to sharing their success stories, so please don’t hesitate to ask questions. They want to find out if they are the right fit for your dog as well!
Positive Reinforcement and Training Methods
Knowing your trainer’s training philosophy is critical. Looking for positive reinforcement training is best for dogs. Positive reinforcement relies on reward and praise after performing an action. This creates a positive training environment and encourages your dog to want to train more. It has lasting positive effects on dogs and turns training into a fun activity for both of you. Other training methods can be harsher using negative reinforcement methods. These have lasting negative effects on dogs and make training a stressful and unenjoyable time. We strongly urge you to avoid these training methods and trainers and seek positive reinforcement only.
Communication and Reviews
Another good indicator of the quality of a trainer is the way they communicate with their clients and the reviews they have on their website. Customer and trainer communication is essential when it comes to dog training. Dog trainers must know not only how to teach and guide the dog but also how to teach and guide their customers to train their dogs. Being a friendly and effective communicator can significantly increase your dog’s training success. If your trainer is friendly, helpful, and eager to answer your questions, then you know they are here for your dog’s success. Online reviews can also help determine your trainer’s quality. If the trainer has many positive reviews, you can be assured that they are great at what they do.
Do Your Research
A trainer is an investment for your dog that can benefit both of you and make you an inseparable team. Knowing how to find the right dog trainer can help you make an informed decision on your dog’s needs. Doing your research can give you a lot of insight on a trainer. At East Paws, we are positive reinforcement trainers who love seeing dogs succeed and become the best they can be. Please look into our dog training services, and contact us for any questions you may have.
