Maryland is not a big state, and there are probably more dog trainers here than Starbucks and 7-11's combined. So when you google a dog trainer, you'll find many choices. Training is a dual investment; as such, you expect a return from a trainer who can train a dog and you.
So how do you know?
There's a lot of information on how to pick a trainer, but my most straightforward advice is to pick up the phone and talk to them. Text and email work fine but can be easily edited to cater to you. If what they say makes sense, then you've accomplished…
Five Steps to Picking a Trainer
- Get coached, not lecturedPhone them. A good one puts you at ease, listens, and explains what they are seeing without blaming you for it.
- Look past the lettersThere is no licensing or national certification for dog trainers, so the qualifications after a name mean less than you think.
- Ask aroundFriends, family, Google Business Profiles, social media, Yelp and Facebook reviews. People who bother to review had an experience worth sharing.
- Meet themIn person or on a video call. Methods and philosophy matter, and so does whether they are patient, warm and friendly.
- Follow your gutIf it feels off, walk. The right trainer wants what is best for both the dog and the owner.
Step 1: Getting Coached
Many moons ago, when I was first looking for a dog trainer, I ran the gauntlet from being talked down to for not having the common sense of modern dog training practices, to having a jargon-rich conversation that left me more confused, to finally finding my soon to be mentor into dog training geekiness.
She put me at ease, listened to my concerns (which at the time were 'he's great until he pulls'), and at the evaluation, was able to explain some of the behaviors she was seeing without condemning me for creating the furry monster at the end of the leash while making a few suggestions regardless of whether I hired her or not.
Step 2: What's Their Experience?
Seeing someone's name with many letters behind it can be impressive. It really doesn't mean anything. There is currently no licensing or national certification for dog trainers. For me, the proof is in the pudding. While my previous mentors were all pretty competitive and successful in the dog sport world, what really set them apart was their students.
Students reflect on the trainer's ability to convey information so that they can repeat the exercise on their own, repeatedly.
You should expect a trainer to show you how to train your dog and be able to answer questions if or when you need help.
Step 3: Ask Around
Ask friends and family who they have used or recommend. Check out Google Business Profiles, social media pages, Yelp reviews, Facebook reviews, and more. If someone is willing to review a service online, they must have had an experience worth sharing.
Step 4: Meet and Greet
It's not a bad idea to meet the trainer in person or speak with them via video call if you can. Talk about their methods and philosophy, get a feel for who they are and what kind of energy you are getting from them, and see if they are patient, warm, and friendly.
Step 5: Follow Your Gut
Trust your gut and intuition. If it feels wrong or off, feel free to cut ties or select another trainer you feel better about. The best trainer/dog team will want what's best for the dog and the owner.
Remember, selecting a trainer is an investment in your and your dog's future. Do your research, ask questions, and get to know the trainers before signing up. A great place to start is by checking out their website or social media pages to learn more about their services.
Check What You Picked Up
What does Denise say is the most straightforward way to judge a trainer?
Why does she play down the letters after a trainer's name?
What does she say really sets a trainer apart?
What should a trainer be able to do for you?
Answer a question to see your score.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right dog trainer for you and your pup is no small task. With so many options out there, it can take a lot of work to know who will fit best with your needs. By following these five steps (and any others that you may add), we hope you have a better idea of what qualities to look for to find the perfect match! Remember, trust your gut when making this critical decision, as selecting a good trainer is an investment in both your and your pup's future. Good luck with finding the ideal trainer for you and your pup! Happy training! :-)
Thank you, Denise Willis Expert Dog Trainer Baltimore, MD You can reach DW Dog Training through the contact page.