Dog Training & Canine Behavior Rehabilitation

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Ensure provider is accredited in the discipline they teach or has earned titles in AKC/UKC/ASCA Obedience and Rally or therapy designations within last five years.
Ensure provider offers several different disciplines and that the instructors teaching those classes are also accredited or have earned titles.
Ensure the provider offers limited enrollment of 8 students or less per class.
Ensure provider has worked with many different breeds and is conversant with the needs and characteristics of your breed or breed type.
Ensure the provider provides lesson plans that are written by them and not copied from another source for the basic levels of Obedience.
Ensure provider requests proof of vaccination prior to enrollment.
Ensure provider requests detailed information from the client prior to working with an aggressive or reactive dog.
Ensure that the provider has a functional website and that you have perused it completely prior to contracting training.
Ensure provider understands the elements of training and behavior rehabilitation and uses a variety of tools and methods.
Ensure provider can explain the various tools and methodologies he or she employs.
Ensure provider is a member of a professional association that is relevant to their services.
Ensure the provider is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.
Ensure that the provider is able to advance you and your dog and can explain the purpose of the exercises taught as well as demonstrate how to perform the exercises.
Ensure that the provider can demonstrate exercises with their own dogs as well as assist you in teaching the fundamentals of each exercise to your dog.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Know the different methodologies of training.
Know that the outcome of training is determined by your commitment and participation and takes time.
Know that not every approach works with every dog and as such you must understand that different tools and methods can and should be used.
Know that a trainer who is well read and well grounded in animal training will understand the different tools and methodologies are necessary to successful outcome.
Know what the terms are of "unlimited" training for a set price and if refunds are issued.
Know what offerings the provider offers and ensure that there are multiple offerings are available should you wish to continue with same provider.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. Can you explain in detail the terms of your "Guarantees" for outcome of training?
May I come and watch a class and may I bring my dog with me? While trainers will be happy to have you come and watch a class, they may not allow you to bring your dog as an untrained dog is often unruly and will be a disruption to the class.
Do you have clients who stay with you for years and have they advanced? This indicates that provider offers advancement and various training options as well as is versatile and inspires loyalty in client base.
What methods do you use in training? Provider should be able to list multiple methods and tools used in training.