How to Select a Dog Trainer

Volume 11: Choosing a Golden Whisperer

We all need to train our goldens and we continue to do so throughout their lifetime. It is important to answer this question, how do I choose a reputable dog trainer? This really depends on what you want your dog to be able to do. Sometimes we would just like our dogs to have manners. Other times, we have a specific task or set of skills we want them to learn. We have compiled some information below to reference in order to select the best trainer for your golden.

The first step is to research trainers in your area. You can search online and ask family and friends for recommendations. Make sure the trainer has an established business with a professional website and all the necessary certifications and insurances. According to the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, dog trainers must have one of the following certifications: CPDT-KA®, CPDT-KSA®, CBCC-KA®. You can read through online reviews written by previous clients to ensure the trainer is effective and professional. This will also help you determine if they can train you and your dog on the desired skilled set you want your dog to have. Once you find some trainers that you are interested in, give them a call or setup an in-person meeting to learn more about them and see how they interact with your dog before you decide to hire them.

The type of trainer you need for your golden depends on what you want your dog to learn. If you just want your dog to know basic commands, you can attend training classes at a local pet store like PetSmart or Petco. If your dog has aggression issues you will need more rigorous behavior modification training in a safe environment with a trainer that is skilled in this area so no one gets hurt. If you want your golden to be trained as an emotional support animal, therapy or service dog, you will have to seek out a trainer that is certified in these programs.

There are group and private session options depending on what type of training atmosphere you want. Keep in mind group lessons are a good option if you want your dog to learn basic commands, receive distraction training, socialize, and do not mind sharing your time with the trainer and other dogs and owners in the class (Gibeault, 2021). Private lessons are great if you need your dog to learn a certain skill set. Private lessons can also be done anywhere (i.e. in your home, at the park, etc.) to help you and your dog learn what to do during specific situations. This will increase the likelihood of the training resulting in the most effective outcome. Being present with your dog throughout the training process will help strengthen your bond and they will gain trust in you (Gibeault, 2021). You need to be trained just as much as your dog. Your dog needs to listen to you, but you also need to know how to speak their language.

Some dog owners prefer to send their golden away to a board and train program. There is a lot to consider with this type of training. You have to be very careful to vet the training program throughly before dropping your dog off there for weeks at a time. You should visit the premises to make sure their facility is clean and safe. You should also check out where your dog will stay (i.e. crated or not, in the home or outside, etc.) (Gibeault, 2021). Find out how often they will be left alone (in a crate or not) and how much training time they will receive per day. Ask how many other dogs they have at their facility at a time and if your dog will be interacting with them. Also, you need to determine if the training environment at their facility will translate into your home (Gibeault, 2021). The hardest part about board and train programs is when they come back home, will they remember all the skills they learned, will you follow through with the commands, and will their new skill set generalize over into their home life? Keep in mind, some board and train facilities have been found to abuse dogs and some dogs have even died (Gibeault, 2021). If you decide to train your dog through this route, you will have to really trust them since you won’t know what happens once you leave.

Make sure the trainer you choose uses positive reinforcement methods for which treats and praise are given to your dog when they display the correct behavior. This type of training builds a dog’s character without hurting them and results in a well trained, trusting and happy dog. The opposite of this is trainers who use extreme punishment measures during their training process. For example, some trainers use aversive collars such as, shock, prong, and choke chain collars which can traumatize and cause pain or injury to your dog (“Dog collars”). Imagine being choked, pinched or sent an electrical shock if you made a mistake when learning a new skill. Trainers that use this method of training like it because of how quickly the dog learns; however, this is not a humane option, they do not teach the dog what the desired reaction should be, and can result in fear, anxiety, and aggression (Gibeault, 2021).

We hope these tips will help you decide which dog trainer is right for you and your dog’s needs. Do your research to select a highly qualified professional to train you and your dog. Determining what type of training is needed will help guide you in your decision. If you have additional advice or information for other golden owners on what to look for in a quality dog trainer, please comment below!

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References

Dog collars. Humane Society. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/dog-collars

Gibeault, S. (2021, November 9). Are board and train programs a solution to your training problems? American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/are-board-and-train-programs-a-solution-to-your-training-problems/

How to Choose a Professional Dog Trainer or Behavior Consultant. Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. https://www.ccpdt.org/dog-owners/how-to-choose-a-dog-trainer/