With so many people involved in the field of professional dog training today, trying to
determine who's truly qualified can be a difficult task. For those trying to decide on a
professional dog trainer, the American Dog Trainers Network offers the following criteria
concerning what to look for:
An excellent reputation. Shop around and get recommendations from your vet,
the SPCA, the city's other humane societies, and other reputable trainers.
We highly recommend you contacting the CKC or AKC
and the National Breed Club for your Breed (Rottweiler
Club Of Canada).
Widespread experience. Inquire about his or her training background, years of
experience, and areas of expertise. You deserve to have your questions answered,
so don't be timid about asking them. (Also, see consumer warning at the bottom of
this article.)
Humane training methodology and gentle, effective handling skills.
Reputable trainers are concerned about their dogs' welfare. They also know that harsh or abusive handling methods are not only unnecessary, but are often
counter-productive as well.
A genuine love of and devotion to dogs. When you find a trainer with this
important quality you'll know it. The joy of living and working with dogs makes this
person shine.
Extensive behavioral knowledge. Dedicated trainers keep themselves up-to-date by attending dog training and animal behavior courses, conferences,
seminars and workshops whenever possible.
Good teaching and communication skills. Trainers who have this gift make the
learning process quicker, easier and more enjoyable for their students.
A sense of humor. Training can and should be fun for both dogs and owners. A
positive attitude and a little laughter goes a long way.
Affiliations with reputable associations, organizations, training
clubs and National Clubs. While this is not mandatory, it's certainly a plus.
Ethics before profit. Is monetary profit his or her primary motive for
training dogs? Is everything this trainer does geared towards making money? While
financial success is great, ethics must come first.
A NOTE OF WARNING: Unless a dog trainer comes highly recommended to you by *at least* one reputable source, the bottom line for the consumer is
BUYER BEWARE!
Remember, absolutely anyone can call himself a dog trainer or behaviorist. Slick ads with
inflated claims, grandiose self-descriptions, and impressive sounding titles can be very
deceptive. Investigate any stated affiliations a trainer lists on his or her brochure, Yellow
Pages ad or web site. If a trainer claims to be affiliated with an organization (past or
present) or claims to have "studied" with well-known dog trainers or behaviorists, ask for
their telephone numbers and contact them to be sure. NOTE: A common ploy for some
trainers, is to attend a couple one-or two-day seminars or workshops with a well-known
dog expert (or University), then claim to have studied with that person (or at that
institution).
Also, verify how many years the trainer you are considering has been training dogs
professionally. While years alone are not enough to determine a trainer's experience level
in and of itself, it's certainly says a lot.
A FINAL NOTE: Beware of dog trainers who care more about publicity, public
relations, and celebrities, than they care about your dog and the quality of training they
provide. Many professional dog trainers have worked with celebrities and high-profile
people. But take note if the trainer seems totally pre-occupied with dropping names, and
bills himself as the "Trainer To The Stars", something that says little or nothing about his
ability as a dog trainer.
j
n
- "...Of courageous determination or energy. One who shows the pluck,
endurance,