So you need help with your dog. Maybe you’ve got a new puppy or just brought home a rescue, or your faithful friend has suddenly developed an interesting new habit. Your first step is probably trying to find some free information online. Youtube videos, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and after 5 minutes of searching you are left completely confused by the contradictory information being thrown at you. Or maybe you have a go at that method you saw online and it’s just not working, so you go to Google and type ‘Dog Trainer Near Me’. What do you get? Probably another dose of information overload. You glance at the reviews, which helps, but you want to make sure you choose the right business as it is a lot of money to spend on someone you don’t know. You check a couple ‘about’ sections on different websites. This is where it will probably get interesting. Some may have lots of abbreviations and accompanying logos like ABTC, APBC, APDT etc. Some may say they’ve worked with dogs for 10+ years, Others have experience working in shelters. But how do you know they will be able to help you and your dog? Unfortunately, it is difficult to know the answer, especially because dog training is an unregulated industry.
What does this mean? Well, essentially dog trainers are not held accountable by the government or one governing body to trade as a trainer, which means anyone can wake up one morning and start a dog training business. For example, to trade as a veterinarian in the UK you must complete a degree validated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. In the dog training industry, we have organisations that have dedicated themselves to regulating trainers and holding them accountable through a code of conduct, but there is no requirement for trainers to join any of these organisations. To add to the confusion, some of these organisations go against training methods that are recommended by the RSPCA, British Veterinary Association, Pet Professional Guild, and many more.
All of this puts a lot of pressure on the dog owners, which is entirely unfair as you may not know anything about dog training in the first place, and that’s why you’re looking for someone to help!
I’ve put together a checklist that will hopefully help you in your search. These are what I and most other trainers deem essential when looking for training help.
A quick disclaimer: I obviously have a bias here, I am a dog trainer! But what I really want people to understand is this: Those of us who have taken the time and spent the hundreds (often thousands) of pounds on education and membership to training organisations have done so to ensure they are providing the best most up-to-date and scientifically proven information for their clients. As previously discussed, I don’t need any of these qualifications to be a dog trainer. I could have saved SO much money. But many of us are in the red in our first few years of our businesses because we want to make sure we are doing things right. Science is fact (whether you like it or not!) and we ensure everything we do is based on these facts. The below checklist isn’t for me to get more clients, it is there to ensure you get your money’s worth, and most importantly that your dog is safe.
THE DOG TRAINER CHECKLIST:
✔︎ They are clear about the methods and tools they use
This one can be very simple. If you have to dig around on their website for 5 minutes to find out if they use science-based, positive reinforcement methods, it is very likely they are hiding something. This isn’t the case for everyone (some trainers just need better website layouts!) but better to be safe than sorry, and it is always worth it to message or call the trainer to ask them to elaborate on the methods they use.
Why positive reinforcement? Check out my previous blog post.
✔︎ They have qualifications that are easy to find and simple to understand
My top-tip for understanding a trainer’s qualifications is to go to the relevant website and find their code of conduct. This is a code that all trainers who are registered with that organisation must follow. Also, most accreditations and qualifications have a badge that trainers can use on their website, so they should have this clearly displayed for you. For example, the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) have a great code of practice. Here is a quick snippet:
‘5. PRACTICE
5.1. All training must be conducted according to Kind, Fair and Effective methods for human and animal learners alike.
5.2. Coercive, punitive techniques and/or aversive equipment should neither be used, recommended, advertised nor sold by members (Appendix 1).
5.3. Members must not lead their clients to form unrealistic expectations of any action or training intervention and ensure they and other associated professionals, are apprised of all potential outcomes.
5.4. Members must not practise whilst under the influence of substances that may impair their judgement.
5.5. Members must ensure use of the APDT logo is in accordance with the Logo policy.
5.6. Members who employ (paid/unpaid) assistants are responsible for ensuring they too abide by the spirit of this CoP.
5.7. Members working alongside non members who stand in as a replacement trainer must ensure that they abide by the principles of the CoP.’
This code is very clear and easy to comprehend. Be careful of codes that generalise their training methods. I often see organisations say things like ‘It is impossible to lay down strict rules concerning equipment or methods of training, much will depend on circumstances’. This is unclear and leaves interpretation up to the trainer, which will then be entirely inconsistent across their membership and impossible to regulate.
Many organisations also have easy directories where you can use to look up registered trainers near you.
✔︎ They have practical experience
Some trainers may have fancy qualifications, but in this industry, theory is step one. Step two is having the practical, hands-on experience of working with lots of different dogs. How can you tell if the trainer has that experience? Reviews help. Maybe they teach regular classes? Or have evidence of training on practical courses? Working or volunteering with shelters is also a great way for trainers to see lots of different examples of dog behaviour.
✔︎ They express empathy in their communication
No trainer should ever make you feel shamed or judged. A good trainer will understand your situation and communicate with kindness and empathy. This can often be seen in the wording on their website or in their initial email correspondence with you.
✔︎ They never use the terms ‘pack leader’ or ‘dominance’ to describe their training
The ‘pack leader’ mentality and dominance theory have been disproven by modern behaviour science. Anyone using these terms is not educated in relevant methods and do not fully understand the concept of dog behaviour. Trainers like myself are often approached by clients who have worked with someone who uses these terms and methods and they have not been effective or have made their situation worse. You as the owner just end up spending more time and money with these ‘trainers’ which is just not fair!
I truly hope you come away from reading this with a better understanding of the dog training industry and feel confident to go find the right trainer for you. If you are in West London or Surrey, you can get in touch with me via encoredogs.com. If you are elsewhere in the UK, try the ABTC, APDT, or APBC. Have more questions or need help finding someone in your area? Email me at kaitlin@encoredogs.com
