| With so many dog trainers out there, it can be hard | | | | behavioral knowledge:Dedicated trainers keep |
| trying to choose the best one for your dog. Trying | | | | up-to-date on all of the latest training methods by |
| to determine which dog trainer is the best qualified to | | | | attending dog training and animal behavioral courses, |
| train your dog can be a difficult task.The American | | | | conferences, seminars, workshops, etc. whenever |
| Dog Trainers Network recommends the following | | | | possible. Make sure you inquire about any recent |
| criteria for choosing a dog trainer for your dog: | | | | educational courses that the trainer has attended. |
| Reputation: Recommendations from your vet, other | | | | Teaching and communication skills:Dog trainers that |
| reputable trainers, friends that have had their dogs | | | | have good teaching and communication skills make |
| trained, etc. can help a lot in deciding which trainer to | | | | the learning process easier, quicker and more |
| go with. Experience: You should look into each | | | | enjoyable for the dogs. Affiliation with reputable |
| potential trainer's background before deciding on your | | | | organizations: You can always tell a good dog trainer |
| dog's trainer. Years of experience and areas of | | | | by the organizations, associations and clubs that he |
| expertise are just a couple of things to look for. A | | | | or she is affiliated with. Ethics or profit?:You should |
| good, professional dog trainer won't hesitate to | | | | find out what motivates a potential dog trainer. Is he |
| answer your questions, so be prepared to ask a lot | | | | or she in it strictly for the money, or for their love of |
| of them. Afterall, your dog is part of your family. | | | | dogs?Unless a dog trainer comes recommended by |
| Training methodology: Reputable dog trainers care | | | | one or more reputable source, it really is a case of |
| about every dog's welfare. They will know that harsh | | | | buyer beware. Anyone can call themselves a dog |
| or abusive handling methods are counter-productive | | | | trainer. Do your homework when choosing a dog |
| and not good for the dog in general. Love for | | | | trainer for your dog. Your dog is part of your family, |
| dogs:The best dog trainers have a general love for | | | | so you should put as much effort into choosing a |
| dogs, or they wouldn't and shouldn't be involved in | | | | trainer as you would in choosing your dentist. The |
| that line of work. You'll know a great trainer by his or | | | | wrong kind of training could damage your dog for life. |
| her joy of living and working with dogs. Extensive | | | | |