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