If you’re thinking about getting a dog, or if you already have a furry friend who could use some obedience training, you might consider hiring a professional dog trainer. But how do you know if a trainer is qualified and experienced?
Before you sign up for a class, here are some questions to ask a potential dog trainer. With the right answers, you can be sure you’ve found the perfect person to help you raise a well-behaved dog.
53 Questions you can ask a dog trainer:
- How long have you been training dogs?
- What methods do you use during training?
- Do you specialize in any particular type of training?
- What breeds of dogs do you feel most comfortable working with?
- Do you have experience with rescue dogs?
- Do you offer private or group classes?
- What is the average length of your classes?
- What is your policy on make-up classes?
- How many dogs will be in each class?
- What is the ratio of trainers to dogs in each class?
- What are your qualifications?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- Do you offer any discounts, such as for multiple pets from the same household or for military families?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- What is your refund policy if I’m not satisfied with the results of the training?
- How often should I expect to see results from the training sessions?
- Can you provide references from past clients?
- What are your business hours?
- Do you offer emergency services outside of business hours?
- Do you have experience with my type of dog?
- What is your philosophy on training?
- Are your methods positive or negative reinforcement-based?
- What is your experience with behavior modification?
- Have you ever worked with a dog with aggression issues?
- What did you do in that situation?
- Are you certified by any professional organizations, such as the International Association of Canine Professionals or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers?
- Do you offer a free consultation?
- How much do you charge for services?
- Do you offer discounts for multiple sessions?
- What is your policy on missed appointments or cancellations?
- What is the average length of time it takes to see results from training?
- Will I need to sign a contract?
- How often will we need to have training sessions?
- How long is each session?
- Where will the sessions take place?
- Do you offer any other services, such as boarding or daycare?
- Do you have experience training dogs?
- Are your methods humane?
- Do you specialize in training any specific breeds of dogs?
- How much experience do you have working with my breed of dog?
- What is your success rate?
- What is the average cost of your services?
- What should I do if I’m not happy with the results of the training?
- What happens if my dog doesn’t respond well to your methods?
- Do you offer any guarantee that my dog will be fully trained after completing your program?
- Do I need to commit to a certain amount of time or number of sessions upfront?
- Do you belong to any professional organizations?
- How often do you attend seminars or conferences?
- Have you published any articles or books on dog training?
- Do you blog or have a website where I can read more about your methods and philosophy?
- Do you offer any free resources I can use at home between sessions?
- What should I expect during our first session together?
- What kind of ongoing support do you offer after we finish training together?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is most important in training a dog?
The most important thing in training a dog is to be consistent. Dogs need to be taught what is expected of them and rewarded when they do something correctly. If you are inconsistent, your dog will not know what to expect and will become confused.
What is the most common training command taught to dogs?
The most common training command taught to dogs is “sit.” This command teaches the dog to remain seated until given further instructions.
When should dogs be trained?
Most experts recommend training dogs when they are puppies, as this makes it easier for them to learn the desired behaviors. However, dogs can be trained at any age. The most important thing is to be consistent with commands and rewards and to be patient while training your dog.
Is it worth getting a trainer for a dog?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the decision of whether or not a dog trainer is needed depends on several factors, including the age and temperament of the dog, as well as the individual needs of the owner. In general, however, dog trainers can be very helpful in teaching dogs appropriate behavior in various situations, and they can help owners better understand their dog’s behavior. Those who are unsure whether they need a dog trainer should consult with a professional to find out which services are best for both the dog and the owner.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog trainer is an important decision that will impact you and your pet for years to come – so it’s important that you take the time to find someone who is qualified and experienced so you can be successful.
By asking the right questions, like the ones above, you can be sure that the trainer you choose is a perfect fit for your needs – and that their methods are humane, effective, and backed by solid credentials and references.
