February 18th, 2009
Sound Advice: Choosing a Dog Trainer
Things are a bit chaotic at my house these days, because we’ve just added a new puppy and a foster dog to the pair of pooches we already had. In preparation, I began researching dog trainers in my area, because my younger dog, Cleo, has a barking habit, and because I wanted to make sure we got off on the right foot with both the foster pup and the puppy we’re keeping.
I finally chose a trainer who used only positive reinforcement (R+) methods, was certified by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and was willing to come to me and work with my pets in their own environment. All of these things were important to me because my existing dogs had initially gone through R+ training in California, and I didn’t want to suddenly change what they knew.
On the other hand, I knew I needed help. Ones of the reason I think it’s important for a trainer to come to you is so that they can offer solutions that work outside of a classroom situation. For example, I don’t have a real entry in my house, the front door opens into the living room - so in finding a method to curb my younger dog’s habit of barking at visitors, we had to find a way to restrain her without putting her behind a door. Because my trainer came to my house, she was able to suggest different locations, and we were able to test their practicality.
My dogs are older, one’s 14 and the other is 9, so I needed to find a trainer who didn’t feel that dogs had some age limit, after which training was futile. Dogs like to learn, and like to earn praise, even when they’re 14. Sure, Zorro (my aged Chihuahua) isn’t going to win any obedience contests at this stage, but that’s okay. I just wanted reinforcement of basic house manners.
I also wanted someone who was familiar with rescue dogs, since all my dogs are rescues, not just the foster pup. Rescue dogs come to us with blurry or non-existent histories, and it takes a practiced eye to figure out that a certain animal is food aggressive, or was used to free-feeding (having a full bowl provided every morning, and nibbling throughout the day), or that a jumping habit was taught rather than instinctive.
Preferred equipment was also a factor in my choice. I’m used to using a clicker, but sometimes it isn’t practical, so I wanted a trainer who was pro-clicker, but not married to it. I’m also strongly opposed to the use of choke or slip collars, and attack training, so struck from my list any trainer whose website advocated either. Some trainers don’t believe in food rewards. I wanted a trainer who was willing to be flexible.
Ultimately, the trainer I selected was warm, funny, friendly, and fearless. She was able to look at my home and offer solutions that would work in our every-day environment, and she was able to teach me to be a better guide for all of the animals in my care. She also offered to answer any question at any time, and gave me a list of things I could do with our puppy, who is just ten weeks old.
Choosing the right trainer is just as important as picking the right dog food and selecting the right vet. Ideally you, your dog, and your trainer will maintain an on-going relationship, as your dogs grow up, and as new pets come into your family. When looking for a trainer, it’s important to consider budget, yes, but consider also whether the person you want to hire will mesh with your own learning and teaching style.
You’ll find that with the right person, not only can you housebreak a puppy pretty quickly, but also that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
