Bailey sez: When selecting a trainer it’s important that I work with someone who knows what the heck they are doing!
The ASPCA gave me this information when it was time for my schooling:
When you contact a pet-behavior professional, ask about anything and everything. A good behaviorist or trainer will be happy to speak with you about her or his qualifications, background and treatment or training methods. A few important topics to discuss and questions to ask include the following:
- Ask about the behavior consultant’s education in the science of animal behavior, as well as his or her hands-on experience. How did she learn what she knows about animal behavior?
- Ask about the consultant’s or trainer’s certifications or other credentials. These indicate that the individual has met strict requirements in terms of academic or professional training, experience and professional ethics.
- Look for behavior experts and trainers who emphasize rewarding good behaviors and use the least aversive, and most gentle and effective methods. Does she or he seem knowledgeable about behavior modification techniques like counterconditioning and desensitization, and how to use food and humane training equipment?Discuss which training methods the person will suggest or use to treat your pet’s problem. Do you feel comfortable with her or his training philosophy?
- Avoid a consultant or trainer who guarantees specific results. Such a professional either ignores or doesn’t understand the complexity of animal behavior.
- Look for a consultant or trainer who treats you with respect, is not abrupt or abrasive, and won’t intimidate you into doing something that you don’t believe is in your dog’s best interest.
- If you’re interested in a group class, ask the trainer if you can watch a class or two before enrolling. Are the people and dogs having a good time and experiencing some success in learning?Take note of the trainer’s ability to work with people as well as animals.