Barking Embarkers

Though the world is full of beauty and growth, the world is also full of lies and antiquated theories. The world is not flat, and dogs do not learn from forceful methods folks! We’ve come a long way.

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When seeking a dog trainer, it’s important to understand that anybody could raise their hand and start training dogs. This is a totally unregulated field. There is no necessary college degree, or board of ethics. Therefore, choosing a dog trainer can be a challenge. So it’s a great thing that you came here, to the barking embarkers blog!

This month we’ve focused on 1. How to find trainers while traveling, 2. What your dog should know for the road and now, 3. How to recognize a high quality trainer and when to run for the hills.

How to Recognize a High Quality Animal Trainer or Behaviorist

Does the trainer educate you in how to train your dog? A trainer who takes your dog from you, and trains your dog how to sit, is not going to help you. But a trainer who shows you how to gesture, where to guide your treat, and grades the activity to be appropriate for your pup is definitely the right kind of trainer.

For example, Chloe’s STAR puppy training classes were private, 1:1 classes because we were leaving before the formal class could start. The trainer was amazing in showing both functional skills and communication methods. She showed how when a puppy was introduced to Chloe, the puppy was rude and Chloe reacted by telling the pup- you’re being rude! In dog language. In my mind, I was thinking, “Great Paws! Chloe is going to eat the little doggy!” Without this important education, I would’ve been very afraid for Chloe to meet puppies. In reality, she was just being a mom and communicating what is polite. Do you see the difference between basic skills training, and actual dog training? It’s hugely important to learn yourself, just as your pup is learning.

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Another quality an excellent dog trainer will have, is credentials. CCPDT, IAABC, AABP, CBATI, IACP and NADOI are all examples of credentials of a dog trainer. Do not hesitate to ask your trainer about recent education they’ve taken related to dog training, and any recent evidence based training methods they’ve found effective. Dog trainers have so many stories, just like I do as an occupational therapist. Ask about how many years they’ve been training and encourage story telling, because it’s also a great way to learn.

Red Flags = Run Away

Here are the red flags as I know them: First, are they using positive reinforcement methods for training? There should be treats, pets and praise involved, and your dog should be excited, even jubilantly dancing whenever it’s training time. Chloe LOVES her halter because she knows she gets the best quality treats and fun experiences whenever she wears it.

Second, are they using any form of punishment as a method? Shock methods, pronged collars, throwing shoes at your dog, and batting on the nose for correction are antiquated practices. They are NOT science based. They do NOT help your dog. Do not use them. (Okay bear with me, I’m about to preach to the choir here, hopefully.) Let me say that again- punishment NEVER helps your dog learn. Except how to feel scared and react by biting people. Putting your dogs nose in its feces or urine DOES NOT WORK. Kicking your dog in the chest if they jump on you DOES NOT WORK. Please, for the love of all furry creatures, let these old practices go, and focus on rewarding the good. Use treats when your dog walks with you, praise when they recall, and give gentle pets all of the time. There are some pretty awesome, exciting ways for dogs to learn nowadays and if you’re with a trainer who is not using positive reinforcement methods, run away. Throw shoes at the trainer if you want to, just get out of that situation.

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The last red flag I would look for is a trainer who is not focused on your dog’s specific goals, and/or lacks the ability to communicate with people. It is important to ensure the trainer has clear set boundaries, objective goals and plans for training, and that they genuinely care for you and your dog. It’s honestly just like any health care practice goal- Chloe Rue will walk 10 feet without pulling on her leash consistently for 1 week in order to pass her CGC test. Our recent goal is- Chloe Rue will walk past a dog without interacting in any way consistently 5/5 times in order to pass her therapy dog test. And trainers work on these by grading the activity to make it manageable- starting by having Chloe attend to me when we are 50 feet away from a group of dogs, and working toward having Chloe attend to me when we are within a group of dogs.

I feel like this is kind of a serious topic, and I promise for a fun story next week. In thinking about the challenges with finding a trainer, especially a reliable one, I’m thinking about the challenges dogs face in a lot of their homes. I’ve run into animals in very poor conditions. At first, I didn’t know this was something I could report; but now I’ve learned there are many ways to help these pets. If you know an animal that is in a bad situation, or have concerns about the wellbeing of a pet, there are options. Please contact your local Animal Control or ASPCA- you can literally google it and report anonymously. They are required to investigate and often follow through with investigations very quickly. Allow the pup to find a safe, happy home. Maybe the story will turn into Chloe Rue’s story- she was rescued from a river, but honestly, she has truly rescued me.

For More Info about Red Flag Trainers…

Check out this post by the american kennel club, discussing training qualities you should see in your trainer!

Click here for an awesome recourse from ASPCA, including great questions to ask a potential trainer.

And look here for more info on dog credentials, and the kinds of dog trainers that are out there.

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