Guidelines on Choosing a Dog Trainer
Training your dog is not something you should take lightly. Your pet should receive training that would improve both of your relationships and that would last. To be on the safe side, it is important to seek professional dog training services. Understand that different professionals perform differently, making it important to approach choosing such a provider cautiously. While you can always hire another trainer if your first one does not deliver, working with the wrong provider can do irreversible damage. If you are shopping for a trainer over the internet, be careful not to fall prey to providers only interested in making money. Below are guidelines to help you find the right service provider.
Consider the type of services you need. Assuming that any type of training would work would be a bad decision. It pays to ask about the types of services offered before committing. If you need a provider that trains both the pet and its owner, you should make a decision with that in mind. Other types of training include foundational training, listening, obedience, focus improvement, manners, respect, separation anxiety, off leash work, potty training, aggression, among others. In case you have a deaf or handicapped pet, inquire if your potential provider would handle it. Be careful to avoid providers that claim to offer services they do not.
Ask about their level of expertise before making a decision. It could be that a prospective provider offers all the services you need. If they lack the level of expertise necessary, however, working with them would be a bad decision. It is important that you do not choose a provider who claims to be ‘good with dogs’. Instead, look for one with formal training and one that has been offering dog training for an acceptable number of years. Additionally, they should be able to train the type of dog you have. If you need a professional that would train a grown dog, one who specializes with puppies might not be ideal for you.
It would be a mistake assuming that they would commit enough time to the training exercise. To be on the safe side, ensure that they are free enough to offer maximum support. You should also ask how their training works. Do they train each dog individually or as a group? While any training approach can work, you need a provider that offers personalized training because each dog has a unique personality. Get to know whether they offer onsite training as well. A provider that would train the dog at home would be more effective.
Their services should be affordable. Whatever you do, do not choose any provider before asking about their service fees. You should also ask regarding their billing methods. Will you be billed per hour, per session, or per trick learned? Will the provider charge a flat rate? If they charge an hour rate, they should be willing to set milestones. Understand that costly services do not necessarily mean quality training. Look for an affordable dog trainer that can deliver