When we’re not sure how to do something it’s generally a good idea to enlist the help of a professional. If you’re not sure how to install your new bathtub, you call a plumber. If you’re not sure how to fix your car, you take it to a mechanic. And if you’re not sure how to train your dog or deal with some of their behavior issues, you call a professional dog trainer, right?
Well, not so fast on that last one. With the plumber and the mechanic you know they have had to take a certain amount of training to become certified in their trade. There’s regulations and licensing. Dog training, however, is completely unregulated. Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer and start a business.
And so many dogs are ruined and traumatized by overly confident, arrogant dog trainers with absolutely no training or education. “I’ve owned dogs all my life,” is not a qualification. Nor is being a former police officer or member of the military with a canine unit. Just because you’ve been to elementary school doesn’t qualify you to teach it.
The first thing to look for when choosing a dog trainer is to find one who describes themself as “Force Free” or “Fear Free.” A Force Free dog trainer uses kind and humane methods to teach desired behavior. no force or punishment is used. Force and punishment can be defined as yanking…
