The truth about dog training is dog training is arbitrary. If you tell me it works, then it works. There are a million ways to get somewhere and a lot of times it is going to depend on personal experience, education, personality and PRACTICE (and I guess the opinions you draw over time). Now does this mean someone who has 48 dog training certifications and a couple plaques on the wall is better than someone without? Not necessarily. But what it does mean is that person took time to explore, study, and educate themselves on methodologies they believe in (or do not believe in but wanted more information) — and further invested in the processes to learn about dog training. They understand there is ALWAYS room for growth. However, just because someone studied a few courses and attached a few letters to their name does not mean they can execute what they have learned. I would often hear as a child with regards to sports that someone may be a very talented player, but not a great coach. Why? If they are so skillful and talented themselves…why can they not help someone else be that? Part of dog training, if you are a dog trainer helping teach people, is your ability to coach and read people to help them bring out THEIR full potential in their abilities with the dog in front of them. It is important to find someone who can communicate the details in a manner where you, as a student, can digest the information and progress.
Talent and skill level are also a huge part of dog training (on the dog and human side). Just because I have studied the game of soccer and practiced super hard, or played all my life — does not guarantee I will be Mia Hamm. So, think of it this way…when you hire a dog trainer, regardless of who they are (but assuming they have some talent to train and get results) it DOES NOT MEAN you will continue on the same path. Why? Because you may lack the skills, timing, knowledge, problem solving skills, and precision (amongst a million other things) that they have. Dog training is a lifestyle. There is no perfect dog and our four-footed counterparts are constantly morphing behavior which is why it makes our skill level critical. Not only to stay on top of it, but to recognize it in the first place.
Now, let’s visit the flip side. Someone who has no certifications, does not continue education in any capacity, does not actively train or participate in any performance based skills or lacks the desire entirely to prove themselves (or even push their limits with their own dog). Well, for me that is a red flag. It is not a red flag because they lack the education (someone can be self taught for sure and watch a million videos online per day), but it is a red flag they lack the passion to learn more. If someone thinks they know everything there is to know about dog training and is not open-minded in any capacity to believe that someone out there may have something they don’t have…run. Run fast and run far.
I do strongly believe education and experience, over time will teach someone that all dogs are individuals just like people. You need to have an understanding of the dog’s capable abilities at its highest potential so you can be realistic in your goals. You also need to have an understanding of the stableness or soundness of the mind. You cannot take an extremely fearful dog and expect to get the same results as a dog who has not a care in the world.
Ultimately this really may not help someone much who may lack education on the topic. However, what I can say is:
PASSION! Find someone who is inspiring to you. Find someone who makes you want to do better, do more, and pushes you to great limits. Likely if that person can inspire you — they are pulling inspiration from others they’ve come across in their ongoing training journey
FAIRNESS! Find someone who is fair, rewarding, and can fully explain the process or techniques they are using and why. Not only how it is physically helping or hindering the dog, but also where the emotions of the dog falls. Make sure that person can evaluate and assess your dog during the training process. If the dog does not solidly know a behavior, harsh corrections should not be applied. There is no such thing as a “quick fix.”
TALENT! Find someone who has talent and skill in what they are doing and can execute their methods effectively. Understand you may not be able to mimic this right away, but their ability to coach you will help you along the way.
EDUCATION! Find someone who likes to learn, accepts all and any questions and is willing to share with you how they have gotten to where they are now in their training journey.
LOYALTY! Just as many clients are to their trainer, find a trainer who will give that back to you. People selling “lifetime guarantees” or who have a phenomenal sales pitch on dog training packages…move on. Find someone who wants to be there training as much as you do.