What to look for when searching for a trainer

[centrop67]

Copyrights keep me from posting more than a few tidbits from this article, but it may be the best advice I've seen on how to hire a trainer:

http://www.collared-scholar.com/chose-w ... g-trainer/

I know that some of you out there are opposed to clicking links, so I would suggest you do a Google search for "the collared scholar," go to the website, and find the article.

The author outlines the popular methods for finding a trainer like certifications, flashy websites, demo dogs, and such and then explains why those aren't ideal.

It is absolutely possible (and quite common) to get certified online with NO experience whatsoever in the actual hands-on training of dogs. Take a 250 question multiple choice test and congratulations, you are certified. Or, for the more advanced, go to an online school and complete 20 hours of hands on work and TADA!! You’ve earned your certification.

The author even has advice against using titles as an indicator...

But here’s the thing. A title is only a small piece of the puzzle. A title doesn’t tell you about methods. It can’t qualify a trainer’s competency with things like anxiety and aggression. And it can’t tell you if a trainer has good customer service skills and is kind and fair with dogs. Those things aren’t qualified in a trial.

After the evaluation of the popular methods, the author provides some techniques that make sound sense.

When you are choosing a trainer, make sure you select someone with direct experience and a solid track record dealing with YOUR pain point. Don’t choose a sport dog trainer to fix your aggression unless that’s something they have extensive experience with. And don’t choose a behaviorist to help you get your dog prepped for competition unless they’ve spent a considerable amount of time working in that arena.

The article ends with a message to trainers...

You all have strengths. And I hate to break it to you, but you can’t help every single dog owner.

I am interested in your opinion after reading the article.

[Mark77]

I am lucky to have one of the best trainers in the Mid West.

M

[Patrick]

I've met a lot of trainers that are very narrow-minded and, when it comes to protection training, unqualified to teach it. Of course, they're more than happy to take your money. LOL. I once took my dog to a Schutzhund guy and I told him DO NOT SLIP THE SLEEVE. Naturally, he know more than me about my dog so he slipped the sleeve. My dog promptly spit it out and then went on him again. He partially bit the "trainer" just under his armpit. Fortunately, my dog was excellent about outing and coming when called, which he did when I called him off. The trainer said "My bad" and then didn't want to work with him anymore. He said my dog was "too serious". LOL.

I once did some training with a guy I met who had a GSD that he used to provide security at construction sites. As asked, I slipped the sleeve and then I proceeded to mimic beating the **** out of the handler. The dog become more agitated and violently thrashed the sleeve further. LOL again.

[ICE]

Meagan at the collared scholar is a great trainer. She posts some very interesting and though provoking articles. It is a great website to watch. She has recently started offering online training classes. If you decide to take her focused heeling online class you will see that ICE and I won a spot to be one of her featured videos.

[Patrick]

Nice!