12/10/2025
This is so true and I want to share this post by Mark Henshaw of the The Cheeky Chihuahua Dog Training, Behaviour and Mantrailing. Actually trainers that have more than a passing knowledge of behaviour work are so important when it comes to puppy training. I recommend my colleague Naomi Farrow from Paws 4 Training in our area (Norfolk) who also offers so, so much more with additional activities to support confidence and balanced development. There are so many setting up now but for experience and continued CPD you can trust - contact Naomi.
I make a point of doing a puppy training course each year, and ensure it's with a reputable organisation. Why? Because there's a misconception that if someone wants to start dog training, starting with puppies is the easy way to begin. In reality, anyone claiming to be a trainer or behaviourist and working with puppies really needs to know their stuff. A knowledge deficit, with no understanding of a puppy's fear and hazard avoidance phases, can lead to lifelong emotional and behavioural problems.
Betty is a timid little girl, who went to a class where the 'trainer' thought it was a great idea to shove another dog's arse in her face, "because that's how dogs meet". With nowhere left to go, Betty bit the offending posterior. She'd started to get more fearful around dogs, but thankfully her humans contacted Weston's most celebrated Chihuahua inspired qualified trainer and behaviourist, and we're turning things around.
Don't be afraid to ask for evidence of qualifications and experience. Dog training is utterly unregulated, which sadly means that literally anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist, even if they've never seen a dog. Also, ask for evidence of continued professional development (CPD). I'm a qualified member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, and I'm required to prove that I've maintained my CPD annually to be allowed to renew my membership. I, along with other local reputable Trainers, spend a small fortune on my own canine education to make sure I'm at the forefront of the developments in canine behaviour. Dog training and, particularly, dog behaviour modification is scientific.
I could go on, but I'm sure you get the gist! Changing the subject completely: I'm about to enrol in a condensed week-long online plumbing course to get accredited. With this in mind, you can book your annual boiler service with me, via the usual number. And if you could also lend me an adjustable spanner, because I won't really know what I'm doing and don't have the appropriate equipment. Please don't let that concern you, I'll have a certificate. What could possibly go wrong?!
