26/08/2021
Want a dog trainer?
Do your research.
After lockdown I have seen an increase in dog trainers advertising and being recommended for their services.
When looking for someone to help you with your dog, make sure you check out these things:
• What type of training have they had?
Unfortunately, dog training is an unregulated service. This means anyone can decide they want to be a dog trainer and start their own business as one.
If the trainer has decided to undergo education, there are many, many courses available which claim to give you all you need to become a trainer. Many are cheap, online courses that barely cover the basics, but can look good on paper.
A good trainer will have done extensive training with a well known association or university. They will also be able to prove continuous learning. The leading associations have all got together to create the Dog Behaviour and Training Charter to ensure dog trainers keep to the latest, scientific theories and to start regulating the dog training industry.
*** Look for a trainer who is affiliated with an association that is part of the charter***
• What type of training do they do?
The Pack Theory has been debunked by the scientist that came up with it and the use of aversive tools and methods have been proven to be ineffective and even dangerous, suppressing behaviors rather than dealing with them. Any trainer still using these methods, no matter their experience or "proven" successes is working on quick fixes that often have serious behavioral fallouts. A trainer who has done recent training with a good association will use words such as "force free" and "positive" to describe their methods.
*** Look for a trainer who can prove that they use their brain to train, working with the dog rather than against it***
• How much is the trainer charging?
A good honest trainer will charge enough to cover their expenses and make a wage.
Just like any other product, if its cheap, you can probably expect a cheap service, and they won't have the training, experience or knowledge to be able to deal with training your dog in an effective and capable way.
On the other end of the stick are those that are extortionate. Occasionally, these may be honest trainers that have been in the field a long time, have the education and experience to be highly sought after and are usually top of their field. Sometimes though, these may be individuals that are out to make a quick buck and their practices may be suspect and quite often they offer a "quick fix".
*** Look for a trainer who charges a good mid range price that can cover outgoings and a wage (unless seeking the best of the best)**
• How much experience have they had?
All trainers have to start somewhere, so even though they may have had very little experience doesn't mean they are a bad trainer. But, there are other ways to gain experience. Check to see if they have spent time shadowing other trainers, have done courses that require attendance and cover practical skills in the services they are providing or have worked with dogs or other animals in another sector before offering their services as a professional.
*** Look for evidence of any practical experience the trainer has before and after starting out as a professional***
• What assurance can they give of good service and business practice?
Check the trainer has insurance that specialises in the pet industry, they are affiliated with an association covered by the charter and can be recommended by other trainers and any reviews are honest and submitted by previous clients. Look for open, honest social media posts, a website and clear advertising of their services. The Charter and the associations affiliated with it will have a code of conduct that the trainer must adhere to and any practices not within that conduct will mean the trainer is not working to highest quality.
These websites will help you understand some of the information I have provided and get you started on becoming clued up on up to date theories, practices and associations to look for when searching for a trainer.
https://ukdogcharter.org/
https://www.theacademyofpetcareers.com/blog/pack-theory-debunked/
https://www.imdt.uk.com/
For more information on how I can help you with your dog, go to
Www.eccanines.co.uk.
UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter assures that the practitioner employed is checked, supported & monitored by a reputable accrediting organisation.
