how to choose a trainer.pdf

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www.AVSABonline.org

How to Choose a Trainer:

Choosing a dog trainer can be one of the most important decisions that you make in

your dog’s life. The techniques that a trainer uses can strongly affect how you

interact with your dog for years to come. Therefore, it is very important to choose

your trainer wisely. Here are some guidelines for choosing a dog trainer.

Remember, training should be a fun experience for both you and your dog.

1. Reward-based training. There are numerous ways to train dogs. In addition,

each animal has his/her own learning style and preferred motivators. AVSAB

endorses training methods which allow animals to work for things (e.g., food,

play, affection) that motivate them rather than techniques that focus on using

fear or pain to punish them for undesirable behaviors. Look for a trainer who

uses primarily or only reward-based training with treats, toys, and play. Avoid

any trainer who advocates methods of physical force that can harm your pet

such as hanging dogs by their collars or hitting them with their hands, feet, or

leashes.

Research shows that dogs do not need to be physically punished to learn how to

behave, and there are significant risks associated with using punishment (such

as inhibiting learning, increasing fear, and/or stimulating aggressive events).

Therefore, trainers who routinely use choke collars, pinch collars, shock collars,

and other methods of physical punishment as a primary training method should

be avoided. Because of its risks, punishment should only be used by a trainer

who can fully explain the possible adverse effects (See AVSAB Punishment

Position Statement on the AVSAB web site) and instruct owners in one-on-one

sessions how to perform the techniques correctly.

Punishment should not be used as a general first-line approach; instead trainers

using punishment should discuss specifically which situations may call for its

use. General use of such punishment assumes that animals always know exactly

what humans expect of them and are willfully disobeying. In fact, animals are

often disobeying because people have accidentally reinforced the wrong

behaviors or have not communicated clearly the appropriate behaviors. No

learner wants to be in a situation where they have to constantly be afraid of

making a mistake.

2. Good teacher. A good instructor should explain what behavior they are

training, why it is important, and then demonstrate it. In a class situation, they

should provide ample time in class to practice and individually assist students.

They should be able to adapt their humane training methods to the individual

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www.AVSABonline.org

dog. Class sizes should be small to ensure individual attention, or assistants

should be helping with the classes.

3. Continual education. Look for a trainer who demonstrates continual self-

education. A conscientious trainer will keep up-to-date with new training

theories and methods, and may attend workshops and conferences.

4. Respectful. A good trainer should be personable and respectful of both you

and your dog. Avoid trainers who recommend using physical force (e.g. alpha

rolling, pushing a dog into position, hitting, choke chain or pinch collar

correction) or methods/devices that have the potential for harm, as an

acceptable way to train. Additionally, avoid trainers who make you feel bad

about the speed of progress that your dog is making. (See AVSAB Punishment

Position Statement on the AVSAB web site)

5. Observe a class. Always ask to observe a class before attending. You need to

make sure that the teaching style of the instructor will work with how you learn.

Also, watch the students and their dogs. Are they having fun or looking

stressed? Are dogs’ tails up and wagging or down and/or tucked? Are the

people talking with their dogs in happy, upbeat voices or are they scolding or

even yelling at them? Talk to the current students—are they enjoying the class

and feel that their dogs are learning? If a trainer does not allow you to observe a

class, ask yourself (and the trainer) why.

6. Do you feel comfortable? Ultimately, you should feel comfortable doing

whatever it is the trainer asks you to do to your dog. If your trainer ever tells

you to do something to your dog that you believe will cause you or your dog

undue harm or distress, ask them to explain why they recommend that

technique, what the potential drawbacks of the technique are and how these will

be addressed should they occur. Alternatively, you could ask for another option.

7. There are no guarantees. Because of the variable and often unpredictable

nature of behavior, a conscientious trainer cannot and will not guarantee the

results of training. However they should be willing to ensure satisfaction of their

services.

8. Vaccinations. A good instructor will take care to protect the dogs in a class

situation. They should have vaccine requirements for the dogs, and should

discourage owners from bringing sick dogs to class. Make sure that your

veterinarian is comfortable with the trainer’s vaccination requirements,

especially if the trainer is running puppy classes.

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www.AVSABonline.org

9. Problem behaviors. When dealing with problem behaviors, such as biting

and fighting, destructiveness, etc. a good trainer should feel comfortable

collaborating with your veterinarian and should know when to seek help from

other professionals. Many behavioral changes are caused by underlying physical

problems, and a proficient trainer may ask you to visit your veterinarian for

medical testing. In addition, many behavior problems are actually medical

disorders that require diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian. Your

veterinarian may consider adding medication to your pet’s behavior

modification plan once your pet’s situation has been complete assessed. Unless

a trainer is a veterinarian, he/she does not have the medical background to

recommend specific medications or to assess the possible risks and benefits of

using medications in individual animals

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