[Episode 47]

How To Spot An Uneducated Dog Trainer 

“I have an aggressive Dalmatian, he was abandoned as a young dog and when I rescued him he started developing aggression issues. I’m currently working with a behaviorist in OC that is dominance-based and lacks positive reinforcement. My dog and I are stressed and I don’t believe we are progressing in a healthy way. I really didn’t know what I was doing when I signed up. I am in total distress knowing that I am unhappy in a program that has already run me $1700. I would love more information on your approach! Thanks!”

Imagine hiring a dog trainer only to find out they didn’t know how to train your dog. Most people assume that all dog trainers have the same education, training, and knowledge, but that isn’t the case. The dog training industry isn’t regulated, which means there are no educational requirements to become a dog trainer. Anyone can be a “dog trainer” without any experience, previous training, or education in dog behavior. You can hire someone with a fancy website or a 100% guarantee, but they might not know what to do or worse, they might hurt your dog. 

The good news is there are Certified Professional Dog Trainers that are educated and have the right skill set. You want to find an educated dog trainer and avoid uneducated dog trainers.  

Today you’re going to learn how to spot an uneducated dog trainer. 

In this episode you will learn:

• If aggressive or reactive dogs need harsher training methods

• Specific words and phrases uneducated dog trainers use

• How dominance and pack theory started

• What the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior says about using training collars such as prong collars, shock collars, and e-collars.

• What to look for on social media to find a good dog trainer