Did you know that virtually anyone, regardless of experience, education or professional training can call him or herself a "dog trainer" or worse, a "dog behaviorist?" Scary thought, huh? The title behaviorist was originally reserved for Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists who hold post graduate degrees in the field of animal behavior and Veterinary Behaviorists who are board certified and practice behavior medicine. Unfortunately it has become more of a popular catch phrase in recent years, often used as a marketing tool to imply that the person is more than just a dog trainer. For example, popular television dog trainer Cesar Milan refers to himself as a behaviorist or dog psychologist, though he holds no graduate, let alone undergraduate degree in animal behavior or human behavior, for that matter. On the other hand, behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar holds both a PhD in animal behavior and is a licensed veterinarian. That's a vast difference between the two, which can make it difficult when deciding who can best assist you with your dog. For more information about dog trainers and behavior specialists, visit the Veterinary Partner website.
Simply put, all training involves behavior modification and all behavior modification involves training, and any qualified, educated trainer with years of experience should be well versed in scientific canine learning theory and behavior and the application of various behavior modification techniques. A qualified trainer can not only help you teach your dog basic manners but should also be able to help with more specific issues such as separation anxiety, resource guarding, aggression and destructive behavior. But most importantly, a qualified trainer knows his/her limitations and when to refer to a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist or Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. For more information on Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorists, visit the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website. For more information on Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists - visit the website of Dr. Suzanne Hetts' of Animal Behavior Associates, Inc.
All these different titles and certifications can become confusing, but fortunately, there are some key things to look for and questions to ask that will help you determine whether or not you've found someone who really is an experienced, qualified canine educator, trainer, and behavior modification specialist.
1. Check with local veterinarians, and not just one veterinarian as some veterinarians have their own "on staff" trainers who, naturally, they will want to recommend. Call around to several different veterinarians in your area and see who the majority recommend. Veterinarians see literally thousands of dogs each year so they are the best eyes and ears regarding an area's training resources. Better yet, ask veterinarians where they take their own dog for training!
2. Ask about the trainer's methods. Bottom line, look for someone who ONLY uses dog-friendly, humane and positive training methods and techniques. Anyone who has to hurt a dog and/or overpower them really isn't training, they're just bullying.
3. Ask for the trainer's credentials, then do some research. While membership with professional organizations or even certifications might look impressive on paper, it's important to find out the criteria for obtaining that particular membership or certification. Membership with many professional organizations entails paying a membership fee (some as low as $20 a year!). Find out how long they've been affiliated with the particular organization, if the organization has a code of ethics, standards of practice, and/or provides continuing education for its members. If the trainer holds a certification, find out the criteria for achieving that certification. If the trainer received training through a dog trainer school, an apprenticeship or an "on the job training" program, seek a reference from the person(s) who trained him/her. Presently there are trainer certifications popping up all over the country. The first national professional dog trainer certification is the Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) credential, issued through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Before the creation of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers in 2001, there was no nationally available certification process for dog trainers. There are many schools that teach dog trainers, and offer apprenticeship programs, and upon completion issue their own certification certificates. However these certificates reflect the teachings and quality of that specific school. Some organizations offer distance learning and online programs that lead to certification. However tests issued through these organizations are rarely monitored, nor is the testing process standardized like the CCPDT. Even still, obtaining a CPDT means a trainer has successfully achieved a minimum score in a standardized test and has verified that he/she has taught a minimum number of hours. It's important to look beyond the title or certification to determine exactly how much actual hands on training and behavior modification experience the trainer has.
4. Inspect the facilities and environment where he or she is holding classes. Is it a safe, secure and clean environment? Research whether or not there have been any accidents, injuries and/or dog attacks on the premises. How long has the trainer taught at the facility and what and how many other facilities has he or she taught at? In any profession, longevity and loyalty speaks volumes.
5. The dog trainer profession has been listed as one of the "hot professions" in 2007/2008, so there are a lot of people hanging a shingle outside his/her door that reads, "dog trainer." Find out exactly how many years the instructor has been teaching the specific type of class you wish to take, or how long the trainer has been providing private behavior modification in your area and get references from former clients. Years of experience is often more important than certifications, degrees and memberships in organizations. Many training facilities and organizations have apprentice programs and schools, but be sure to find out the credentials of the person who directs the program and has written the curriculum. That person should have a combination of multiple years of hands-on experience, academic background AND certifications.
6. Ask to observe a training class or private training session. Watch the trainer's handling techniques, his or her familiarity and ease working with the dog. They should look and feel natural and be in control. Does he or she have good communication skills? Are they able to get their point across effectively?
7. Look for an ability to modify training methods. Dogs are not cookie cutter animals - each one is different. A good trainer knows how to modify methods and techniques to fit the individual dog.
8. Look for extensive canine behavior, learning theory, and multi-breed experience. A trainer who only has experience working with German Shepherds and Rottweilers for law enforcement might not be the best fit for you and your Yorkie! If the trainer is teaching group classes, find out how many hours the trainer has devoted to teaching group classes, and how recently. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers require a minimum of 300 hours of training experience within the last 3 years in order to sit for the CPDT test. If the trainer is conducting private lessons and behavior consultations, get references from current and former clients. The more recent, the better.
9. Beware of trainers who offer "guarantees." Again, dogs are not cookie cutter animals. Dog behavior is complex and ever changing.
10. Find trainers who want to train YOU rather than train your dog for you. An effective trainer who is knowledgeable in dog behavior knows that dogs are relationship-based creatures. He or she will focus on helping you improve your relationship with your dog rather than merely showing you how to make your dog do something.
11. Seek a trainer who offers a variety of types of classes and formats. A qualified trainer will know how to work with multiple dogs and owners in a group class environment as well as one-to-one private training and behavior consulting.
12. Lastly, make note of how the trainer reacts to your questioning. A confident, effective and qualified trainer will be more than happy to answer your questions and provide you with all the information to help you make the most educated decision for your dog!
For more information contact Laurie Williams CPDT, CPT - Director of Behavior Counseling & Training
Laurie Williams CPDT ©
Simply put, all training involves behavior modification and all behavior modification involves training, and any qualified, educated trainer with years of experience should be well versed in scientific canine learning theory and behavior and the application of various behavior modification techniques. A qualified trainer can not only help you teach your dog basic manners but should also be able to help with more specific issues such as separation anxiety, resource guarding, aggression and destructive behavior. But most importantly, a qualified trainer knows his/her limitations and when to refer to a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist or Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. For more information on Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorists, visit the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website. For more information on Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists - visit the website of Dr. Suzanne Hetts' of Animal Behavior Associates, Inc.
All these different titles and certifications can become confusing, but fortunately, there are some key things to look for and questions to ask that will help you determine whether or not you've found someone who really is an experienced, qualified canine educator, trainer, and behavior modification specialist.
1. Check with local veterinarians, and not just one veterinarian as some veterinarians have their own "on staff" trainers who, naturally, they will want to recommend. Call around to several different veterinarians in your area and see who the majority recommend. Veterinarians see literally thousands of dogs each year so they are the best eyes and ears regarding an area's training resources. Better yet, ask veterinarians where they take their own dog for training!
2. Ask about the trainer's methods. Bottom line, look for someone who ONLY uses dog-friendly, humane and positive training methods and techniques. Anyone who has to hurt a dog and/or overpower them really isn't training, they're just bullying.
3. Ask for the trainer's credentials, then do some research. While membership with professional organizations or even certifications might look impressive on paper, it's important to find out the criteria for obtaining that particular membership or certification. Membership with many professional organizations entails paying a membership fee (some as low as $20 a year!). Find out how long they've been affiliated with the particular organization, if the organization has a code of ethics, standards of practice, and/or provides continuing education for its members. If the trainer holds a certification, find out the criteria for achieving that certification. If the trainer received training through a dog trainer school, an apprenticeship or an "on the job training" program, seek a reference from the person(s) who trained him/her. Presently there are trainer certifications popping up all over the country. The first national professional dog trainer certification is the Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) credential, issued through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Before the creation of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers in 2001, there was no nationally available certification process for dog trainers. There are many schools that teach dog trainers, and offer apprenticeship programs, and upon completion issue their own certification certificates. However these certificates reflect the teachings and quality of that specific school. Some organizations offer distance learning and online programs that lead to certification. However tests issued through these organizations are rarely monitored, nor is the testing process standardized like the CCPDT. Even still, obtaining a CPDT means a trainer has successfully achieved a minimum score in a standardized test and has verified that he/she has taught a minimum number of hours. It's important to look beyond the title or certification to determine exactly how much actual hands on training and behavior modification experience the trainer has.
4. Inspect the facilities and environment where he or she is holding classes. Is it a safe, secure and clean environment? Research whether or not there have been any accidents, injuries and/or dog attacks on the premises. How long has the trainer taught at the facility and what and how many other facilities has he or she taught at? In any profession, longevity and loyalty speaks volumes.
5. The dog trainer profession has been listed as one of the "hot professions" in 2007/2008, so there are a lot of people hanging a shingle outside his/her door that reads, "dog trainer." Find out exactly how many years the instructor has been teaching the specific type of class you wish to take, or how long the trainer has been providing private behavior modification in your area and get references from former clients. Years of experience is often more important than certifications, degrees and memberships in organizations. Many training facilities and organizations have apprentice programs and schools, but be sure to find out the credentials of the person who directs the program and has written the curriculum. That person should have a combination of multiple years of hands-on experience, academic background AND certifications.
6. Ask to observe a training class or private training session. Watch the trainer's handling techniques, his or her familiarity and ease working with the dog. They should look and feel natural and be in control. Does he or she have good communication skills? Are they able to get their point across effectively?
7. Look for an ability to modify training methods. Dogs are not cookie cutter animals - each one is different. A good trainer knows how to modify methods and techniques to fit the individual dog.
8. Look for extensive canine behavior, learning theory, and multi-breed experience. A trainer who only has experience working with German Shepherds and Rottweilers for law enforcement might not be the best fit for you and your Yorkie! If the trainer is teaching group classes, find out how many hours the trainer has devoted to teaching group classes, and how recently. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers require a minimum of 300 hours of training experience within the last 3 years in order to sit for the CPDT test. If the trainer is conducting private lessons and behavior consultations, get references from current and former clients. The more recent, the better.
9. Beware of trainers who offer "guarantees." Again, dogs are not cookie cutter animals. Dog behavior is complex and ever changing.
10. Find trainers who want to train YOU rather than train your dog for you. An effective trainer who is knowledgeable in dog behavior knows that dogs are relationship-based creatures. He or she will focus on helping you improve your relationship with your dog rather than merely showing you how to make your dog do something.
11. Seek a trainer who offers a variety of types of classes and formats. A qualified trainer will know how to work with multiple dogs and owners in a group class environment as well as one-to-one private training and behavior consulting.
12. Lastly, make note of how the trainer reacts to your questioning. A confident, effective and qualified trainer will be more than happy to answer your questions and provide you with all the information to help you make the most educated decision for your dog!
For more information contact Laurie Williams CPDT, CPT - Director of Behavior Counseling & Training
Laurie Williams CPDT ©