By Joan Hunter Mayer
Based on the comments from previous posts, I am pleased that the subject of dog training is being discussed – education and awareness are the key!
Did you know that dog training is an unregulated industry in many countries including the US? There are no official government agencies overseeing the practice of dog training. In addition, there are no official universal rules, guidelines, procedures, or gold standards that trainers must know or adhere to. This basically means that everyone can call themselves a coach and do what they want – when and how they see fit. Some dog trainers don’t even have a trade license.
As a result, it can be difficult to find reliable information about pet-related services. One person’s website offers one opinion while the other recommends something entirely different. Friends and family offer their advice only to add to confusion. How do you filter through all of the friendly advice, suggestions, and online searches? How do you know who to trust?
Finding a dog trainer is similar to finding any other service-based company: do your due diligence, think critically, read reviews, and learn about their approaches and methods before making a decision on services.
Here are some guidelines:
Verify that the dog trainer / company has both transparency and integrity; The training approach should be simple, clear and human.
· Trusted dog trainers use transparent, clear, and consistent content on their websites and social media pages.
· If they claim their techniques are “the best” and / or “most human” then they should have evidence to support those claims.
· Does this person or company describe training methods that improve the experience and relationship for both dog and guardian?
· Does it sound like the training experience is comfortable for both the dog and the handler?
· Do you have the impression that you really care about the interests of your customers?
· Do they belong to groups or organizations that are respected in the industry?
· Ask specific questions about which training methods the trainee trainer uses under which circumstances.
· Ask the trainer what he or she is doing when the dog is getting the right training. Also, ask what happens if your puppy doesn’t do what you want or what you don’t.
· Remember – humans are animals too! When something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
Red flags
• Techniques that pose a risk of injury should raise a red flag.
• Is this person / company using outdated techniques or tools, including those that may cause fear or discomfort to the dog?
• Beware of subjective jargon, which can be misleading and make decision-making difficult for zookeepers. A term like “balanced” might sound harmless, but is that it?
• Those dog trainers who express their use of treats as well as “dominance” or “corrections” give a bleak picture of their methodology.
• There are some trainers who use both positive reinforcement (eg treats, pats, praise) and “positive punishment” (eg collar corrections, alpha roles, aversive training collars). This is a contradiction in terms of AND approach, and also sure signs that your pet is receiving at least mixed news and potentially inhuman treatment.
• Fear-based techniques are out of date. Trainers who use them may not be trained in animal learning theory or science-based techniques, may be unaware of advancement in the industry, or may not have an understanding of the effects of coercion and aversives. (Fortunately, progress has been made over the years to prove that while these training techniques can help change behavior, they are unnecessary to training dogs or animals because of the potential for harmful physical and emotional side effects.)
• Also look out for the self-titled “dog behavior researcher”. (Much more on this in our next post. In short, “Canine Behavioral Therapist” is not a recognized, certified or recognized job title.)
• If someone says they got their own education solely through YouTube videos and television, really should think twice before hiring that person for professional services. There are many professions that do not require a university degree, but which still require professional and specific training on the job and supervision.
A lot of people out there think they know all about dog training just because they have had dogs, grew up with dogs, love dogs, know dogs, and / or watch TV shows about dog training.
That would be the same as what I say, “I love to bake and enjoy watching the shows on the Food Network. I even won a blue ribbon once in a brownie baking competition. So I’m clearly a professional baker. ”While you might encourage me to donate goodies for your cake sale, there is no way you would hire me to make your wedding cake!
In other words, if you are working in a specialized field like dog training to advance your status from amateur to professional, formal education and training is essential.
“Who knows better, can do better”
Force-based techniques have been used for too long because they were part of our culture. Now there is a pawsitive cultural change. Those who use a nonviolent approach will talk about whatever motivates the dog to participate in the training plan. You will focus on rewarding desirable behaviors and teaching the dog the best behavior choices – without instilling fear.
With the right dog trainer, you will have a professional who will listen to your needs, come up with a plan that will work for you and your dog, and provide adequate training and support along the way.
In addition, well-worthy trainers admit when a particular case is outside their scope or when they are unfamiliar with the situation depicted. For example, when clients ask me about issues that might have an underlying medical origin, I always refer them to their vets. I am often asked what a particular dog should be eating. Again, this is a question for the veterinarian of this animal.
An all around paw-like experience
The lack of regulation in the pet training and behavioral counseling industry is worrying. However, for zookeepers who go the extra mile and invest time, money, and effort in professional dog training, this lack of supervision need not be an overwhelming hindrance. A look at methods, training and occupation is a good start. Also, remember that the training should be fun throughout the process while addressing the client’s overall goals – for everyone involved.
Whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or a seasoned dog groom, each new experience brings new needs and goals with it. For some, it can be helpful to start with fresh eyes when it comes to pet treatment – finding a dog trainer, walker, groomer, pet sitter, daycare center, or boarding house. The time it takes to conduct an interview and ask questions is time well spent. Use your research skills to check out their websites, online reviews, and even social media to do a thorough review before trusting your canine companion.
For you, the zookeeper, the lack of supervision and regulation in the dog training industry means that finding the best dog trainer for your dog may take a little more research. But that’s fine – being curious is good, and our curious canines are well worth the effort!
The Inquisitive Canine was founded by Santa Barbara canine behavioral consultant and certified professional dog trainer Joan Hunter Mayer. Joan and her team have made it their business to offer humane, energetic and practical solutions that meet the challenges of dogs and their people in everyday life. Let’s bark with the dogs, cheer people and have fun!
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