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what to expect from a dog trainer...

2/20/2018

26 Comments

 
Until my first job as a dog trainer, I had never even talked to a dog trainer, much less hired one.  Most pet owners nowadays have plenty of access to dog training shows on TV or books to read about dog training, but often it is very challenging to figure out what to do with your own dog’s training.  This is why professional dog trainers are here to help!  But what is it actually like to hire a dog trainer?  How do you know what to expect from private lessons or a dog training class?
People seek out dog trainers to help them with a variety of dog-related behaviors, from potty training a puppy, to rehabilitating an aggressive dog, to training for advanced-level competitive sports or service dog training.  Most dog trainers focus on teaching house manners and basic obedience, and more experienced trainers also specialize in advanced training skills and concepts.  Even if a trainer has been referred to you by your vet or another pet professional, be sure to talk to any prospective trainer about his/her training methods, skills, and experience before deciding to hire that trainer, so that you know you’re hiring the right person for the job.  Checking the website and social page of the trainer will also give you an introduction of what training will be like, and should also include a price list so that you will know the cost before you commit to lessons.
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Daisy is perfecting "Wait" with a piece of doggy birthday cake!
By the beginning of your first lesson, your trainer should have you sign a contract.  The contract should include, at minimum, how many lessons you are purchasing, the time length of each lesson, and how much the lessons cost; it should also include a cancellation policy just in case you have to cancel a lesson.  Be sure to get a copy of the contract with the trainer’s signature too: the contract protects you just as much as it protects the trainer!
 
Trainers nearly always ask for the full payment upfront on the training package you are signing up for.  This demonstrates to the trainer that you are committed to completing lessons successfully.  It also guarantees the trainer will hold your timeslot open for the duration of your lessons.  If it is cost-prohibitive to pay for all the lessons upfront, though, don’t be afraid to ask the trainer ahead of time about a partial payment plan; most trainers are willing to be flexible in order to help you and your dog succeed!
In dog training lessons, you should expect your trainer to act professionally.  Whether teaching a group class at a facility, or leading a private lesson in your home, the trainer should be expected to arrive on time and prepared for the lesson, with a plan of the learning goals for that lesson.  Finally, the trainer should stay on task during your lesson, not going off on long tangents which have nothing to do with your dog’s training.  Concurrently, the trainer expects the same level of respect from you: lessons will be much more productive if you arrive on time, be prepared with the training supplies your trainer requested you to have, and stay focused on the lesson and on your dog.  You and your trainer have a limited amount of time together, so be sure to get the most out of your lessons!
Despite all the talk about contracts and professionalism, we cannot forget that dog training should be fun! "
The a dog trainer's job is actually not to train dogs, but to teach people: often dogs will learn quickly with the trainer, but that doesn’t mean your dog will continue doing the behaviors for you after the trainer leaves.  An effective dog trainer will be focused on making sure you will be successful at training your dog.  To this end, your trainer should leave you with clear written homework.  Your trainer should also be reachable between lessons, but communications may be limited to emails and texts outside of regular business hours.  Your trainer should also make sure that your dog’s overall training goals are clearly laid out; often you will find this within the written class description on the trainer’s website, or the trainer will provide you with a written outline and clearly defined milestones.  Dog trainers can never and should never guarantee performance of the dog; all dogs are different in their learning styles and speed and no one can accurately predict how quickly they will learn the skills you teach. 
 
But remember, despite all the talk about contracts and professionalism, we cannot forget that dog training should be fun!  You and your dog should both look forward to your next training lesson; for your dog, training should be the most engaging and exciting time of his week!  You should be able to leave any training session having learned something new about your dog that will enhance your relationship. 

What is the most fun you’ve had in training with your dog?  Comment below to let us know how dog training lessons have helped you!
26 Comments
Eli Richardson link
2/28/2022 11:58:26 am

It really helped when you talked about dog trainers and what to expect from a professional one! A few weeks ago, my mom adopted a dog, but we came to realize that he is crazy! My mom's dog has eaten her shoes and almost bites one of my cousins, so I'll be sure to help mom find a dog trainer with your tips! I appreciate your advice on reviewing a dog trainer's online presence before hiring!

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caroline natalia link
9/11/2023 11:29:44 pm

Hello Personally when I first got Zeus( my dog) growing up it aggression became excessive, he could literally chase anyone and anything, my neighbors were really terrified of Zeus they won't say it to my face but I could personally smell their fear from miles away as the approach my compound.

this has become a problem for me and my neighbors as well as they could no longer easily come over for a drink and all that. So I started looking for solutions to this problem that was when I came across a website that recommended brain training for dogs and trust me when I say its been nothing but amazing.

so far the training has helped Zeus tremendously and he's more under control than I've ever seen him be.
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Victoria Addington link
3/9/2022 01:47:50 am

You made a good point when you wrote that a dog trainer's responsibility is actually to teach pet owners, not to train dogs. This made me think that my dog and I should train together. I will look for a facility near my place that offers dog training program so we can start the learning process.

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Jeff Carbine link
3/12/2022 12:04:39 am

I found it interesting when you said the majority of dog trainers concentrate on teaching basic obedience and house manners, with more experienced trainers specializing in advanced training techniques and ideas. I used to think differently about this and now it makes more sense. What you said about dog obedience was really interesting to me.

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Mary link
3/12/2022 06:41:51 am

Thank you for this content and I learn a lot for the dog trainer. I think e expect a lot for it but I learn something new about this one. Thumbs up!

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6/22/2022 04:10:48 am

Private dog training sessions are one-on-one lessons with a dog trainer in which you and your dog are the only ones in the room. If your trainer has a physical company site, these private lessons can be held in your house or at a dog training facility. Private dog training lessons provide a great deal of schedule freedom. Your dog trainer will build a unique training plan for you and your dog based on the things you wish to learn, rather than following a standard curriculum.

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Braden Bills link
7/8/2022 06:10:50 am

I want to make sure that I train my dog properly. It makes sense that working with a dog trainer might be a good idea. That seems like a good way to ensure that he learns to be obedient and well behaved.

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Jessie Holloway link
9/16/2022 01:37:58 pm

Thanks so much for talking about what a dog trainer can help with. My aunt just got a new dog and she wants to take care of it the best she can. She's been looking into sending it to a professional dog trainer to ensure the dog is well-behaved and doesn't get confused at too many things.

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Iris Smith link
10/17/2022 07:30:12 pm

I appreciate you saying that the trainer anticipates the same amount of deference from you. I'm adopting a puppy. I wish to sign up for the certified dog trainer courses.

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Mia Evans link
12/13/2022 02:51:20 am

I totally agree when you said that the trainer has to arrive on time at your home or the facility whether they will be handling group dog training classes or individual ones. I hope that I find the best one here in Cranstone, Rhode Island because I will finally get a pug this December. It has been my dream to have my own pet dog ever since I lived on my own, and I want it to be trained to keep it from misbehaving in my home.

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Jessie Holloway link
12/21/2022 03:02:09 pm

I love how you talk about the importance of finding a dog trainer that acts professionally. My aunt just got a new dog and she wants to make sure she takes as good care of it as it needs. She wants to make sure he's trained properly as her first step but she works so she's been looking into taking him to a professional trainer to help her out.

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Steve Smith link
1/13/2023 03:53:42 pm

I like how you mentioned that different factors of pet behavior could be taught and trained. Last night, my cousin told me that his dog is intelligent. He planned to enroll his dog in an obedience dog training program to achieve better communication and obedience traits. He asked if I had any idea what would be the best option to consider. Thanks to this instructive article, I'll tell him they can consult a trusted dog training program lesson as they can provide more information about the training process.

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Daisy James link
2/28/2023 03:18:54 pm

It's good to know that the trainer should have a contract. My brother told me last night on the phone about how he wants to have his golden retriever go to professional dog training classes, so he wants to make sure he finds the right one to go to. I'll pass these tips along to him as he searches for a dog training professional.

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Millie Hue link
6/9/2023 11:01:53 pm

Thanks for pointing out that the dog training professional should arrive at the facility on time and prepared for their lessons. I hope that I find a dog training professional with a good reputation so that I can have the assurance that my pet will learn proper behavior. The issue I have is that it is quite reactive from the knocking of the doors to seeing other animals which is why it can be hard to take it anywhere these days.

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Adrania
9/3/2023 05:16:49 am

“Since using Brain Training for Dogs my dogs are more excited to learn. They actively want to take part and figure out what they need to do! It's not about ‘commanding’ that they perform a behavior, it's about getting them thinking. I really love this approach to dog training and my dogs do too!” Thank you for sharing this insightful and informative blog post. I found the information you presented to be valuable and the explanations to be easy to understand. To explore further, <a href="https://tinyurl.com/ypabhtrc" target="_blank">click here</a>.

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Dog Trainers Horsham link
11/3/2023 02:53:16 am

I just came across your blog, and I must say, I'm thoroughly impressed with the insightful content you're providing here. Your blog on what to expect from a dog trainer is informative and well-written, offering valuable guidance for pet owners. I look forward to exploring more of your blogs for further expertise on canine training. Keep up the great work!

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5/6/2024 11:47:25 pm

Regular grooming not only keeps your pet looking tidy but also promotes skin and coat health. It helps in preventing matting, skin infections, and other dermatological issues.

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Sidney De Queiroz Pedrosa link
10/24/2024 09:20:45 am

This article provides valuable insights into what to expect from a dog trainer. It highlights the importance of communication, training techniques, and setting realistic goals for your furry friend. Understanding these aspects can make the training process smoother and more effective, ensuring a happy, well-behaved dog. Great job!

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Beatriz Barata link
10/26/2024 07:55:38 am

Expect a dog trainer to assess your dog's behavior, establish a tailored training plan, and teach effective communication techniques. They will help you understand your dog’s needs while providing guidance on commands, socialization, and addressing any behavioral issues. Consistency and patience are key for successful training outcomes.

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12/24/2024 03:18:11 am

Great post! I really appreciate how you’ve outlined what to expect from a dog trainer. It’s so important to understand that training isn’t just about teaching our dogs commands but also about building a positive relationship and fostering better communication between us and our furry friends.

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Merv 13 link
12/25/2024 11:29:17 pm

A dog trainer helps guide your pet through positive behaviors and effective training techniques. Expect patience, consistency, and expert advice to strengthen your bond with your furry friend!

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Beatriz Barata link
1/15/2025 11:12:47 pm

Fantastic content as always!

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Luiz Gustavo Mori link
1/16/2025 09:28:28 pm

This was a great reminder, thanks!

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Sidney De Queiroz Pedrosa link
1/22/2025 02:01:14 am

This was both educational and entertaining.

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Daniel Dantas link
1/23/2025 11:56:46 pm

Great job on this post!

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Luiz Gustavo Mori link
3/8/2025 02:47:50 am

This was such a helpful and insightful read! Understanding what to expect from a dog trainer really sets the right foundation for a successful training experience. I appreciate the emphasis on clear communication and consistency—it makes a huge difference in building trust with our furry companions. Thanks for sharing this valuable information!

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    Elizabeth Morgan specializes in training service dogs as the trainer and owner of Alabama Dog Academy.

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