Undertaking training is an important part of a living harmoniously with a dog. As well as helping you to keep your dog safe and improve basic skills, it also helps you to gain a better understanding of what your dog needs from you and builds the trust needed for a strong bond between you.
There is no national dog training regulatory body in the UK, meaning anyone can call themselves a professional dog trainer and set up a business with no experience or qualifications. Therefore, before signing up for a dog training class, it’s important to complete some due diligence to make sure the training providers you select are suitably qualified, use humane and science-based methods, and are the right match for your learning style.
Here are eight questions that we think you should ask a dog trainer before you hire them:
1.What are your preferred training methods and philosophy?
Unfortunately, there are many trainers who continue to use out-dated methods relying on compliance, punishment and the use of unethical ‘tools’ such as prong or choke collars which we firmly believe are unnecessary and should be avoided completely. In general trainers fall into 3 very broad categories:
Modern – using ethical, science based methods
Balanced – a combination of both
Aversive – using fear, pain, dominance and harsh methods
You should aim to find a modern trainer who offers positive reinforcement and science based methods which are all about rewarding good behaviours and preventing unwanted behaviours through management, clear communication and consistency.
Potter Paws methods are ethical and science-based - we don’t focus on simply making your dog behave but help you to learn how to fulfil their needs and create a happy life together. Our biggest reward is making sure you have a happy, fulfilled and healthy dog who makes your family complete.
2.What education or experience do you possess?
It's a good sign if a dog trainer has completed a professional dog training course or qualification, and there are several programmes available throughout the UK. However, it’s worth noting that not all programmes are equal, so do check out each individual organisation and their requirements. A good guide to assess credibility would include
- whether the course was £25 or £2500
- how long it takes to complete
- is it through a general ‘online school’ or a dog specific organisation
- is it accredited by OFQUAL or similar
- If they completed an online course, ask if they have also had any hands-on experience.
Trainers will have worked very hard for their qualifications so are likely to shout about their accomplishments, so check their website for logos of the organisations they are accredited by
3. Which professional networks are you certified by, or a member of?
As we mentioned, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. If their website or advertising says that they are a member of a particular body, remember that you don’t have to take their word for it. You should be able to look them up via that organisation’s online directory to verify their membership.
A good choice of member organisations and qualifications to look out for, and which Potter Paws are proud to be accredited or members of, are:
- The Pet Professional Network - PPN is the first business support organisation and membership for pet professionals who do not use any form of aversive methodology (pain or intimidation) to train, walk or care for any pet.
- IMDT - The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers is the leading education provider for Dog Trainers and Behaviourists and is a Registered Learning Centre for The Open College Network. The IMDT is the only education provider to offer the externally accredited OCN 'Principles of Dog Training and Behaviour' Dog Training Qualification.
- UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter - the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter is a code of conduct, ethics and methodology. Its signatories are comprised of many of the UK’s leading behaviour and training organisations who have come together under the Charter’s umbrella to work in unison for the benefit of dogs, dog owners and the wider profession. The UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter’s aim is to ensure dog owners that its signatory organisations and their members will adhere to the most modern, scientifically-proven, positive methodology.
- Dog Training College – this body brings together some of the world's best dog experts to deliver accredited courses for dog owners and professionals around the world.
- UK Sniffer Dogs – Making scent work accessible for all, becoming a qualified UK Sniffer Dog Instructor shows you that a dog trainer looks to continually improve their training offering.
- Canine Hoopers World - Canine Hoopers World was created to bring the inclusive activity of hoopers to dogs around the globe, so if your dog trainer is a qualified instructor then you can be assured they’re keeping up to date with latest training techniques.
4. What is group class size and what is the environment like?
A ratio of one trainer to six dogs tends to be the normal ratio for most group classes. Sometimes if there is an assistant or it’s a progressive class this can rise to 8. Trainers should strive to teach high quality classes and be able to give their students individual support where needed.
If classes include a larger number of dogs, this will limit the attention that the trainer is able to give to each participant and may affect the quality of learning, and therefore you should consider whether the class will provide the level of support and deliver the practical skills that you are looking for
5.Are classes fun/relaxed or strict/formal?
We tell dog-parents that dogs will learn more if they’re having fun and enjoying training. So, it goes without saying that the same should apply to the humans!
One of the misconceptions of dog training is that we’re teaching your dog for you. Actually, our primary aim is to coach and support the humans as they learn to teach their dog the new skills we’re covering in class.
Make sure your trainer makes you feel like you at ease, able to ask questions and be happy to answer them, be patient and adapt methods to help you and your dog succeed.
Consider whether the trainer focuses on being competitive, getting results and meeting obedience goals, or do they focus on individual growth, practical life skills and guiding you to meet your own goals.
Above all, your trainer shouldn’t make you feel guilty if your dog isn’t perfect, or isn’t achieving targets within a specific time. Every dog learns differently and at their own pace!
6. What types of behavioural or training issues do they cover and will they refer elsewhere?
A trainer should do everything possible to set a dog up for success, meaning they don't intentionally put a dog in a situation that will cause an unwanted behaviour. Here are Potter Paws, we believe in making dogs lives happier and owners lives a little easier. No one can know everything though, and a good trainer should know when a case is beyond their level or experience or doesn’t fall within their area of expertise. In this case, they should offer to connect you with a trainer or behaviourist that would better suit you and your dog’s requirements.
7. Where do classes take place?
Finding out the location and set up of training is important as it will influence your overall experience and have an impact on your training.
Some trainers offer indoor classes at a village hall, and whilst this is a warm and dry venue, it’s important to consider whether this reflects the real life situation where you want your skills to apply in practice.
Our preference is an outdoor class, dogs have more space and often feel more comfortable. There are natural areas to sniff and real-life distractions such as birds, airplanes etc. One huge benefit of training outdoors is also that there is no stress or worry about your dog needing the toilet!
Even with outdoor classes there are things to consider, such as whether it is held in a private field, in a public park or at a dedicated training centre (don’t forget all of these factors will also influence the cost of classes)
8. Do you offer a training guarantee?
In our opinion it is very difficult to provide a ‘guarantee’ because there are so many variable factors. We know that our training programmes can lead to positive results for a majority of dogs, however this is dependent on YOU and the effort YOU put in to your own learning and in everyday life.
- Expectations – often people have very high (and often un-realistic) expectations for their dog. They want results with minimal effort and that simply isn’t a recipe for success. You get out of your training what you put in.
- Time frame – expecting results in a very short period. You don’t expect a child to attend school for half a term and be able to complete a degree. So we can’t expect our dog to attend a 6 week course and do everything correctly.
- Prior learning – If your dog has been practising an unwanted behaviour (such as pulling on the lead) for 2 years, you can’t expect it to be fixed in one training session.
- Breed limitations – every breed has a ‘job’ and strengths to help them be the best at it. We can’t change DNA and years of breed development to simply stop a dog from doing what they were bred to do.
- Trying to fix a problem – reactive not proactive. Don’t wait until it’s SO bad, prevent it by training first.
Instead, we guarantee progress, knowledge and understanding.
Our mantra at Potter Paws is “training is for life, not just for puppies” and that’s because dogs are intelligent creatures who, if left without the right stimulation, will generally find their own entertainment. Training is about giving them new and interesting experiences and encouraging them to make good choices, just as much as teaching them to sit or stay. It can and will take time therefore, results aren't something a reputable trainer ever guarantees.
By asking a dog trainer the right questions and making sure they align with your own training values and practices, you'll have better success in building a strong relationship with your dog. Can you think of any other questions that you would ask a Dog Trainer about their services?
Click here to discover 10 Things to Ask a Doggy Day Carer Before You Hire Them.
Potter Paws is a dog training school in Buckinghamshire.
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Discover more about how to choose a trainer with this podcast episode: