How to find a great pet sitter for your dog

As a dog parent you want the best for your dog especially when you need professional help. There are a lot of resources locally, online, or your inner circle of family and friends. The overwhelm can kick in and stop you from searching or even reaching out to a dog trainer. I wanted to write a blog post on finding the right dog trainer to shorten your search and give the confidence to find the right one. Remember, at the end of the day you are making the choices for you and your dog, and every dog parent and dog are different in their needs.

There are some things to remember when starting your search and knowing what questions to ask a potential dog trainer to make sure the way they work will fit with your needs. Remember you may have ten problems you are dealing with right now but figuring out one main problem to start fixing is going to be the dog trainer’s goal in the beginning. The more you can describe the problem and how and when it starts will help the dog trainer to get a training plan that is right for you.

Here are 10 tips to consider when choosing the right dog trainer:

1.) The trainer should use techniques that do not harm the dog in anyway.

2.) Does the trainer get to know your dog? In other words, does he/she become familiar with your dog’s personality and needs before the the trainer starts the training. This could be taking a detailed history of your dog-when or where you got your dog, and really determining what the main problem should be addressed first.

3.) Does the trainer keep you informed as to how your dog is processing? What type of support, communication will you be receiving from the dog trainer during the training.

4.) Does the trainer require your presence during the actual training?

5.) Does the trainer give you a time-frame as to when you will see real results?

6.) How much does the trainer charge?

7.) Does the trainer praise your dog?

8.) Does your dog seem comfortable with the trainer?

9.) Does the trainer provide you with information that you can utilize after he/she has completed the training process?

10.) Does the dog trainer promise instant results? (if they do then that is not realistic as each behavioral problem will take time to see improvements)

Bonus Tip: There is another factor that you should consider. Knowing the dog trainer’s experience and credentials. Are they a certified dog trainer? The dog training industry is not regulated so anyone can say they are certified. Asking where they got certified and checking out what that program taught them will impact the training you receive from them as well.

While these are just 10 tips for choosing the right dog trainer, another thing to consider is the type of services the dog trainer offers. Group classes, private training, or day training ( where the dog trainer trains your dog for the day while you are gone), virtual training (online), to see what will work best with the behavior issues that are going on with your dog.

Finally, another thing, that may not be obvious that will come up, is making the commitment to sticking with the training. Finding the right dog trainer is important but knowing what type of training you can realistically stick to as that will impact the outcome you want to make happen. Saying yes to group classes when you know your schedule is hectic will not help be consistent and you and your dog will suffer for it. Therefore, going over the programs the dog trainer offers as well as giving yourself a reality check about the time and commitment, will help you choose the right trainer and program for you and your dog.

It may seem like a lot of work but making sure the dog trainer fits all the criteria is essential.

If you are looking for more help about finding the right dog trainer we can set up a time to chat. Let’s figure out what your needs are and if what I offer as a dog trainer would be a great fit or I can point you in another direction . Here is the link https:/wellmanneredpups.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php to schedule a call with me. I look forward to helping you and your do