There may be a difference between what you think you need and what the trainer thinks you need.  Group classes are for teaching obedience skills -- sit, down, come, stay, etc., and some specialty training such as agility.  Classes are for teaching cues or commands to groups of people.  If your dog tears up your house while you are away, that is a behavior issue which is best addressed in private sessions because the trainer or behavior consultant needs to work with you individually to develop a program specifically to meet the needs of you and your dog.

What questions should I ask a trainer?

General Information

• What is the cost, and what is the method of payment?
• What are the exercises and/or procedure used?
• Does the trainer provide handouts or written materials?
• What kind of equipment is used?  Will you need to bring it yourself, or is it furnished?
• Has the trainer had experience with your breed of dog or the issue you need help with?
• Should all your family members attend the training?
• Does the trainer give information about care and ownership?
• Will the trainer give referrals and recommendations, or are there some on his or her Web site?
• Does the trainer belong to or work with any obedience clubs, dog-related organizations, or rescue groups?
• Guarantees  There are so many variables in temperament of dog (and their owners/guardians!!!) that a trainer should not make a guarantee as to the outcome of his or her training.

• How did the trainer become a trainer, and what is his or her education?
• What experience does the trainer have and with whom? 
• Does the trainer train full time or part time, and for how long? 
• Does the trainer have knowledge of your specific breed traits? 
• Has the trainer worked with the specific problem you are calling about?
• Does the trainer specialize in any type of training?
• Does the trainer keep up with innovations in training, tools, and techniques -- in other words, does he regularly attend any seminars or conventions?
• Does the trainer belong to any professional organizations, and what are the qualifications for those organizations?
• Is the trainer certified?  (See below about certification.)

You need to be comfortable with how the trainer works with you and your dog. 

The "hot" question today is about punishment.  There are a lot of trainers that say they don't use punishment.  But it depends on what the definition is.  Webster's definition is imposing a penalty for a behavior.  Having to pay a penalty decreases the likelihood of that behavior recurring in the future.  So when you're driving your car and the light turns red, you're being punished because the presence of the red light is preventing you from going forward. 

But, let's differentiate between punishment and abuse.  Punishment means subjecting a person or animal to a penalty for a wrongdoing, and discipline implies restricting your dog in order to bring him under control.  An example of discipline is having your dog sit until you release him to go for a walk so he won't barge out the door.  Punishment when it is used as discipline or as a teaching tool is not abuse but more as a penalty for overstepping his bounds.

Abuse is treating someone or something with intent to injure, harm, or damage.  Abuse is hanging your dog on a choke chain if he digs a hole in your yard.  Abuse is kicking your dog when you are angry with him.  Trainers should not abuse dogs.  Trainers should not do anything that you makes you uncomfortable.  However, they should expand your knowledge by showing you different ways to get the behavior you want.  If what you were doing was working, then you wouldn't be asking a trainer.  Remember the "Dr. Phil" question:  "How's that working for you?"

Trainers all use punishment -- but it's when, how, and how much it is used that is important.   When a dog is being taught a behavior, is he being shown what you want and then rewarded when he does it correctly, or does he get corrected when he does not do it right?  Is the majority of the training guidance based or punishment based?

Classes

• Who teaches the classes, the trainer or an assistant?
• Does each class member get individual help?
• Are there vaccine or other health requirements?
• Is the training facility large enough to be comfortable for the number of dogs in class?
• Is it okay to observe a class before signing up?

When observing classes, watch how the trainer interacts with his students and their dogs. Is she/he rough? Is the instructor greeted excitedly by the students and dogs, or is there and air of "reserve"? You want to see happy dogs and owners!

Look at the equipment in general use on the dogs being trained in the classes you watch. Are most of the dogs in Flat or buckle collars, or are the majority in chokes and pinch collars? The chokes and pinches when used on average pets in a beginner class, bespeak an instructor who may not always choose positive reinforcement as a first option of training. The exception is a trainer who is specifically working with difficult dogs. This is not to say that you might not see one or two dogs in regular training classes wearing these type collars, they are very useful in certain instances. But, they should be used sparingly, when needed, not as a general everyday piece of equipment. Flat collars or buckle collars are a good, gentle first choice.

Price is NOT everything. For instance, I charge $60 an hour for private classes, and $115 for group. But, after 5 or 6 weeks, my pet dog students don't really NEED to come to weekly classes any longer. They have the skills they need to handle every day training and problems. In my eyes that makes me a successful teacher, I've created an independent, confident dog owner and a happy family...giving the the skills they need in order to carry on their lives without me. I have had students say, "I can get "blank name" school to give me 8 weeks of lessons for $80, why should I pay you all that money." My answer is this, "You get what you pay for, and what the INSTRUCTOR is worth." Many folks end up with their pockets $80 poorer than 8 weeks earlier, and a dog who is still out of control. So don't let money be your ONLY deciding factor, do your homework too, please. BTW, If you plan to compete in dog sports, then the price is well worth it if you end up with winning scores and dogs.

LOOK FOR TREATS  Avoid trainers who won't use food as a training reward.  Food is a powerful positive training tool that works with most dogs.  It also makes training and learning fun.

THINK POSITIVE  A trainer should use positive rewards for good behavior. Clicker Training is an approach that's gaining popularity; it involves pairing the sound of a hand clicker with something the dog loves.  Soon, the sound itself becomes a remarkably effective reward for good behavior.

What is a certified dog trainer anyway?

There are several entities that have certification programs to test the knowledge and skills of dog trainers. 

There are four ways to become certified: 

• Through dog trainers’ associations
• Through national pet store programs
• By home study or Internet courses
• At private dog training schools 

Courses offered through the Internet, many home study courses, and private training schools are too numerous and varied to go into detail here.  Those entities issue their own certification when you have completed their coursework.  Some have qualifying tests; others do not.  Some don't even require their students to work with dogs before becoming certified.  It’s up to you to do the research and find out how the trainers received their certifications.  You can do that by checking the Websites of the certifying organizations.

There are some organizations accept members only if they have met a required educational level and other qualifications.

There are three dog trainers associations in the United States that have certification programs where applicants must demonstrate a knowledge of dog training, equipment, and behavior.  Other countries have associations that have their own certifying programs.  Do your research.  Investigate their Websites and talk to some of their members -- ones that are not looking at you as a potential client.  Many times, board members of these organizations are a good source, and you can email them.

The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors  (NADOI) exam consists of 54 essay questions.  It is not a certification but an endorsement that the trainer has passed their requirements.  There are no study materials provided (the applicant either "knows it" or doesn't), and the test measures the applicant’s personal knowledge and experience. Three letters of reference, training handout samples and a vidoetape are also required. The references must be from a Veterinarian, Dog Professional Peer and a Client.

The questions in the exam cover

• Personal Information
• Background Information
• Reference Information
• General Information regarding

                The applicant’s training philosophy

                Student Information

                Instructing

                Behavior

• How to teach and handle situations in Private Lessons and Group Classes.
• A time stamped video of the applicant teaching a class or private lesson is required.

To receive a Novice/Companion Endorsement, the applicant needs at least five years’ experience in dog training, including at least 104 hours training as a primary instructor accumulated during at least two years.  If the applicant does not have the requisite hours for the Novice/Companion Endorsement, then a Provisional membership may be applied for. 

Three current NADOI members individually read the test, and then each member must pass the applicant. 

The cost of the exam is $20.00.  Every applicant must pass the exam to become a member of NADOI, which is an additional $45.00 fee.  NADOI is the oldest of the trainer organizations.  Its Website is www.nadoi.org.

The Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT)has developed certification guidelines and its examination in accordance with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) mission and vision statements. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 300 hours experience in dog training within the last five years with 225 of those hours in actually teaching as a head trainer and 75 hours working with animals in another capacity.  Applicants submit letters of reference from a veterinarian, client, and colleague.

The Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) exam is a multiple-choice, 250-question, four-hour exam covering the following areas: 

• Instruction Skills
• Animal Husbandry
• Ethology
• Learning Theory
• Equipment

A passing score is 185.  There are no study materials provided.  It is the only dog trainer testing program accredited by the National Organization for Competency Assurance and the only certification program whose test sites are professionally secured and moderated by the Professional Testing Corporation.  The cost is $300 for APDT members and $350 for nonmembers.  APDT is the largest dog trainer organization.  The CCPDT Website is www.ccpdt.org, and the APDT Website is www.apdt.com. 

Certified Pet Dog Trainers (CPDT's) maintain their credentials through continuing education by attending workshops, conferences and hands-on seminars for professional dog trainers. This continuing education requirement ensures that CPDT's are knowledgeable about the most current thinking, research and techniques in the field. There are CPDT's all over the United States and in countries outside the U.S.

The Basic Trainer Skills Exam of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) consists of submitting six Letters of Reference, one Training Handout Sample, a Videotape showing the applicant training four different dogs of different temperaments and skills for 10-15 minutes per dog, and three written Case Studies. 

The criteria for the Videotape are as follows: 

• Exhibits Confidence
• Creates Rapport
• Reads Dog
• Rewards are Well Timed and Appropriate
• Corrections are Well Timed and Appropriate
• Competence with Chosen Method
• Affected Change
• Exhibits Versatility

The criteria used for judging case studies are: 

• Evaluation/Pre-Screening
• Sets Reasonable Goals/Objectives
• Progression of the Lessons, Instruction of the Owner
• Homework Assignments
• Motivates Owner to Comply with the Training
• Flexibility
• Follow-up
• Critiques
• Letter of Reference

No study materials are provided.  Three IACP members must individually pass the applicant.  The cost is $150 for IACP members and $250 for nonmembers.  Its Website is www.dogpro.org.  

So you can see that there are many ways for a trainer to become certified.  And there are some excellent trainers who are not certified. 

Whatever dog trainer you choose, do your homework.  Talk with the trainer and observe a training session even if that trainer is recommended.  Stay away from any trainer who will not let you watch him or her train or one that has "secret methods."  Make sure you’re comfortable with that trainer and his or her methods and philosophy before you begin.  Then have fun training your dog!