Dog Training Tips - Rules for Dog Trainers and Dog Owners

Similar to other human endeavors, the success of dog training and dog behavior modification efforts involving both a dog trainer and a dog owner is dependent upon acceptance of responsibility and good communication. Here are some dog training tips and rules of the road for such situations.

To start, Dog Trainer, you must always remember to ask as many thoughtful and pointed questions of the owner as possible. This is an absolute necessity if the dog trainer is to have a good understanding of the animal before beginning the first dog training session, to start on the right foot. You never have a second chance to make a first impression in the dog world.

Dog Owner, you have a responsibility to be detailed on both the good and the bad in your pet. Only then can the dog trainer - dog behaviorist diagnose the problem fully and take the best remedial steps. You must also speak out your full expectations so they can be accomplished.

Some areas you should cover and amplify include:

1- Historical information about your dog -- Age, how old he was when adopted, where you got him, etc.

2- The dog behavior problem -- Full description, how it manifests, under what circumstances, and how often.

3- What happened the first time? -- What did the dog do first, how did you handle it at that moment and right afterward, how did the dog respond, how old was the dog, other factors, and how much has the behavior increased since then?

4- What have you done about it since then? -- Also, what have other family members done about it, what are you doing now, how has the dog reacted each time, etc.?

5- Information about your dog's environment and exposures - e.g., your home, yard, doggie door and yard freedom or always out on a leash, neighborhood, parks, other pets, other family members and ages, kennel trained, etc.

6- You dog's daily exercise -- e.g., how often, when, how far, is it "free time" or focused and disciplined (mental challenge), etc.?

7- Any other things you do not like about your dog?

Expose everything pertinent to the pet and circumstances that you can think of. Don't forget allergies and health issues that might have an effect.

Dog Trainer, point out issues right away, explaining dog behavior problems to the Owner. For example, if the dog displays dog dominance behavior such as claiming something, the Owner needs to be made aware of what is really going on. This is not just some cute little annoyance, but the seed of a major dog behavior problem!

Dog Trainer, do not in any way intimidate the Dog Owner or make him feel foolish. Be understanding. Recognize that he called on you because he realizes and acknowledges the need for your experience. Commend him, for that takes courage.

Dog Owner, never lie to a dog trainer if your dog has certain tendencies. Especially if your dog is aggressive or fearful, the trainer needs to know the tendency of his reactions. Otherwise, there may be a nasty dog bite, and the results you seek may be impeded.

Dog Owner, listen to the dog trainer. Do not become surly or sarcastic with one who is trying to help. Do not waste the trainer's time if you are not going to follow her directions and be consistent. Do not try to blame the trainer if you are not consistent.

Dog Trainer, do not tell the Dog Owner: "People need training, not dogs." It is called DOG TRAINING for a reason!

Dog Trainer, realize that people need to be instructed in how to read dog body language, to become the leader of the pack, and how to follow through with your instructions ... How to train a dog! People need encouragement, not criticism. Sometimes, the problem is the DOG!

Dog Trainer, hear the Dog Owner out and listen to all he says about the dog. Eat every word, and draw out every piece of information you may need. Remember, you need to feed the Dog Owner if he is stuck. You need to be a skilled interviewer, to draw out all you need to know about the dog and the circumstances.

Keeping these thoughts in mind makes it easier for both the Dog Trainer and the Dog Owner. It is no more fun for a Dog Trainer than a Dog Owner to deal with someone who is full of himself ... That is counterproductive. Keep you eye on your goal -- dog behavior modification and dog training.

Tips & Guide To Looking For A Good Dog Trainer

Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier than you would expect particularly if you can get help from a good dog training book or guide. It’s also certainly possible for almost any dog owners to train their dogs themselves provided they put in adequate amount of effort.

Nevertheless, you might still want to get additional help from a professional trainer, especially if you got a tough nut to crack in your hand. Before you engage a trainer, it’s always best that you do some research first as there are many trainers with different teaching styles and not every style suit every dog or owner.

Here’s a guide for you to find a reliable trainer:

Ask someone

It wouldn’t hurt you to open your mouth to ask someone for advice or recommendation.

- Ask your friends, even strangers you meet in the park for the contacts of their trainer if you notice that he owns a particular well-train dog. Even if they don’t engage a trainer, you could still possibly pick up some valuable training tips. You’ve got nothing to lose and I’ll bet the owner would also most probably be flattered.

- Ask your veterinarian for recommendations. He deal with dogs everyday and must have seen the best and worse dog. He should have contacts for some good trainers in your area.

- Ask the local Humane Society, dog breeder or even your pet supplies shop owner. They are also a good source of information and might just be able to direct you to a trainer who is particularly suited to training your dog breed.

The directory has a search engine that allows you to search trainer by specific geographical location and also list out if trainers are Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) to help you make your decision.

*CPDT is certified by the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers an international testing and certification program for professional pet dog trainers. It is basically to ensure that the trainer has a certain level of knowledge and expertise. To be certified, trainers must have at least 300 hours of dog training experience and have passed an exam that assesses basic knowledge of canine training. For more details, visit http://www.ccpdt.org/

There are several things to look out for before you engage a trainer. You might want to consider these factors first before you engage one from a list of good contacts you got. The Trainer must have the following traits:

- must be humane and gentle with the dogs during training.

- must be an effective communicator and teacher. Both you and your dog must be able to understand his teaching for effective training. In short, “Do you understand the words that are coming out of his mouth?” As dog training involve both you and your dog, you must also be able to understand his teachings so that you can practice them when you get home.

- must be experience and up-to-date with the latest training methods. You might want to request a sit-in session to observe him and see if he can deal with the particularly difficult dogs. Don’t be afraid to ask him questions about his training background, training techniques, methods and etc. An experience trainer should have no problem answering your questions.

Distance - This might not be a big factor but certainly one worth considering. Imagine a 4 hours drive for every training session!

Hope these tips are useful to help you look for a good dog trainer.

Good luck in your quest for a good trainer!

How to Become a Dog Trainer - Helpful Tips for Starters

Becoming a dog trainer is without a doubt a lucrative business if you know how to get into the business of dog training and start providing the much needed services for the ever increasing population of dog lovers who are in need of the professional assistance of dog trainers. Because there are no specific institutions or lay-down path that would-be trainers are meant to follow in order to become certified dog trainer therefore the burden of becoming a professional trainer rest squarely on the shoulders of the would-be dog trainer. This means that he will have to find out the steps that will lead him to his dream of becoming a professional trainer.

As a would-be dog trainer you should know that training is essentially a service profession which means that you will be working a lot with the person that own the dog and in actual fact the profession involves training the people who own the dogs as much as providing training for the dogs. For this reason, a good human relation is an essential part of the requirement for the would-be dog trainer because if you fail in your relationship with the dog owners than you can as well kiss the career goodbye.

Those who are employed as dog trainers are essentially self taught, which means that they have attended seminars, convention and workshops, read extensively about dog ethology and probably mentored by other established trainers.

A would-be trainer should at least be knowledgeable in the following area:

Dog training history from around the late 19th century till date. Training for other animals in comparison and contrast with dog training.
Animal learning which includes positive and negative punishment, positive and negative reinforcement, motivation, conditioned reinforces, desensitization and sensitization. Comparison of human learning to dog learning.
Dog behavior - genetics of behavior, body language, breed characteristics, ethology and dog development, social development, hormonal influence, social signals.
How to design his course materials for training, how to motivate dog owners, ability to screen and steer his clients and how to effectively counsel his clients.
To become a successful trainer it is very important to mentor under the leadership of an established trainer regardless of how knowledgeable you may be. Apprenticeship affords you the opportunity to work with experienced trainers and a wide variety of dogs which you will encounter in the course of your career as a trainer. Also by volunteering to work with local and shelter rescue groups you will be able to gain insight into a wide range of dog breeds and personalities. However when deciding on a trainer to mentor you, ensure that he is committed to improving his own education and that he is dedicated to human methods of training.