Finding the right dog trainer can make all the difference in improving your relationship with your dog. If you’ve just brought home a puppy or you’re dealing with behavioral challenges while your dog is growing, knowing how to find a good dog trainer is crucial to your dog’s happiness and well-being. Below, we explain in more detail about choosing the right dog trainer that’s worth your time and money.
What Makes a Good Dog Trainer?
Before diving into the questions, it’s important to understand how to identify a good dog trainer. The best dog trainers will usually obtain the following:
1. Proven Experience and Credentials
A good dog trainer should have formal education, certifications, and hands-on experience. They should also be continuously upskilling themselves in dog behaviour to provide a better learning experience for the dogs. Hands-on experience is a must, especially with a wide variety of breeds. This shows that the dog trainer is able to come up with different training programs specifically for various dog personalities.
2. Comprehensive Training Philosophy
A strong training philosophy focuses on the dog’s mind, body, and behavior, not just obedience commands. For instance, a good dog program should be designed to teach well-behaved dogs to be responsive under distractions and be confident in new environments.
3. Comprehensive Facilities
It’s important to enrol in a dog training program that offers a wide range of tools and facilities to help dogs achieve their best behavior. As an example, a good trainer would allow dogs to practice their skills in different settings, offering dogs a comfortable place to learn.
Our founder at Neuman K-9 Academy is a Certified Master Trainer (CMT) through the Tarheel Canine School for Dog Trainers and a Certified Dog Trainer (IACP-CDT) with the International Association of Canine Professionals. Our unique Dog Boot Camp program follows this training philosophy. Additionally, our 10-acre training campus in Hugo, Minnesota, features a 3,800 sq. ft. climate-controlled kennel, a 3,000 sq. ft. indoor training building, groomed walking trails, and 10,000+ sq. ft. of fenced play areas.
7 Key Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
If you’re not sure how to find a good dog trainer, these 7 important questions should help you choose the right option for you. These questions should be asked before signing up:
1. What Training Methods Do You Use?
This is one of the most important questions when learning how to choose a dog trainer. The best trainers use reward-based methods that build trust and respect. Avoid trainers that rely on punishment to the dogs as it can cause fear, anxiety and confusion.
2. Are You Certified or Professionally Trained?
A qualified trainer should have formal education or certification from recognized organizations. This shows credibility and that they have sufficient knowledge in training dogs. Certifications help to ensure your trainer understands dog behavior science and proper training techniques.
3. How Do You Handle Problem Behaviours?
If your dog struggles with aggression, separation anxiety, or excessive barking, you’ll need a trainer experienced in changing their behavior. A good trainer would be able to tackle various behaviors, even those with the worst behaviour. They should also be able to handle complex behavioral issues and teach positive habits.
4. Can I Observe a Training Session?
A good training will offer transparency by allowing you to observe a session. This allows you to see how trainers interact with dogs and see if they’re patient, confident, and consistent. Dog trainers should explain their process so owners understand the care and attention each dog receives.
5. What Kind of Results Should I Expect?
Every dog is unique, but a good trainer will set realistic, achievable expectations. You should read through testimonials to see if there are significant improvements in obedience, confidence, and responsiveness. This typically includes their dogs learning to walk calmly on a leash, to obey commands even when distracted, and to stay calm in public places.
6. How Much Owner Involvement is Required?
Some trainers offer classes that rely heavily on owners participating in the program, while others handle all the work for you. You should engage with a dog training that takes the load off your shoulders. They should provide follow-up guidance and resources to ensure your dog continues the same positive habits and behaviors.
7. What Follow-Up Support Do You Offer After Training?
Post-training support is critical to long-term success. The best trainers provide follow-up sessions or resources to reinforce what your dog has learned. A good dog trainer should equip owners with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain consistency and continue building a strong bond with their dog after the training is over.
How to Find a Dog Behaviorist if Your Dog Has Deeper Issues
Sometimes, a standard obedience program isn’t enough, especially if your dog displays fear, aggression, or anxiety-driven behaviors. That’s when you may need to find a dog behaviorist.
If you’re wondering how to find a dog behaviorist, start by looking for professionals with specialized experience in canine psychology and behavior modification.
If you’re located near Minnesota, our Hugo training campus is the best option. Our trainers are highly skilled in addressing these deeper behavioral issues through structured, science-based training methods. We’ve helped dogs from nearly every U.S. state, and even countries like Canada, Brazil, and Switzerland, to overcome serious behavioral challenges.
Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Trainer
When deciding how to find a good dog trainer, be aware of these warning signs:
- No certifications or verifiable experience
- Promises of quick fixes or guaranteed results in just a few days
- Harsh or fear-based training methods
- Unwillingness to let you observe a session
- Lack of follow-up or ongoing support
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog trainer is one of the best investments you can make. When you take the time to ask the right questions and evaluate experience and results, you’ll find a program that truly transforms your dog’s life for the better.
If you’re looking for a dog trainer in Minnesota for loose leash training, check out our dog boot camp program or contact us at Neuman K-9 Academy for more info today!