01/06/2026
One thing I cannot stand:
Is trainers bashing other trainers, especially on their public platform. Dog training is an art form as much as it is a science, which means big umbrella statements bashing others is not it. Calling out others who do things differently than you is not it. We all do things a little differently, which is one thing that is so beautiful about the industry! Programs are different, methods are different, tools are different, and application can be different too. It doesn’t make it wrong.
Just like trainers aren’t one size fit all, neither are our clients. What works for one person and their dog may not be right for another, *and that is ok*.
Now obviously there are exceptions: I like to ask myself
*is the trainer hurting dogs?
*is the trainer hurting people?
*is the training not helping the dog and client meet their goals?
If no, STAY IN YOUR OWN LANE.
I will ALWAYS believe in community > competition, and am lucky to have met so many amazing trainers in my community who feel the same way. I both refer clients to these trainers, and get clients referred to me by them. I share clients with some of them (shocking, I know).
As professionals, it’s our job to do better. And remember, sometimes it’s the people out there shouting the loudest who have the most guilt and lack of confidence about the things they are doing. We are out here to help people, help dogs, and feel morally good about the work we are producing.
As clients, I beg you to ask your trainer questions! It’s why we are here. If something doesnt sit right with you, ask why. Your trainer should be able to explain it to you in a way that makes sense. They should be able to replicate results again and again in a variety of different dogs and not just their own. And they should be able to give you a different way to do things if you don’t like your current training plan. Half of dog training is coming up with a plan, and revising it to fit your client/dog/situation in a way that makes sense.
Having a community of trainers to bounce ideas off of and problem solve with is invaluable. As a trainer, I encourage you to be open minded with training. If you aren’t, you will miss out.