09/21/2025
Great questions to ask a prospective dog trainer!!
There is a part of this career that I wish I didn’t have to experience…which is often (sadly) job security. It’s being called in for the aftermath of what happens when dogs end up in the wrong hands.
The dog training field is UNREGULATED. This means anyone can wake up tomorrow, declare they are now a trainer, and give you advice that they’ve made up on the go or advice that we used 20 YEARS ago (sigh). They can take your money, and subject your dog to the most inhumane and unnecessary treatment.
Being certified requires…REQUIRES…that I continue to take classes. I’m also required to provide 3 references (from another colleague, a veterinarian, and a client) along with case studies where I go through top to bottom detailing a case, my decisions, reasoning, and the evidence to support it. Not all certifications ask this. Look into the certs a trainer lists.
Here are some red flags to watch for when deciding on a trainer:
🚩tells you NOT to contact them when they have your dog
🚩provides no updates
🚩 took an online certification that doesn’t require them to re-certify or to ever take classes again (or maybe they’ve just never certified ever)
🚩lists having dogs since they were a child as part of their experience (I’d also have 30 years experience if I used that parameter 😂)
🚩unwilling to work with other colleagues in the field, or refer you to others when they are out of their scope of expertise
Last…while reviews are super helpful to read through….remember that sometimes there are unethical trainers that will require a review or ask for a review in exchange for services.
Need more help to figure out a trainer’s methodology?
💡”what will you do when my dog does the right thing?”
💡”what will you do if my dog doesn’t do what you ask?”
💡”what items do you use for training?”
💡”if you can’t help my dog, will you tell me when I should seek additional help or support?”
💡”what classes or certificates have you completed in the last 6 months?”
💡”can you tell me what you specialize in?”
Protect yourself. Protect your dog.
Have a great weekend, trainees!
📸: Malachi 💚
