What to Look for in Dog Training Programs?

Our pets are as much a part of our families as our children or parents. So, whether it is their bed, food, or clothing, we always want the best for them. This same principle applies to our pets’ training programs as well. While you may want to train your pet at home, they will learn the most when trained by a professional in a training program. But how do you know which program is suitable for your dog? A Lehi dog trainer provides tips for choosing a good training program.

Do Your Research

Becoming a dog trainer doesn’t require any degree or license. Anyone can become a trainer and start a dog training program. So you must thoroughly research different dog training programs before picking one for your pet. Interview at least three trainers from different programs. Find trainers certified by independent bodies like the CCPDT or IAABC. Membership in professional organizations like the APDT would be an additional benefit. 

Determine if the Trainer is Right for You

A trainer should be as comfortable working with you as they should be working with your dog. Observe the trainer’s communication and training methods. Try to find out about their background. Consider your training goals and check if the trainer meets your requirements. Check if they have experience training family pets. Ask how often they work with pets and families similar to yours. Find out if they will use tools or methods that may be too rough for your pet. Getting answers to all these questions can help you determine whether the potential trainer you are speaking to is suitable for you and your dog.

Does the Training Program Align with Your Goals?

Any good dog training program begins with clearly defined goals. Your dog’s trainer should spend time with your dog and family to properly understand your requirements. Only then will they be able to provide a customized training plan for your four-legged friend. 

Where Will the Dog be Trained?

Ensure the program trains your dog in its actual environment. Most trainers take dogs into their homes to easily integrate the training into their daily lives. This allows the dogs to practice various skills they will need at home constantly. Many board and train programs have excellent strategies to stimulate real-life scenarios to train your dogs. 

Check if the Trainer will Train You As Well.

This is a critical point to consider when choosing a dog training program. Remember, when you get a pet home, you and your pet need the training to live with each other. While the dog must learn to adjust to its new life and environment, you must also learn how to live with it, give it commands, make it obey your commands, and so on. Many training programs, unfortunately, only focus on training the dog and not their humans. While this may help to a certain extent, it leaves the training incomplete. Choose a training program that includes training pet owners as well. Ask what the trainer will teach you. Find out about various commands and behaviors that you need to learn.

Check if the Training Environment is Suitable for your Dog

Before choosing the training program, visit the facility and see if it is right for your dog. Most reliable trainers will welcome you to visit their facility and check it out. They may even allot specific times for guided tours where you can learn about the facility and its programs. Next, see whether the facility is clean. Check how secure the fencing is. Check if the place is well-ventilated and has good dog sleeping areas. If you opt for a kennel-based program, ensure they are properly licensed and follow the best practices in the industry. Finally, ask if your dog will get any exercise at the facility and whether it will be allowed to interact with other dogs under supervision.

Check if the Program Offers Age-Specific Classes

How soon a dog learns something also depends on its age. What you can teach a puppy quickly may take longer to teach an adult dog. It can help if you find age-specific training for your dog. Ask the program if they offer age-specific classes to match your dog’s cognitive abilities.

You may have several options when choosing a training program for your dog. Remember to consider the positives and negatives and follow your gut when picking the right training program for your furry friend.

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