Finding a trainer for your dog is vitally important to your dog's happy acclimation to your household and development as a pet. Keep in mind when researching trainers that there is no certification or licensing process of any kind to be a dog trainer. Therefore, the educational level and background of each trainer will vary widely. Practically anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviorist, but this does not mean they are capable of helping you train your dog. If a trainer makes exaggerated claims, or uses sales pitches that sound like something from a used car salesman or guarantees, walk away! Moreover, there are a variety of different philosophical approaches to dog training, from correction-based training to positive reinforcement training to clicker training to pure positive. When interviewing a trainer, be sure to ask them what their methods are and what their approach to dog behavior and learning is.

Here are some helpful tips to locating a good, qualified dog trainer. They should at least have the following qualities:

• A strong professional reputation
• Widespread experience in the field, including length of years of experience, and areas of particular expertise (either with certain breeds, or certain behaviors, or issues)
• Humane training methods that reflect an instructor who is respectful of both the owner and the dog. Harsh handling methods are not needed to train the majority of dogs, and can actually make aggression or shyness problems worse.
• A love of dogs; believe or not, it is not difficult to find trainers who appear cold or disinterested in dogs. You should find a trainer who clearly enjoys dogs and loves working with them. If you find a trainer who appears uncomfortable with the breed of dog you own, for example a pit bull or a chow, find another trainer who likes these breeds and has experience with them.
• Extensive knowledge and a commitment to continuing education. Ask your trainer how they keep up to date with the latest developments in the field: what periodicals do they read, what conferences do they attend, etc. Good dog trainers regularly work to update their own knowledge by attending workshops, seminars and study groups. However, if a trainer claims they have studied under a particular expert, ask for that expert's name and number to verify this. Attending a one or two-day workshop by an expert is not the same as apprenticing with them.
• Affiliations with reputable organizations, such as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, as well as local humane societies, rescue groups, and obedience clubs.

How do you go about finding possible trainers?

• Ask friends and families who have used the services of a dog trainer to see who they liked, disliked, etc.
• Ask people who own dogs that you encounter on your walks, at pet stores, and other venues where you observe them and their own well-trained dog. Most people will be happy to let you know who they have trained with and give you a referral; likewise, people who have had poor experiences with trainers will be eager to impart their experiences to you.
• Ask your local rescue group, or if you own a dog a particular breed, consult with that breed rescue. They should be able to refer you to trainers who are well-versed in that particular breed's personality and habits. Many rescue groups and humane societies even offer classes themselves.
• Ask your veterinarian. Many vets network with trainers in the community and can give you referral to good trainers. On the other hand, simply because a trainer puts brochures in a veterinarian's waiting room, do not assume this makes them a good trainer or even recommended or known by that veterinarian.
• Attend local dog obedience shows if there are any in your area. Most owners and handlers would be happy to give you advice on excellent trainers in your vicinity. Make sure that you indicate that you want a pet dog trainer and not a trainer for competitive obedience. Some trainers excel at training dogs for competition sport, but would feel hard pressed to give you solutions on a pet dog who is destroying your home due to separation anxiety.
• The Association of Pet Dog Trainers is a professional organization dedicated to promoting humane training methods. You can find a trainer in your area through their website's "Trainer Search" at www.apdt.com. If you locate one or more good possibilities, make sure that you ask them if you can visit a class beforehand to see them in action. Be wary of any trainer that will not allow you to watch their class. Once you have watched a class, if you feel the instructor's attitude and ability will fit well with you and your dog, feel free to sign up. If not, don't feel pressured to sign up with someone you do not feel comfortable with.

If a trainer attempts to sell you on training your dog without you present, avoid this trainer. The essential element of successful dog training is a strong owner-dog relationship, and this can only be fostered by the trainer teaching you how to work with your dog. Many people have a common misperception that a dog training class involves the trainer working with your dog. In truth, the point of an obedience class if for the trainer to teach you as the owner to work with your dog at home and train them yourselves. A good trainer gives you the tools to work with your dog; they do not train the dog for you and hand him or her over with no input to you on how you must go about your day living and interacting properly with your dog.

Pet Orphans believes strongly in the value of taking all of our dogs through an obedience class using positive reinforcement and humane training techniques. We try to teach our shelter dogs basic canine manners during their stay with us such as sit, waiting at gates and doorways, and walking without pulling on leash. Pet Orphans also networks extensively with local trainers to assist adopters with various behavioral problems that can disrupt a dog or cat's ability to live within a household. We urge all adopters to seek the assistance of a trainer who uses humane, dog-friendly techniques when a problem arises, and we happily provide referrals and behavioral assistance.

Click here to learn about classes held at Pet Orphans of Southern California.

Report Animal Abuse

If you know about an animal that you feel is being abused or neglected, or you have any information regarding a possible dog fighting situation, you may make an anonymous call to:

L.A. CITY Animal Abuse Task Force (213) 847-1417

If you get their answering machine, they will call you back promptly. Remember, it is now illegal in California to keep a dog tethered for more than three hours at a time.

Dog Trainers Recommended by POSC
(Who Use Humane Methods Only)