Two Signs You’ve Found an Effective Dog Trainer

This podcast episode explores two critical signs of an effective dog trainer or behaviorist. First, it emphasizes the importance of positive, reward-based training techniques, especially for addressing challenging issues like aggression or separation anxiety. Positive reinforcement, supported by modern behavioral science, fosters faster learning, longer retention, and fewer behavioral problems compared to aversive methods. Trainers relying on punishment may achieve short-term gains but risk long-term behavioral complications.

Second, experience is key. Drawing inspiration from Malcolm Gladwell's "10,000-hour rule," the episode highlights how extensive hands-on experience shapes a competent trainer. It warns against trainers with minimal practical expertise and advises dog owners to seek specialists focused exclusively on dog behavior. Additional tips include researching reviews, understanding certifications, and ensuring the trainer's full-time commitment to behavior work. This episode equips dog owners with practical insights to make informed decisions when choosing a professional to help with their dog’s behavior.

Looking for specialized training for your team? Explore our workshops at USADogBehavior.com, where some organizations qualify for free seminars. Tune in and remember to subscribe for more quick and insightful dog behavior tips!

Episode LInks:

Why Punishing Dog Aggression Backfires in the Long-Term
Worldwide Debate on Shock and Prong Collars, Where Are They Banned and Why?

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Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.

Transcript

Welcome to the USA Dog Behavior podcast! I’m Scott Sheaffer, here to help you understand the world of dog behavior. Today’s episode: Two Signs You’ve Found an Effective Dog Trainer.

There are two things that are absolutely essential when looking for a competent and effective dog trainer or dog behaviorist. I’m going to tell you what those two things are in this podcast episode. 

Exercising caution when selecting someone to help you with your dog’s behavior issues is more important than you may think. Why? Because dog trainers virtually worldwide are required to only have the following in order to train dogs and get paid for it (and even this requirement is optional): business cards. 

It’s a highly unregulated world out there. Buyer beware.

First and most importantly, when choosing a dog trainer or dog behaviorist, it’s critical to select someone who uses positive, reward-based training techniques. This is especially true if your dog has a behavioral problem such as aggression or separation anxiety, for example. 

Positive training focuses on reinforcing desirable behaviors with rewards such as treats, praise or play. Dogs learn best in a positive, stress-free environment where they are motivated to repeat (i.e., learn) desired behaviors. 

Trainers who rely on punishment or fear-based methods (e.g., shock collars, prong collars and leash pops) risk increasing the dog’s anxiety, aggression and fear. When dog trainers use these punishment-based techniques, they frequently can produce short-term gains in the dog. However, they are also building in more severe issues that show up later. 

Positive training methods are backed by modern behavioral science. Studies consistently show that dogs trained with positive reinforcement learn faster, retain behaviors longer and display fewer problem behaviors later on compared to dogs exposed to aversive (i.e., punishing) techniques. 

That leads me into the second most important thing you need to look for when selecting a dog trainer or dog behaviorist. Experience. 

Would you want to go to a doctor whose primary claim to fame was that they passed their medical licensing examination—and that’s about all they have to offer? The answer is obviously “no” because you know that earning an MD degree is only the starting point for becoming a great doctor. No one wants to be a doctor’s first patient. 

This reminds me of Malcolm Gladwell’s 2008 book Outliers: The Story of Success. Gladwell’s research showed that to become highly skilled or an expert in any field, you need to practice intentionally and consistently for around 10,000 hours, which roughly equals 20 hours per week for 10 years. In short, 10,000 hours of experience makes you competent.

We’ll get right back to our episode, but first, a quick word about a service I offer to rescue organizations, dog clubs, and municipal animal services. If your team is looking for hands-on dog behavior training, check out information on my workshops at USADogBehavior.com. Some organizations may even qualify for free workshops. I’d love to talk with you about how I can help your team. Now, let’s get back to today’s episode.

I can attest to this in my own practice. In my very early years, I just wasn’t as effective as I am now. I acquired in-depth, specialized knowledge only through years of hands-on experience working with thousands of dogs and their owners. There’s no substitute for this experience. 

I wish I would have known more in my early years, but there is no way to escape this learning curve for anyone in any profession. The only consolation I have is that everyone in every profession goes through this process.

There are certainly more than two primary things to consider when selecting a dog trainer or dog behaviorist, but these are the two most important. 

Here are some additional things to consider:

·      Pick someone who legitimately specializes in the area your dog needs help in, especially if it’s a serious issue like aggression or separation anxiety.

·      Choose a dog trainer or dog behaviorist who is focused on being a dog trainer or dog behaviorist. It’s impossible for anyone to effectively and simultaneously be effective at a broad range of skills. No individual can be a standout in boarding dogs, grooming dogs, walking dogs, obedience training, service dog training, group classes and behavior modification. 

·      Would you feel 100% comfortable going to a doctor who was a full-time algebra teacher in a local high school but only did the doctor thing on Saturday mornings? Look for someone who makes being a dog trainer or dog behaviorist their full-time profession.

·      Use all available tools. Look online to see what kind of reviews they are getting on Google, Yelp or Facebook. This is also a good way to see how long they’ve been in the business.

·      While a dog trainer certification can indicate a level of knowledge, it’s important to know that there are a zillion (maybe more!) different certifications and certifying organizations out there these days for dog trainers. Treat these certifications as only one variable in your decision-making process.

Selecting the right dog professional to help you with your dog’s behavior issues is not an exact science. I hope this information helps to make it a little easier. 

Thanks for tuning in. If you enjoy quick insights into dog behavior, don’t forget to subscribe for more bite-sized episodes and leave a review if you find these episodes helpful. You can find us at USADogBehavior.com or follow us on Facebook by searching for USA Dog Behavior. See you next time, now go love your dog.