You’ve decided to have a dog trainer work with your furry friend – and you’ve found that in southern California, quite a few professionals offer dog training services. With all of the trainers out there, how do you figure out which one to hire?
Choosing the right professional dog trainer is important, regardless of what skills and behaviors you want your pooch to learn. A good teacher will set your dog up for success by making training as easy and enjoyable as possible. Here’s what to consider as you search for someone to train your beloved pet.
Qualifications
You might think that some sort of education or experience is necessary to set up a dog training business, but that isn’t the case. The industry is completely unregulated, which means anyone can say they’re capable of training dogs.
Fortunately, many dog trainers – including the team here at The Driven Dog – seek out apprenticeships, certifications and continuing education. Choose a trainer who has made professional development a priority, as that shows their dedication to the craft.
Methodology
Balanced training, with clear communication and positive reinforcement, is both humane and effective in changing behavior. To that end, search for a professional dog trainer who uses this type of approach and lets your pooch have fun while learning new skills.
Training your four-legged family member is the goal – but it’s just as important for you to learn dog handling skills. To achieve this, look for a trainer who will help you understand how to work with your pet on your own.
Training Services
Are you leaning toward a dog board-and-train program? Think your pet could benefit from group classes? Or would you prefer private, one-on-one training sessions at your southern California home?
Most professional dog trainers offer a range of programs, but you’ll want to check into the specific services each one provides. And to best meet your needs, you may want to find a qualified professional who personalizes their training programs.
Questions to Ask
If you’re not sure which dog trainer to hire, getting more information should help you come to a decision. We recommend asking the following questions:
- What is your training approach when a dog responds appropriately?
- How do you react when the response is inappropriate?
- Are you experienced in dealing with difficult training situations?
- What types of training equipment do you use?
- Have you worked with many different dog breeds?
- Are you a member of any professional training organizations?
- Can you provide references from former clients?
Finding the right professional dog trainer may take a bit of time and effort on your part. But if you live in Long Beach or the surrounding southern California area, your search can start and end with The Driven Dog.
We offer board-and-train boot camps, group classes and private training. We also customize our programs to provide our clients with the services they need. Our team has the qualifications you’re looking for, and we’ve been the go-to choice for local dog training services for more than a decade. We’d love to work with you and your furry friend – contact us to speak with a professional Long Beach dog trainer today.