A dog trainer or dog behaviorist can help you teach your dog useful skills and behaviors. They will also help you make your dog more comfortable spending time with you. Although their work may overlap, dog trainers as well as dog behaviorists handle slightly different things. Let’s start by examining the differences between a dog trainer, and a dog behaviorist.
What do Dog Trainers Do?
Teaching useful behaviours such as sit, stay, recall and loose lead walking. Scent work, agility, etc.
Socializing a puppy
For general obedience and manners, you can choose to take part in a group or one-on-one class.
Find fun and new ways to keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated.
What do Dog Behaviorists do?
Diagnose, analyze and help to change problematic behaviours like:
Separation anxiety
Aggression
Overstimulation
Stereotypes and OCD/compulsive behaviors
How to Find a Qualified Dog Trainer or Behaviourist
Qualified dog behaviorists should be able to refer to veterinary specialists. Make sure you consult your vet. A vet will be able to rule out potential medical reasons for your dog’s behavior problems. Your vet may diagnose a problem that can be resolved on its own, but they may be able recommend a behaviorist they have worked with in the past. When shopping for insurance for your dog or puppy, you should consider whether some insurance companies offer packages that include support from certified dog behaviorists. Check out these Dog Training Orange County specialists for more, covering all surrounding areas such as Irvine, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim and Newport Beach.
It’s a good idea for dog owners to seek out recommendations and check references and reviews when looking for a trainer. If you are interested in a trainer or class that sounds good to you, make sure you ask these questions to get as much information as you can to help determine if your dog would benefit from their training.
Ask about their background, experience and any qualifications that may be required to assist you with your dog.
What type of insurance does the behaviourist have? Your insurance company may cover the cost of a consultation, but does the behaviorist have liability insurance in case something happens while they are out with your dog?
Find out which training methods they use. Battersea recommends that you only use positive and reward-based methods to strengthen the bond between owner and dog. These techniques can also help build confidence in your dog by giving them the option. This will make it more likely that their behavior changes will last and become a habit. Punishment can lower confidence, inadvertently lead to fear-based aggression and cause a breakdown of the dog-owner relationship.
Ask for details about costs and what is included. Do they charge an hourly fee or do they offer a package that includes follow-up consultations? Is a custom behavioural report prepared and sent to me? Are you given a clear and specific training plan with goals? Are you able to get phone or email support if needed? Is there ongoing or outside support?
Ask about the setup of a dog training class. Asking questions could include:
How many dogs do you have?
How do you calculate the ratio of trainers to dogs?
Do the classes involve dogs on-lead?
Are they allowed to have bitches during the season?
Are they able to check the vaccination status of their dogs during their course?
Are there any provisions for dogs that are more reactive, e.g. Do they have temporary visual barriers?
There are many factors that could affect your ability to teach your dog in a class setting. Good trainers will keep classes small and allow for plenty of space between dogs. This will enable them to provide enough support and attention for each client during sessions.
You should feel comfortable talking to your trainer or behaviorist. You should feel comfortable speaking with them. They should be friendly, knowledgeable, approachable, and willing to answer any questions about their services. This relationship is all about communication.
