Have you ever taken a dog training class and left feeling no better off than when you started? Or spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a private trainer, only to have your dog still struggle with the same issues?
I have!
My husband and I took our first dog training class back in 1995 with our puppy, Symba. Since then, we’ve tried it all… puppy classes, consultations with behaviorists, agility training, and online courses. And let me tell you, the world of dog training has become so saturated and confusing that finding the right trainer can feel overwhelming.
With so many options… local classes, online courses, and board-and-train programs… not to mention the hundred different training methods (clickers, treats, special collars) it’s enough to make your head spin!
But here’s the good news: finding the right trainer can make all the difference for you and your dog. Let’s break it down and simplify the process.
Why the Right Trainer Matters: Trainers Are Like Teachers
Think back to your school days. You probably had that one teacher who made learning fun, right? Dog trainers are just like that.
The trainer you connect with, someone who clicks with both you and your dog, can make all the difference. It’s not about the brand name or certifications they have. It’s about finding the right fit for your dog’s specific needs, their personality, and yours, too.
Here’s a personal story I’ve never shared before: We got kicked out of a puppy class because Wizard was classified as reactive… at just four months old! Instead of helping us, the instructor decided we weren’t a good fit. And this was at a kennel club we were members of! I was shocked and disappointed. But it just goes to show, that not every dog trainer is the right fit or capable of helping your dog.
Types of Dog Training Programs: Pros and Cons
Before choosing a trainer, first decide what you want to accomplish. Do you need basic training for a puppy? Help with reactivity? Or just want to enjoy walks without leash pulling? Once you know your goal, consider these training options:
In-Person Classes
PROS:
✅ Hands-on guidance from a trainer
✅ Opportunities for socialization
✅ Immediate feedback and corrections
CONS:
❌ Group settings may be overwhelming for some dogs
❌ Limited individual attention
❌ Requires travel and scheduling commitment
Online Training
PROS:
✅ Flexible so you can train anytime, anywhere
✅ More affordable
✅ Access to expert trainers worldwide
✅ Can rewatch lessons as needed
CONS:
❌ Requires self-discipline and consistency
❌ No in-person trainer to provide hands-on help
❌ May not be suitable for severe behavior issues
Private One-on-One Training
PROS:
✅ Fully customized training plan tailoredto your dog’s needs
✅ Trainer can work in real-life environments
✅ Ideal for addressing specific behavior issues
CONS:
❌ More expensive
❌ Limited opportunities for socialization with other dogs
❌ Requires consistent follow-through from the owner
Board-and-Train Programs
PROS:
✅ Intensive training done by professionals
✅ Great for behavior modification
✅ Can make faster progress in a controlled environment
CONS:
❌ Very expensive
❌ Limited owner involvement. The dog may listen to the trainer but struggle at home
❌ Requires careful research
Dog Trainer Certifications: What Do They Really Mean?
Certifications can indicate knowledge, but they’re not everything. Some of the best trainers I know don’t have formal certifications. With so many different credentials, it’s hard to know what they all mean. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) offers:
- CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed)
- CPDT-KSA (Knowledge and Skills Assessed)
- CBCC-KA (Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed)
- IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals) provides education and certification programs.
- KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) emphasizes positive reinforcement training.
If you need help finding a local certified trainer, I recommend starting with the CCPDT website.
Just remember, certifications don’t guarantee a trainer is the right fit. Teaching ability matters just as much as credentials!
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How to Find the Right Dog Trainer
To find the right trainer, consider your dog’s needs. If it’s reactivity or behavior issues, look for a specialist. If it’s puppy training, a behaviorist may not be necessary.
Steps to Finding the Right Trainer:
- Ask for recommendations from friends, family, rescues, and your vet.
- Check their website and watch their videos to see their training style.
- Read online reviews for honest feedback.
- Call and talk to them, a phone conversation reveals a lot about personality.
- Observe a class in person (if possible) before signing up.
- If considering online trainers, watch their videos first. If they don’t have videos, move on!
A quick note about big-box pet store training classes: The quality depends on the trainer, not the brand. I’ve seen great trainers at PetSmart, but also not-so-great ones. The same goes for kennel clubs that use volunteer trainers.
🚫 Avoid trainers who use outdated dominance-based methods.
🚫 Beware of anyone who guarantees results, training isn’t one-size-fits-all.
🚫 If something feels off, trust your gut and walk away.
Questions to Ask a Potential Trainer
Before hiring a trainer, ask these key questions to ensure they’re the right fit:
- What training methods do you use?
- Have you worked with dogs who have [insert your dog’s behavior issue] before?
- Do you offer private sessions, group classes, or both?
- Can you provide references or success stories?
What About Aggressive Dogs?
If your dog has shown aggression or has a bite history, it’s critical to work with a professional in person. These situations require hands-on help and an experienced behaviorist who can evaluate your dog in real time.
While online programs like SpiritDog Training are fantastic for many behavior issues, they aren’t suitable for aggression or dogs with a history of biting. In these cases, an in-person trainer specializing in aggression is your safest and best option.
Where to Start:
- Look for a certified behavior consultant with the CBCC-KA credentials through CCPDT.
- Check with your vet for referrals to a veterinary behaviorist.
- Always prioritize safety, this isn’t a DIY situation.
Why Online Training Works for Many Dogs
For dogs without severe aggression or safety concerns, online training can be a game-changer. Programs like SpiritDog Training offer flexible, science-based training you can do at home, on your schedule.
SpiritDog has courses for issues like reactivity, resource guarding, and separation anxiety. The step-by-step videos make it easy to follow along, and the positive reinforcement methods align perfectly with modern training philosophies.
I love SpiritDog because it allows you to tackle behavior issues at your own pace. Whether you’re dealing with barking, pulling on the leash, or general obedience, their courses are effective and affordable.
Recommended Resources
Thanks for investing in your dog’s training! One final thought… traditional dog training isn’t always required. Many behavior issues can be solved through play, bonding, and trust-building.
My Top Training Resources:
✔️ Dog Training Planner – Stay organized and track progress.
✔️ SpiritDog Training – One of my favorite online training programs.
✔️ Dunbar Academy – Another fantastic online training resource.
✔️ My Play Therapy Program – Learn how to use play to build confidence and solve behavior issues.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right dog trainer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on your dog’s needs and doing a little research, you’ll set yourself (and your pup) up for success. Happy training!
Have a dog training story? Share it in the comments… it could help someone else in a similar situation!
Thanks for also talking about the effects of positive reinforcement when training dogs. I want to find a good dog trainer soon because I'm thinking about finding a good way to make it easier to make my dog be more patient. He gets too excited whenever I prepare his food so making him sit tight would be a good trick for him to learn.
Debi, thank you for what I think is your best and researched advice.
I have an unusual situation. I have a puppy, 1 yr. and 10 lbs, possibly. This little guy was (trapped) rescued from a park here in Tucson. I am hopeful I will be able to gain his trust and help him to learn to be one of the best pups, but only to be my companion.
I do not know anything about training, but I so far really relate to positive reinforcement rather than correction. 3,3,3 seems to be calling me. Without taking up anymore of your time.
I thank you.
I appreciate the message you are trying to send with this post, unfortunately the points are not reflective of the standards of the professional dog training industry. While there are numerous “methods” in dog training, there is a guiding science that underlies the learning process of any animal. The industry of dog training is unregulated, so anyone can market themselves as a trainer despite formal education and evaluation on the core competencies.
1. Reward based trainers do not simply use treats, they are thoroughly educated in learning theory and can eliminate problems via extinction (removal of motivation for behavior) or response substitution rather than suppression (make behavior unpleasant). Among hundreds of other non-confrontational techniques that have been proven in peer-reviewed studies to eliminate problem behaviors more efficiently and effectively than with punishment based methodology without risking animal welfare. There are numerous studies to demonstrate that balanced or punishment based methods do in fact harm welfare causing long term physical and psychological damage. Not only when used incorrectly, even in the hands of long-time trainers who are in fact skilled in their application of punishment strategies. A large portion of my business involves repairing damage caused by these techniques.
2. I am a certified dog behavior consultant, I can fix reactivity and complex aggression or other complex behavioral cases in less or equal time to any balanced trainer without using any force, pain or fear based equipment or methodology and have successfully done so for years. Not merely because I’m morally against it, but because it simply isn’t necessary.
3. The term behaviorist is protected, and misused in this post. It refers to those with a degree in applied animal behavior or a veterinarian with a specialty in behavior. You are referencing a behavior consultant and should encourage readers to seek out an accredited professional who’s knowledge, skill and application has been thoroughly evaluated. Accredited behavior consultants, behaviorists and reward-based trainers all utilize methods based in positive reinforcement and actively seek to avoid damaging practices. They are one in the same.
4. To be accredited as a behavior consultant the review is rigorous involving an examination on the science of learning, ethology, ethics of practice, and more. In addition, candidates must demonstrate their skill with detailed case studies to a successful resolution on topics such as human directed aggression. If punishment is utilized in these case studies, governing organizations assume that you are not well-versed enough in the science and will not certify the applicant. Educated, knowledgable, and accredited trainers and behavior consultants know how to modify any behavior efficiently and effectively using methods and tools that do not risk the dogs physical and mental well-being.
I’m available for additional questions, or to elaborate further on exactly how to solve behavioral conditions (of any kind) effectively using the science and force, pain and fear free methodology.
We just rescued a sweet 2 year old Tree Walker coonhound. She definitely needs training. We’re doing our research.
My question is how long should I wait before starting a training program? We literally have had her 6 hours. She’s sweet but has some bad habits that need to be corrected soon
Don’t wait. Sign up for a training class right away. The longer you allow the bad behavior to continue, the harder it will be to fix.
I like the tip that you gave to choose a trainer who has a method that will work for you. My wife and I have been talking about finding a trainer for our puppy. If we find one, I will be sure to look for one who has a method that will work for us.
My husband and I just got our first dog, and while she is adorable, she is also an uncontrollable menace. We need some help trainer her, and your article had some great tips for choosing someone like this. You mention to get recommendations and referrals from friends, family, neighbors, and we can check out these referrals through online reviews. Thanks; we’ll keep this in mind when when choosing the best dog trainer for our little pup.
Thank you Jocelyn. Good luck with training your pup! It’s not as hard as one may think. Patience and consistently is key.
I have been looking for a trainer for what seems to be a really long time and keep coming up with nothing. I don’t think Petsmart will be able to help us with what we need and positive reinforcement doesn’t seem very attainable for us at least because my pup won’t take treats when she is in new environments or from people she doesn’t know. I live in such a rural area that it doesn’t seem like there are many dog trainers. But now I have some types of trainers to look into so maybe that will help!