Every couple of weeks I see another story involving a dog that has been harmed or even worse, lost it’s life in the name of training. Typically these dogs have been sent away for a “bootcamp” that involved staying with the trainer full time. The dogs come back emaciated, wounds around the neck, sick, weak, and in the worst cases they are deceased. The owners are always surprised and why wouldn’t they be? No one willingly sends their dog away thinking it’s going to be harmed. Sadly when I hear these stories I’m no longer surprised and one look at the trainer’s information or website and I can see all the red flags. 

My position is a hard one. As a professional trainer if I say something or give warning when I hear someone is considering a boot camp for their dog, it’s sour grapes because the other trainer is competition or I’m biased because it’s a training method argument. Neither of which is true. I’m truly concerned for the well being of the dog and the owner. These boot camps are expensive and sadly the damage that happens in these facilities is going to cost more money to fix and in some cases they can’t be fixed. 

What Kind of Help Do You Need

Understanding the difference between training and behavior modification is crucial when choosing a trainer. A professional who is skilled in basic obedience training may not have the expertise to handle more serious behavior issues. For behavior modification, it’s often necessary to work with a behavior consultant or behaviorist who has specialized knowledge and experience in this area. Both professionals have credentials you should look for. A behavior consultant is certified through IAABC, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. A behaviorist is either a veterinarian who is boarded in behavior. Read that AGAIN. A VETERINARIAN who is boarded in behavior. A behaviorist can also be what is called a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, also called CAAB. Applied animal behaviorists may have a background in fields as diverse as psychology, biology, zoology, veterinary medicine, or animal sciences. You can not be a self proclaimed behaviorist. There are credentials attached to that title. 

What is Training? 

Dog training typically involves teaching a dog specific skills, such as sit, stay, come, or walking on a leash. Training focuses on reinforcing desirable behaviors and teaching dogs how to respond to cues from their owners. This process is often about communication and ensuring that dogs understand what is expected of them in various situations.

What is Behavior Modification? 

Behavior modification deals with changing a dog’s existing emotions about their environment, This process often involves addressing underlying emotional or psychological issues, such as fear, anxiety, aggression, or excessive barking. Behavior modification is more complex than basic training and usually requires a deeper understanding of learning theory.

Example: If a dog shows signs of aggression towards other dogs, behavior modification might involve identifying the root cause of this aggression (such as fear or territoriality) and gradually desensitizing the dog to the triggers that cause this behavior.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be critical of trainers who guarantee results within a very short time frame. Such promises often indicate the use of aggressive or aversive techniques, which can harm your dog physically and emotionally. Instead, look for trainers who emphasize the importance of ongoing training, gradual progress, and the development of a positive relationship with your dog as well as addressing any physical or possible medical conditions that may contribute to their behavior issues.

The Dangers of Unqualified Trainers

Unqualified trainers use outdated or harmful methods that can lead to behavior issues or even physical harm. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has very specific position statements on methods of training and the use of correction collars and tools that are used to suppress or correct behavior. Using labels like “dominant”, “pack leader”, “stubborn”, and “respect” are all terms that should raise red flags. 

How to Choose the Right Trainer

When selecting a dog trainer, look for certifications from reputable organizations, ask about their training methodology. A good trainer will be transparent about their methods and willing to answer any questions you may have. The right trainer abides by a code of ethics that you can read and obtain upon request. Many are available on the organizations websites. The right trainer attends and seeks out continuing education in canine learning theory that is presented with a scientific approach. 

What are the reputable organizations 

A certified dog trainer has undergone some sort of evaluation in either skills, knowledge or both and has demonstrated a deep understanding of dog behavior, training techniques, and humane practices. Certification bodies like the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) ensure that trainers meet high standards and are committed to continuous education. Other reputable courses and certification are Karen Pryor Academy (KPA), Victoria Silwell Dog Training Academy (VSDTA), and Learning and Living with Animals (LLWA). Professional organizations such as Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and Pet Professional Guild (PPG) are other good indicators your trainer upholds a high standard of care. 

Conclusion: Patience, Persistence, and the Path to a Well-Trained Dog

In dog training, there are no shortcuts. Avoid the allure of quick fixes and remember that meaningful change takes time. Setting realistic expectations for your dog’s skills and behavior is essential for long-term success. By choosing a qualified, ethical trainer and committing to a steady, patient approach, you’ll not only guide your dog toward better behavior but also strengthen the bond you share. Training is a journey, and with dedication and the right support, you and your dog will enjoy the rewards of a well-behaved and happy life together.

Expectations – It’s not what you expect

I’ve been training dogs for over 20 years. Looking back on where I was versus where I am now is still unbelievable to me. I guess deep down I always knew I would be involved with animals somehow, but making it a career in the capacity I have was never on my radar. I’ve developed from a dog owner to a dog trainer…….when did that happen? It happened the moment my then boyfriend, now husband, and I brought home our first puppy. A little Jack Russell Terrier mix named Scooter. 

It would be nice if these little thieves of our hearts came to us knowing it all. They don’t. They need to be trained to be appreciated, well mannered, members of our families. So how do make that happen? Well if you are like I was, you muddle through for a while and then realize you need help. You need a dog trainer. You find a trainer (how to do that will be in another post) and arrive at your first lesson or class waiting for the magic to happen. The magic of the trainer to train your dog. WRONG!!!

The expectation of having the dog trainer train your dog is the wrong one. The job of the dog trainer is to coach and teach you how to manage, understand and work with your dog.  Are you staring at the screen with blinky eyes? That’s right, the person you just hired is not there to train your dog. They are there to coach you how to work with and understand your dog. 

I’ll try to put this into perspective. My Basic Manners class is a 6 week course, 5 of those weeks the dogs are in class. Each class is roughly an hour long. There are a total of 1,008 hours in those 6 weeks, you are with me for 6 of those hours; your dog is there 5. You share the class with 7 other people and their dogs. It is impossible for one person to fully train 8 dogs in 5 hours.

What should your expectation be for something like a group class? You should expect to come out of a group class with a good understanding of basic training skills. You should have an understanding of how your dog learns, what their motivators and reinforcers are, and how to use those tools to get desired behaviors out of your dog. You and your dog should have positive experiences around other dogs and people in a group class. Lastly, you should have an opportunity to practice what is being taught and receive feedback from the trainer. 

It really is like school. You come to class to learn the lessons, you go home and do the homework, you come back and show your understanding of the material being taught. The test is your day to day life with the dog. If you aren’t seeing improvement you might need to increase your study time or ask for a tutoring session (private lesson).

Dog training really is about what YOU put into it. It takes time, repetition, and patience to get the well-mannered dog you envisioned. Expect it to be a journey, a journey that will teach you about love, respect, and build a relationship like you never thought you would have. 

Train don’t complain, 

Mandy Eakins KPA CTP, CPDT-KA,  FP-MT