While a dog trainer is an important part of the dog care team, there are some things trainers can’t fix. This doesn’t mean they can’t be helpful and it doesn’t mean they don’t understand. What it means is they may need the additional support of a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist and in all cases they need 100% dedication of the owner to implement the management and training for it to be successful.
What a Trainer Can’t Fix
- Dogs that don’t like other dogs.
- It’s not possible to make dogs like each other, just like it’s not possible to make people like each. Dogs that show aggression or fear to other dogs are managed. While it may be possible to work with a dog to make them more comfortable around other dogs, it doesn’t mean they want to interact or play with other dogs.
- Your dog’s behavior.
- We can’t fix behavior when owners don’t contribute to the training as suggested. To change a dog’s behavior, owners have to change their behavior. Owners must be committed to training lessons, classes, and practice. Your trainer doesn’t live with your dog. They spend very little time with your dog. It’s up to you to learn from your trainer and implement the techniques on a day to day basis.
- Genetics.
- Before bringing a dog into your home, you should know the function of the breed or breeds of the dog. Breed club websites are a great place to learn about the characteristics of breeds. Is the dog bred to herd? Be prepared to manage the desire to chase and nip. Is the dog bred to guard? Be prepared to have a dog that doesn’t make friends quickly. Understand that mix breeds don’t mean you will get the best of both breeds. You can just as easily get the worst of both breeds. Best bet. Contact a trainer BEFORE you get a dog and let them help you choose your next best friend.
- Natural developmental stages.
- Puppies nip and bite. Adolescent dogs are 4 legged teenagers; they make poor choices and have a hard time controlling impulses. What a trainer can do is help you manage these stages.
- Aggression
Aggression is managed. It’s not cured. The sad truth is that aggression is an illness and can be terminal. While a qualified trainer may be able to help an owner successfully manage their dog, there is no guarantee that a dog won’t bite. Every dog that has a mouth and teeth has the ability to bite, some dogs use that ability more than others. 
Train Don’t Complain,
Mandy Eakins KPA CTP, CPDT-KA
Manners Matter Dog Training and Daycare, LLC