Important! Read this if you care about your dog and your money$$
Before I write what I am about to tell you I want to start off by saying that It's impossible for me to train everyone's dogs, although I wish I could! With that said, you have some very difficult decisions to make if you are thinking about getting your dog trained.
Why?
Here is how my typical day of the week goes. I go to 3-5 new clients homes a day. And almost always they tell me that they've already had at least 2 dog trainers before me. A lot of people have shocking 3 to 5 dog trainers before me. Yes, you read that right. 5 dog trainers.
Keep in mind that all of these dog trainers were highly recommended by someone they know and trusted, to them. And almost all of the people who attempt to get their dog trained start at a group class at one of the major pet supply stores; where you are definitely throwing your money away. Luckily it's very little money, but that's why the public starts there first.
These people don't realize that there's a huge difference between what each dog trainer knows and a huge difference between their individual skill levels. The typical group class dog trainer is usually at a (nursery school or kindergarten grade level for example) on a scale that goes up to a doctorate level (yes, you don’t want a low level trainer for your beloved dog, you want to make sure you have a trainer that is at the PHD level for sure!) .
Ouch, that's scary. Now here's something even scarier. The majority of the dog trainers that you will be meeting with or interviewing are maybe a hair higher on the ladder than those pet store classes (no offence to those trainers, everyone has to start off somewhere and this is a great way to gain experience).
Fact! Most trainers, who claim to be “the best”, are First grade level at best.
A recent study estimated that 93%-97% of dog trainers in the country don't really know what they are doing. Sad, but true! It seems that everyone thinks they can train a dog, simply because they have owned one in the past, and that makes them an “expert”.
So, Every time I step into one of these homes who have had so many dog trainers already- the owners are usually blown away at what I am telling them and how quickly I get results or have it fixed pretty much the first day when they've already had 20-30 training classes combined with all the other dog trainers. I take over dog training programs that have been a disaster ranging from group class instructors, top sport dog competitors, recently a French ring sport champion, police dog trainers, clicker trainers and recently which most people would be shocked about that don't know anything about me or my skill level a very famous dog trainer on TV that almost everyone knows whether you own a dog or not
You can say, I have seen it all and I am still shocked by all of this on a daily basis even though I've been hearing it and seeing it for many, many years. I just feel so bad for the owners, who love their dogs and want the best for them, to spend all the money to try to get them the best training possible, and not see any results. It breaks my heart and so I decided to write something to help.
My advice to you is to do your research before hiring the trainer that fits your needs and style. Make sure that they do an evaluation and you get to meet, and listen to how the program works before you have to pay them. This helps you decide the right program for you. I’d also advice that you look for proof, such as in videos, or client testimonials, that they can do what they say that can do. A professional trainer should not only be able to tell you what they can do for you, but show you as well. Stay away from anyone who guarantees their training. Yes, it sounds good, but training is something nobody can guarantee because of the many variables involved. It depends on the trainer, but also on the dog, and strongly on the owners, so they should tell you that if you do what they say, the program will work, but nobody (NOBODY) can guarantee and if they do, they are lying and you should stay away from them because you will be disappointed. Another thing you want to stay away from is any trainer who tells you that by doing obedience commands; they will be able to fix a behavior issue. Unless this issue is to come or to sit, then that will not work and any good professional dog trainer will be know that.
Never send your dog away to be trained, unless it is followed by some training to you after. Most of the issues you have are at your home, or in your neighborhood, many times just removing dog from there will do the trick, however as soon as dog returns, without the proper follow up and effort on the owner’s part, the training would have been a waste of time.
Vets are wonderful, but they are not dog trainers, so beware of training advice that comes from your vet. From having trained many vets, I can tell you that they have let me know that their training knowledge is limited at best and that many times they advice on what they “think” is right, so make sure you listen to your veterinarian about anything health related, but when it comes to training, hire a professional dog trainer.
REMEMBER: If a dog trainer starts telling you that they are going to fix your dog’s behavior or aggression problems by teaching them obedience commands or having them attend a group class- run away as fast as you can! Aggression is a very difficult issue that not many trainers are able to deal with, much less fix. They have to have experience and know dog psychology in order to truly help you, so you need to find the trainer who deals with aggression on a regular basis and has had great success with it. (Check out their videos, those are always very telling!)
Now, that being said, I do have to give Kudos to the many amazing trainers out there, and behavior experts who bring knowledge and professionalism to the owners and give this wonderful career a good name. Cesar Milan (from the National Geographic show) and Oscar Anzueto (from The Harvard of Dog Training) are two of them, and I have met a few more from different parts of the world. (if you are one of them, and are reading this blog, I know you know exactly what I am talking about, and I thank you for your dedication to your profession!)
Good Luck on your search because our dogs are counting on you (DOG OWNER) to help them so they are not given away or put to sleep unnecessarily. The help is definitely there for you. You just have to make the correct decision in choosing your help.
Richard Heinz **World Renowned Professional Dog Trainer/Behavior Expert known in the media as The Miami Dog Whisperer
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