How to Choose a Dog Trainer 
Contributed by Shirley Ottmer, www.c-wags.com
Training your dog should be fun! A skilled and professional dog trainer employs humane training methods which are not harmful to the dog and/or handler, which means that choke chains and pinch or electronic collars should not be the recommended equipment used in class. It's essential that the dog trainer you select uses humane training techniques that encourage appropriate behavior through such positive reinforcement as food, attention, play, or praise. Training techniques should never involve yelling, choking, shaking the scruff, tugging on the leash, alpha rolling (forcing the dog onto his back), or other actions that frighten or inflict pain.
A conscientious trainer will stay informed about innovations in dog training and behavior tools and techniques. Check to see if the instructor is a member of any educational organizations and whether s/he pursues ongoing educational opportunities.
A competent instructor will allow and encourage you to observe a class prior to making the decision to enroll. In a well-run class, dogs and people will be enjoying themselves and having a successful learning experience. Look for an instructor who is approachable and who encourages participants to have a good time. If space permits, an instructor should welcome and encourage all family members and others who interact with the dog to attend class. Some things to look for while observing class:
- Is class size limited to allow for individual attention?
- Are there separate classes for puppies and adult dogs?
- Are training equipment and methods humane?
- Does the trainer use a variety of methods to meet dogs' individual needs?
- Are the students, both human and canine, enjoying themselves?
- Are dogs and owners actively encouraged?
- Is praise given frequently?
- Are voice commands given in upbeat tones?
- Are lesson handouts available?
- Is information available on how dogs learn, basic grooming, problem solving, and related topics?
Also, because no government agency regulates or licenses trainers, it's that much more important to investigate their qualifications before enrolling in a class. Find out what training methods they use, how many years of experience they have, how they were educated. Ask prospective trainers for several references from clients who completed the classes.
Training Programs / Businesses that offer Postive Training Techniques:
CANINE COACHES LLC - Okemos offers puppy, manners (basic), pre-agility, rally and competitive obedience training based on positive reinforcement. www.caninecoaches.com Beth Bishop 517-641-7345
or Linda Nichols 517-485-0702
THE HOLISTIC ANIMAL LLC –offers alternative (Holistic) approaches to animal care featuring behavior modification (consults assist the caretaker to build a relationship of trust, respect, and true companionship using positive training methods). Char Raby www.theholisticanimal.com 517-529-9073
PATTY SWARTOUT LVT – Kibby Park Animal Hospital - Behavior Consultations, Puppy Socialization Classes, Obedience Training based on positive reinforcement. 517-787-5807
GAIL HABA - obedience, agility and beginning rally using positive motivational trainer. Evaluator for AKC Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog International.
517-563-8812 or e-mail gail_haba@yahoo.com
NORTHFIELD DOG TRAINING - SW of Ann Arbor, offers agility, rally & competitive obedience classes. www.northfielddogtraining.com
TAKING THE LEAD - Marshall - offers puppy, basic beginners, conformation, agility, competitive obedience, and rally classes www.michigandog.com
Canine Sports Recreation Center - Dexter offers classes for agility and obedience. Hosts dog trials almost every weekend. www.caninesportsrec.com
There are many events available to participate in with your dog: Agility; Obedience; Rally Obedience; Showmanship/Confirmation; Tracking; Weight Pull; Earth Dog competition; Lure Coursing are just a few.
Most events welcome spectators. To learn more about dog sports visit the web site of the different dog registries, such as AKC. On their web site you can find a calendar of events, information about the events they sanction. Most weekends you can find an event within an hour’s drive. Below are the most popular sports registries event addresses:
CANINE – WORK AND GAMES www.c-wags.org
AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB www.akc.org
UNITED KENNEL CLUB www.ukcdogs.com
CANINE PERFORMANCE EVENTS (agility only) www.k9cpe.com
ASSOCIATION OF PET DOG TRAINERS (rally obedience) www.apdt.com
Once you have watched a sporting event you may be hooked too J