EDUCATION (Does the trainer have the level of education you value for the training you require?)
What certifications does the trainer have? (verify professional listing on third party web sites)
Does the trainer have to have continuing education to keep up certifications?
What were the last three educational courses the trainer took? (verify if educational group has a student listing in their site)
A trainer with verified educational credentials ≠ trainers with NO VERIFIED credentials
MEMBERSHIPS (Industry support and additional educational opportunities for the newest training information)
Is the trainer a member of any dog training organizations? (verify logos by checking for the trainer’s listing in the organization’s directory)
REFERRAL SOURCES (Do they have the ethics and support group to refer to other trainers as needed?)
What colleagues does the trainer refer to?
INSURANCE
Who holds their dog trainer Liability Insurance? (find out who the policy is with and call them)
Always Ask…
WHAT EDUCATION OR CERTIFICATIONS DOES THE TRAINER HAVE?
This is, after all, a skills-based service career. What dog training specific certifications does the trainer have? Ask the trainer the name of the last three industry education courses they took, who taught them, and when they took the courses. If the school has a professional directory see if the trainer is listed to be sure they earned their credentials there.
Stated credentials like the trainer “studied under Master Trainers” doesn’t tell you much about the education they have received or the methods they will use to train your pet. Who are those “Master Trainers?” Contact the “Master Trainers” to verify and find out more.
If you can’t find the trainer’s credentials listed on the directory sites of the organizations they say have granted them the credential then that is a red flag! Sometimes there is a delay in earning the credential and having it posted in the professional directory. The organization granting the credentials will let you know if that is the case.
IS THE TRAINER A MEMBER OF ANY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS?
Check out the trainer’s stated industry memberships. If they do belong to an industry association, what tools does the association promote in their training? What Code of Ethics do they adhere to? What is the difference between membership levels?
WHAT COLLEAGUES DO THEY REFER TO?
Does the trainer have a network of colleagues they can refer to if necessary or do they claim to do it all?
If the trainer is honest with you they will know the limits of their education. They will only offer services that they are trained and experienced enough to offer. Requests for services outside the trainer’s skill set, outside the trainer’s service area, or for additional reasons may be referred to other professional colleagues.
DOES THE TRAINER HAVE INSURANCE?
What if your dog is lost while in the care, custody, and control of the dog trainer? Does the trainer have specific dog training liability insurance that will pay veterinary or hospital bills if your dog is hurt or bites someone?
WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES DOES THE TRAINER OFFER?
No trainer can ethically offer training for everything… manners, agility, scent work, separation anxiety, reactivity, aggression, etc. are all specialty areas of study. It would take years of academic classes just to learn enough about some of these specialties at the basic level and many more to get a Masters or PhD in some of these areas. Few educated trainers will call themselves an “expert.” No professional will claim to train everything.
DOES THE TRAINER OFFER GUARANTEES?
If the trainer makes a guarantee…. run!! No ethical professional can (or will) guarantee what your pet will learn because every student is different!
HOW LONG HAS THE TRAINER BEEN IN BUSINESS?
Find out how long the trainer has been in business. This will give you some idea of how many dogs they might have worked with.
You deserve to know more about the trainer’s background so you know the value of what you are paying for. Don’t be afraid to ask!