How to Find a Dog Trainer

Since Wendy Maeots will be retiring at the end of September, this will be Integrated K9 Services last training tip so we wanted to leave you with some advice about finding a dog trainer.  Who you decide to train with is one of the most important decisions you can make in your dog’s life so take your time.

In addition, our Scarborough trainer, Beverley Bardell, will continue to offer private training, boarding and dog walking services for her clients.  Beverley can still be contacted at 647-786-5239 or email at doggymombb@gmail.com

Unfortunately, not all dog trainers are created equal. You wouldn’t buy a new car without shopping around so don’t agree to hire the first dog trainer you meet. Do your homework and ask friends and neighbours who have dogs if they have any recommendations for you. The internet is a good place to start by doing a Google search for trainers in your area. 

Dog trainers learn their trade in various ways. One way is to find an experienced trainer and take a Mentoring Program, which allows them to ‘shadow’ the trainer for a period of time and eventually start teaching classes themselves. They can also take certification courses in animal behaviour, but nothing beats hands-on experience. It’s also helpful if the student has a dog of their own and this is a requirement for some Mentoring Programs. The theory being if you can train your own dog, you can train someone else’s. Remember, they’re training the owner as well as the dog. 

There are also different training methods available and you need to decide which one is best suited to your dog and your family. One method is Positive Reinforcement. It’s been proven to be quite effective, is very popular and a widely recommended method for teaching a dog cues and behaviours using treats as a reward. However, Positive Reinforcement involves only rewarding the behaviour you like and simply ignoring unwanted behaviours.

The method we use at Integrated K9 is a more balanced approach. The dog is rewarded for positive behaviour with attention (such as verbal praise, physical touch or treats when needed) and is ‘corrected’ with a leash and collar correction for unwanted behaviour. This teaches the dog that there are consequences for unwanted behaviour. This method also uses a variety of training collars that the owner is taught to use safely and responsibly.

Once you have the names and contact information for at least 3 dog trainers, call them and ask them questions, such as:

• How long have they been training dogs and where did they receive their training?

• What is their method of training?

• Do they offer group as well as private training?

• How much experience do they have with the breed you are having issues with?

• Can they provide reviews from previous or current clients?

• Do they have experience with dogs with behaviour issues such as aggression or anxiety?

• Do they allow potential clients to come and observe a class for free before they agree to work with the trainer?

Training a dog takes time and patience. Consistency is very important and, while cost is a factor, it should not be the only factor in your decision to use one trainer vs. another. Remember that once you finish a group of lessons with a trainer, you will need to continue practising with your dog every day in order to maintain and improve their behaviour. 

Another option is to find a qualified trainer who offers Board and Train Programs.  Since we did not offer this type of program, we are including a recent Facebook post written by our friend and mentor, Dave McMahon in Niagara Falls.  Dave has been training dogs for over 30 years and has extensive knowledge in this area.  

Dog Trainers that offer Board & Train Programs for dogs should include detailed 

instruction and training for the dog owners upon completion of the board and train

program. The dog owner needs to learn how to train their OWN dog so that their dog 

will listen & respond to THEM !  The Professional Dog Trainer needs to teach the Dog 

Owner how to train and get the most out of their dog !  Just because you invest in a 

board and train program for your dog doesn’t mean your dogs training is entirely complete.

An experienced Trainer can accomplish a great deal with your dog during your dogs 

stay with them, but what good is it if your dog only listens to the Trainer?  That’s why

it’s absolutely paramount that the Professional Trainer includes follow up instruction by 

way of providing private instruction or including group classes in the package to the dog 

owner after the board and train program is complete.  Training is a lifestyle and the dog 

owner MUST continue to TRAIN and work with their dog after the board and train program 

or the dog can regress.  The Dog Owner shouldn’t be exempt from training their dog 

and working with their dog every day ! You get out of your dog what you put into your 

dog !  There is no shortcut to a well trained dog, don’t fall for it.

-Dave McMahon

In the last few weeks, we have been asked if we can recommend another trainer but, unfortunately, we don’t know of any other trainers in the Hamilton area that use our method.  For more information you can contact Dave McMahon through his website at www.davemcmahon.ca.