A GOOD TRAINER USES HUMANE TRAINING METHODS:
Dog training has evolved considerably and the most effective training methods do not involve hitting or intimidating a dog into obeying a command. At no point will a good trainer hit, shout at or yank a dog on a choke chain; nor will he/she use cruel training equipment. Harsh and abusive handling methods are often counter-productive. In fact, over 50% of dog aggression problems today are caused by trainers using aversive training methods. Distress, pain and humiliation are WRONG tools to train a dog. Rewards, praise and games get the training done right, with faster, happier and longer lasting results.
** Hidden trap: Before hiring a trainer, ask them the methods they use. If they cannot give you reasonable assurance that their technique are safe, don’t hire them. Do not be fooled by the trainer who tells you that his methods are always positive – check it out for yourself. Ask to be present when he is training another dog. Is that dog happy with the trainer or does it cower and obey reluctantly? Today’s savvy trainer knows how to camouflage cruel training methods. Ask the trainer about his standard equipment of choice to train a dog. If the equipment list includes choke chains, pinch collars, muzzles or shock collars, it tells you a lot about the methods he will use to train your dog. And be especially wary of anyone who wants to take the dog away from you to train, under the guise that if you are around you will distract the dog. The truth is that he doesn’t want you to see the methods he uses to get your dog to obey him.
A GOOD TRAINER INVOLVES THE OWNER IN THE TRAINING:
A good dog trainer doesn’t just train your dog, they will show you – the owner – how to do it. It is imperative that the owner gets involved in training his own dog. If you give your dog to a trainer to train, then your dog will most likely obey his commands and not yours. It is as effective as owning a fancy sports car, but not knowing how to drive it! If you grasp the fundamentals of training your own dog, then long after the trainer is gone you can maintain your dog’s good behaviour and if a problem arises, you will be able to spot it and correct it. A good trainer is capable of not just training a dog well, but should also have good teaching and communication skills. This makes the learning process easier, quicker and more enjoyable for both, your dog and for you.
**Hidden trap: Teaching is a special skill; a good dog trainer won’t always be a good teacher. If the trainer does not leave you with practical skills after the training is over, the service is of little use. Shortly after the trainer goes away, your dog’s skill will leave too.
A GOOD TRAINER WILL NOT COME CHEAP:
An owner’s goal should be to work with the best dog trainer, not haggle over the price. A good trainer will not come cheap but will be worth the expense. A trainer who is charging a bargain basement price or is willing to reduce his rates will also be willing to compromise on the quality of training. Sometimes trying to cut expenses ends up costing you more in the long run. You’d rather spend your money intelligently on a top-notch dog training program than waste it chasing a bargain, and then pay all over again for a good dog trainer, down the line. You should evaluate not just the overall cost, but the quality of service and information you will receive. This will help you to understand the true value of what you are getting for your money.
**Hidden Trap: While money is important, do be careful of the trainer whose primary motive is monetary profit. A good trainer will put ethics first and will be willing to refund your money if he or she cannot complete the training or is incapable of training your dog. The trainer should be able to tell you the cost of training and duration at the beginning of your training programme. Be careful of the trainer who asks for the full payment up front.
A GOOD TRAINER HAS A GENUINE LOVE OF DOGS:
Rarely will one come across a trainer who has a genuine love for dogs. Most trainers in India do it for the money. However, there are a lot of dog lovers out there who have chosen dog training as a profession. When you find a trainer with this important quality, you’ll know it. A true dog lover will make sure the dog enjoys its training and is truly concerned about the animal’s welfare.
**Hidden trap: Many trainers feign affection for the dog just to keep the owner happy. But a dog cannot be fooled. Look hard at the way your dog responds to the person. If your dog is happy to be with the person and greets the trainer enthusiastically, then the affection is genuine. If your dog is scared or uncomfortable in the presence of the trainer or reluctant to take part in the training, be wary.
A GOOD TRAINER SHOULD BE ABLE TO HELP YOU IN A RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME:
Training a dog to understand and obey basic commands should not take more than two months, with three sessions a week. If the dog has problems that slow down the training, then the trainer should be able to inform you of the same and give you a rough idea of how much longer the training will go on for. He should also tell you roughly, how long the process will take before starting.
**Hidden trap: Unfortunately, most trainers are more concerned about making money than training the dog and moving on. Such people will insist on training a dog for months or even years on end. This is ludicrous, both from a time frame and monetary standpoint. If your dog’s training goes on for more than a few months, then either the trainer is fleecing you, or is not capable of training a dog.
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