The term certified dog trainer is often used on various dog training sites and thrown around. To the untrained eye, you naturally are hiring or interviewing a certified dog trainer as it sounds impressive. You should know that there is no standard certification to become a dog trainer.
Although there are various organizations that “certify” people as trainers of dog. Because there is so much conflicting information in dog training and no single absolute right way to train a dog, those organizations can carry little to no weight based on your beliefs, needs, etc.
So rather than search for a “certified dog trainer” seek a qualified dog trainer. A qualified dog trainer is someone who can perform the task in question successfully. In order to complete the job in question properly, a dog trainer will possess the following qualities:
- The ability to solve/improve the problem in question.
- Previous experience and hands-on work with behaviors in question will not be used.
- Experience and knowledge to try something new when the original plan is not working properly.
- The patience and communication skills are necessary to work with dogs and their owners.
- The experience and knowledge to read a dog.
- Have qualified resources to turn to when questioning.
- A proven track record of satisfied clients and dogs
Finding a qualified dog trainer can be stressful. The easiest way to find a good fit for you and your dog is to interview potential trainers. A qualified potential trainer should make this process as simple as possible for you.
