{"id":9839,"date":"2022-03-04T17:04:13","date_gmt":"2022-03-04T17:04:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/petz.uk\/?p=9839"},"modified":"2026-03-12T11:22:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:22:04","slug":"choosing-a-dog-trainer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petz.uk\/choosing-a-dog-trainer\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Find & Choose A Dog Trainer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you’ve recently adopted a dog, or you can no longer put up with a year of Fido pulling on walks, a dog trainer can work wonders.\r\n\r\nTraining is all part of the lifespan of a dog. It provides mental stimulation and can limit any unwanted behaviour such as reacting to other dogs or barking when they see a stranger. It could seem like it is cruel and unnecessary in some aspects, especially if you think your dog is just excited to go on walks. But it is part of being a responsible owner and is a great way to help you both bond.\r\n\r\nSome training can be done by yourself. If you’re adopting a puppy<\/a>, things like toilet training and walking well on the lead<\/a> are all part and parcel of a dog’s first year. But dogs usually pick up things best in the first year, so if you’re adopting a rescue, you may find it a little harder to get through to your dog.\r\n\r\nSome dogs can also be harder to train than others. Maybe it is their breed or the fact that they aren’t very food orientated<\/a>. We hate to say it, but your technique may also not be quite up to scratch…\r\n\r\nSo if you’ve decided you need to get professional help (or maybe have just decided that professionals will be better than you from the off), you’ll need to search for a dog trainer.\r\n<\/p>

How to find a dog trainer<\/h2>

\r\nWhen searching for a dog trainer, you may see that there are quite a few around.\r\n\r\nIt is vital to find a good trainer, however. Just because somebody has qualifications doesn’t always mean that they are professionals in all areas of training. One may be great at getting a dog to walk well on a lead outdoors, but not as great in a home environment when trying to get a dog to stop reacting to the television.\r\n\r\nFind the wrong person, and it could spell disaster. Some training methods could lead to other behaviour issues, or be harmful to your dog.\r\n<\/p>

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council<\/h3>

\r\nThis is why the Animal Behaviour and Training Council<\/a> should be the first place you look.\r\n\r\nThe ABTC is the regulatory body representing animal trainers, training instructors and animal behaviour therapists to both the public and legislative bodies.\r\n\r\nIt maintains the standards and practices required across the board, ensuring the industry is regulated and standard across the country. Using science-led, compassionate and non-punitive methods, they ensure all the training programmes used are not going to cause fear, anxiety and aggression in animals.\r\n\r\nBy all means, ask groups on Facebook or similar platforms for local recommendations. But do be aware that not all people calling themselves a “Dog Trainer” will be qualified, vetted and trustworthy.\r\n\r\nYou may also want to ask your vet if they have any recommendations.\r\n\r\n\"German\r\n<\/p>

What to look for in a good dog trainer<\/h2>

\r\nWhen choosing a dog trainer or dog behaviourist, you can either find somebody who will take your dog on a one-to-one basis in order to tackle particular problem behaviour or someone who runs classes for more generalised training.\r\n<\/p>

With an individual, look for:<\/h3>