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Adopting a dog is exciting, but before you bring your new friend home, you must consider an essential part of their well-being. Their training. Communicating with and teaching a dog is not always easy and may require the assistance of a professional dog trainer.
In this article, we’ll look at whether the services of a professional are needed for all dogs, and how to choose a dog trainer that’s the right fit for your pooch.
What is a Professional Dog Trainer?
A dog trainer is an expert who teaches dogs various skills and behaviours. As a profession, dog training has been booming for several years now, and that’s a very good thing. Educating your dog means you can live better together, and it also helps avoid dangerous situations. For example, you’ll want to ensure your dog has great recall skills before letting them off-lead when out and about both for their safety and the safety of others.
Nevertheless, the profession of dog training is still developing and the regulations surrounding it are not yet very clear in some countries. So, it is important to take care and look for a properly trained professional with appropriate qualifications.
What Does a Professional Dog Trainer Do?
A dog trainer is there to help you understand and educate your dog from the moment they are adopted. The trainer will give you the keys to being independent throughout your dog’s life, and will help guide you with any educational or behavioural issues. They may also work alongside your vet and other canine professionals, such as canine osteopaths.
The dog trainer’s aim is to help you live better with your dog. Lessons can be individual or in a group setting, and they provide opportunities to help your dog socialise or to engage in walking, leisure, or sporting activities, such as agility or scent work.
So, what do dog trainers do? As a reminder:
- The dog trainer’s mission is to help dog parents understand their dog better, from the moment they are adopted and throughout their dog’s life.
- The dog trainer can also assist with educational and some behavioural issues.
- Dog trainers regularly work alongside other professionals, such as vets.
- Dog trainers can also organise group socialisation, sports, and leisure activities.
Why Use a Professional Dog Trainer?
In general, it is advisable to call on the services of a dog trainer when you have decided to adopt a dog. In fact, it is a good idea to call on a professional to help you choose the dog that’s best suited to your lifestyle and expectations!
Then, as soon as you adopt your puppy or dog, it is also recommended to be supervised by a dog trainer to get you off to a good start. Beginning on the right footing by meeting other dogs in a safe environment, and socialising your dog outdoors with support will help to avoid future problems.
Finally, you should contact a dog trainer if you are having difficulties with your dog. But, as you will have realised, calling on a professional before problems arise is the best solution.
Tip: Don’t hesitate to call on the services of a dog trainer if you are interested in taking part in sporting or leisure activities with your dog. This will help you both learn and exercise in a fun way!
Do All Dogs Need Professional Training?
As a general rule, professional support from a trainer is highly recommended for all dogs. This will help to avoid problems arising later on. While using a dog trainer is not compulsory, being proactive is the best solution.
This being said, if your dog has not had professional support previously, a dog trainer can still intervene at a later time and help you at any point during your dog’s life. It is better late than never!
How Do I Choose a Dog Trainer?
When choosing a dog trainer, the first thing to look for is that they use a positive, respectful approach to training. They should also be training dogs regularly and be up to date with their knowledge. And finally, the teaching method used should be something you are comfortable with, and you should feel understood and supported.
In practical terms, it’s also a good idea for the dog trainer to offer both indoor and outdoor training. This ensures that training exercises can be completed in different everyday situations you will find yourself in. Similarly, you must be available to take part in the lessons. It’s important that you are learning alongside your dog!
If you don’t feel you are getting on with your dog trainer, you can contact another. The relationship needs to work for you and your dog. You could speak to your vet as they may have a local recommendation.
In conclusion, having a well-trained dog is very important, but it takes time and knowledge. This is exactly what a dog trainer can provide. Calling on the support of a professional will help you to understand your dog and learn how to train them right from the start of your relationship, building a great foundation as you learn together throughout your dog’s life!
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