How To Choose a Dog Trainer

Don't fall for slick advertising. When searching on the internet, many consumers do not know that the very first results that are displayed on search results are PAID ADVERTISEMENTS called "sponsored links". Keep looking down the page and look for relevant unpaid search results.
Do your homework - look for reliable, current references and don't hesitate to contact the company and ask for additional references.
Check out if there are any complaints against the trainer or the company and it's employees. Visit the BBB’s website. Bear in mind dog training can be subjective, look for reasonable issues that have been resolved!
It is generally a SALES tactic to offer "FREE in-home evaluations" - be wary of trainers that offer to come to your home for free or nominal charges. A professional trainers time and knowledge are valuable! If you have to sign a contract and pay in full before you have met a trainer, be wary !!!!!
What methods does the trainer employ? Do you want a trainer that stands in front of your dog with food in their hand or a treat bag? (bribery)
Some owners are comfortable with shock collars. (we're not) Some owners are willing to use pinch collars and harsh corrections (We're not).
The point is, make sure you are aware of the methods the trainer will be using BEFORE you sign a training agreement.
WHO will be training your dog? Will you meet with the same trainer for each session? Is the trainer certified by a professional organization or just by the Franchise or company employing the trainer?

An Excerpt from "How to Find A Dog Trainer" American Dog Trainers Network,
by Robin Kovary

With so many people involved in the field of professional dog training today, trying to determine who's truly qualified can be a difficult task. For those trying to decide on a professional dog trainer, the American Dog Trainers Network offers the following criteria concerning what to look for:

	An excellent reputation
	Widespread experience
	Humane training methodology and gentle, effective handling skills.
	A genuine love of and devotion to dogs.
	Extensive behavioral knowledge.
	Good teaching and communication skills.
	A sense of humor.
	Affiliations with reputable associations, organizations and training.

AND keep in mind............ANYBODY can say ANYTHING on their website... “we” can be just one person, pictures can be posted of dogs that are not only not their own, but were not trained by them, and volumes of information of dog training theory, which may or may not be fully understood by the trainer or the public, can be researched, typed up, and presented. Worse than that, unless you are talking to Cesar Millan the Dog Whisperer, watch out for self-proclaimed “whisperers”, “dog gurus”, “trainers to the stars”, self-proclaimed #1 in the state, Number One in the country, non-accredited self proclaimed “behaviorists” and so on.

REFERENCES

WHY CHOOSE US ?

REFERENCES

JOANNS | ANDYS | TRAINING FACILITY | RESIDENTIAL BOOT CAMP

How many times have you given your dog a command only to find him ignoring you until you have to repeat yourself, raise your voice, or physically force him to respond? Many of you tell us, "my dog won't do what I ask unless I am standing there with food in my hand". This lack of respect can lead to behavior problems including house soiling, destructiveness, aggressiveness, wildness, etc. Why suffer with a dog that behaves only when he feels like it, when you can join the millions of dog owners who have discovered the joy and satisfaction of living with a well trained dog?

We are Certified, Insured, Professional, experienced dog trainers. When you decide on us, what you see is what you get ! We do not send out hired trainers !

If you are surfing the internet for a dog trainer, go do some research at "WHO IS"and look into the new web sites from new dog trainers in the area, look at our site,look at the dates, and notice just how many trainers have copied our website, our name, it’s form and the contents We are Arizonas’ Dogs Best Friends Since 1976 !

We are very particular about what we do, how your dog is handled, and how you – the owner – are educated. Therefore, even if we can't advertise that we are “the biggest”, “number one in Arizona ”, or “the worlds biggest dog training company” .... we're just fine with that.

Andy and JoAnn love what we do, and quite simply, we do it the best... and it shows through thousands of satisfied Arizona dog owners.

Check us out at “Meet The Trainers” or better yet - give us a call.

REFERENCES

You can contact Andy at 480-695-3647 - if you live in North/Central Phoenix, Scottsdale and surrounding cities as well as the West Valley .

Talk to JoAnn at 480 802 5393 if you live in the East Valley , Awahtukee, and Tempe .

Find out what makes our “Board & Train” programs unique or experience our professional approach to training in your home.