Choose the Right Dog Trainer: 5 Essential Questions to Ask

Choose the Right Dog Trainer: 5 Essential Questions to Ask Finding the right dog trainer can shape your dog’s behaviour and your bond. By asking these 5 essential questions, you'll find a trainer who truly aligns with your goals and values.

"1. Why do you think my dog is behaving this way?"

After sharing your main concerns, a skilled and experienced dog trainer should be able to provide you with their initial insights into why your dog acts a certain way. Even if they haven't yet met, a knowledgeable dog trainer can quickly recognize patterns and common indicators of different behaviours, why they happen and what the best course of action generally is, to get started.

Beware of answers solely focused on breed or age—your dog’s personality, experiences, and environment play a bigger role. A good trainer recognizes individuality, and unique situations and isn't afraid to reassess, admit that their initial hunch wasn't as accurate as it could've been and be willing to spend more time with you to help you best understand your pooch and why they do what they do.

"2. What tools and methods do you use, and why?"

Look for trainers who prioritize positive reinforcement and harm-free methods. Ask why they use specific techniques to ensure their approach aligns with your values. This is a sensitive area in the dog industry, particularly because of the divide between positive reinforcement dog trainers and educators who understand that pain, force, discomfort and corrections aren't necessary to help a dog make good choices, and others. If you're going to proceed with one dog trainer versus another, make sure that they take the time to explain why they use the items they use, and don't hesitate to ask more questions like "Can my goal be achieved without the use of XYZ?" and "What other options can we consider? I don't feel comfortable with XYZ."

"3. How will you help me reach my training goals?"

Great trainers don’t just teach during sessions—they provide ongoing support through resources, follow-ups, or alternative strategies tailored to your journey. You want to think of your dog trainer as the uncle or aunt your dog loves more than anyone else. Your dog may not fully understand that your dog trainer is a dog trainer, but if they collectively focus on setting one another up for success, in a positive and engaging way, you'll all be able to reach your goals with enough practice and effort.

In addition to how your dog feels about their dog trainer, you also want to make sure that you feel supported and heard. Some dog training concerns are harder than others to tackle, no matter how great your dog trainer is. But you need to at least feel like you can count on and reach out to your dog trainer at any given time, knowing that they'll do their best to get back to you and provide with you with a level of support that you're comfortable and happy with.

"4. What if I don’t see results during training?"

Sometimes progress takes time. A trustworthy trainer adapts their approach and offers alternative strategies when needed, ensuring you never feel stuck. In addition to that, you want your dog trainer to be able to answer that question in a way that makes you feel like they're going to do everything they can to get you as close to your goal and desired results as possible.

All experienced dog trainers know that they don't have control over every component of your dog's life, particularly outside of their time together with your dog. That alone is enough to influence whether you see the desired result and/or when. But regardless of your situation or how challenging it may be for you and your dog trainer to get to the desired results, the overall feeling of being a team and like you're all doing everything you can to get there is what must remain consistent and a priority. As an important aside, do be mindful of any agreements or setups where results or ongoing support is not in any way guaranteed, even though you may be required to make a payment up-front.

"5. Can you create a custom plan for me and my dog?"

Every dog is unique, and so is every situation and environment. Seeking the support of a dog trainer who tailors their methods and plans to fit your specific needs, whether it’s behaviour modification, obedience, or advanced training is going to be key in your success. Even if you're attending a group class with a specific curriculum, you should still be able to feel like accommodations will be made (or at least attempted), should you and your dog find comfort and support in them. Your dog trainer's role is meant to aid and support you through your dog's journey (which lasts all the way from puppyhood to their senior years!), not to limit your dog's potential success or efforts to a predetermined program that offers little to no flexibility.

What do you think of these five questions? Would you add any others that have been helpful to you in the past?