How to Choose the Right Dog Trainer: Red Flags, Green Flags, and When to RUN!

Choosing the right dog trainer can feel like a big decision, especially when you want the best for your furry friend. With so many trainers out there, how do you know who’s a perfect fit and who you should avoid like a squirrel in the park? Let’s turn it into a game! Here’s your guide to picking a dog trainer, using "Red Flag, Green Flag, or RUN!" style.

1. Credentials and Education

• Green Flag: They have certifications from recognized organizations like the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), Karen Pryor Academy, or International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). This shows they’ve studied and are committed to professional development.

• Red Flag: The trainer mentions they’ve "always had a way with dogs" but has no formal education or doesn’t believe in modern training methods.

• RUN: They claim certifications or licenses that don’t exist or say, "I don’t need a certification to train dogs." 🚩🚩

Pro Tip: Ask about their education and continued learning. Good trainers are constantly learning new things! While there is no current regulation and many membership organizations are problematic a trainer who stays current on methods is imperative.

2. Training Methods

• Green Flag: They use positive reinforcement methods and avoid techniques that use pain, fear, or intimidation. They talk about using treats, toys, and praise to teach your dog.

• Red Flag: They mix in punishment-based methods like shock collars or prong collars or talk about “dominance” theories that have been debunked. They might say something like, "I’ll train your dog the way wolves are trained."

• RUN: If the words "shock," "prong," or "alpha roll" come up, it’s time to RUN! These methods can harm your dog physically and emotionally. 🏃‍♀️💨

Pro Tip: Ask what training tools they use. If they can’t explain their methods in a way that sounds humane and logical, keep searching. If they ever try to down play the use of pain, fear, or intimidation as something kind, RUN a little faster.

3. Transparency and Involvement

• Green Flag: The trainer encourages your involvement. They want to show you how to train your dog and explain each step clearly. They also encourage open communication and are happy to answer your questions.

• Red Flag: The trainer seems secretive or dismissive about your concerns. If they say things like, "Just leave it to me," without explaining why they’re doing something, it’s a red flag.

• RUN: They want to take your dog for training without involving you at all and won't allow you to observe or participate in sessions. 🚩

Pro Tip: A good trainer teaches you how to communicate with your dog and builds your confidence in training!

4. Behavior Knowledge

• Green Flag: They can handle not just basic obedience but also more complex behavioral issues like fear, reactivity, or aggression and if its not in their lane they refer you out vs trying to do something without proper experience or support. They take time to assess your dog and create a plan tailored to your dog’s needs.

• Red Flag: They focus only on obedience and ignore or downplay behavioral concerns. They might say something like, "Your dog just needs to know who’s boss."

• RUN: They suggest physical punishment as the solution for any behavioral issues, like hitting, alpha rolls, or leash jerking. 🚩

Pro Tip: Ask the trainer how they handle reactivity or aggression. A qualified trainer will have a plan that involves patience and safety—not force.

5. Client Reviews and Reputation

• Green Flag: The trainer has positive reviews from clients and recommendations from trusted professionals (like veterinarians or applied animal behaviorists). They’re willing to provide references.

• Red Flag: They have mixed reviews or vague responses when asked for referrals. They may say, “Not everyone understands my methods.”

• RUN: There are multiple reports of dogs being injured or stressed under their care, or they have no reviews or testimonials at all. 🚩

Pro Tip: Check online reviews, and ask to speak to past clients. No reviews or clients available? Consider this a warning.

6. Training Environment

• Green Flag: Their training space is safe, clean, and distraction-free. Group classes are appropriately sized, and there’s plenty of space for nervous or reactive dogs.

• Red Flag: Their classes are overcrowded or disorganized, making it impossible for dogs to concentrate. There might be harsh corrections or rough handling of dogs.

• RUN: The training facility looks unsafe, dirty, or chaotic, or they allow dogs to be hurt during the session. 🚩

Pro Tip: Visit the training facility or observe a session before committing. Watch how they handle the dogs!

7. Follow-Up Support

• Green Flag: They offer ongoing support, whether through follow-up sessions, email support, or video check-ins. They want to help you and your dog long after the initial sessions.

• Red Flag: After the initial training, they’re unreachable, and you feel like you’re on your own. Or, they upsell you on more training without explaining why it’s needed.

• RUN: They promise quick fixes or unrealistic results, like "I’ll cure your dog’s aggression in one session." 🚩

Pro Tip: A good trainer won’t promise miracles. Behavior change takes time, and a responsible trainer will be honest about what to expect.

Bonus Round: What Questions to Ask!

1. What methods do you use?

   • Green Flag: “Positive reinforcement, science-based methods.”

   • Red Flag: “We use a balanced approach with some corrections.”

   • RUN: “We dominate the dog to ensure they obey.”

2. Can I observe a class or session?

   • Green Flag: “Absolutely, come by anytime!”

   • Red Flag: “We usually prefer people not to watch.”

   • RUN: “No, we don’t allow people to see how we train.”

3. What happens if my dog doesn’t respond well?

   • Green Flag: “We’ll adjust the training plan to meet your dog’s needs.”

   • Red Flag: “That rarely happens, but we’ll see.”

   • RUN: “If your dog doesn’t respond, we may need to use stronger methods.”

Wrap-Up: Trust Your Gut!

When it comes to choosing a dog trainer, always trust your gut. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Your dog’s well-being is at stake! By keeping an eye out for green flags and being wary of the red ones, you can find the perfect match for you and your dog.

Happy training! 🎉