, New Tricks! Training Professional
ia Welch
visit a class, does the trainer exhibit good observation and listening skills? Can he communicate effectively with a variety of students? Is he comfortable with a variety of dogs? Is he well
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organized? Is he engaging in his presentation of class materials? If, during your interview, the trainer has a focus on submission and dominance or uses force in his methods, he is not current in his awareness, education, understanding, and application of methods that meet today’s standards of care in dog training. It is not generally a good practice to send your dog away for “training”. You will not be able to control what happens to your dog when you are not there, and one of the important purposes of training is to enhance the bond that you have with your dog This requires that YOU participate in and understand every aspect of the training. You should be prepared to set the necessary time aside and commit personally to your dog’s ongoing education. There are many considerations in selecting and/or continuing with a dog trainer. Are you and your dog treated with respect? Does your trainer
offer understanding and encouragement when you are experiencing challenges? Is your trainer willing to try a number of different approaches when dealing with challenges? Does he check in with you on a regular basis? If you do not feel satisfied or your dog is not happy, try to evaluate why. Some red flags might be: Your trainer spends a lot of time showcasing his own dog’s behaviors rather than explaining the process and showing you how to most effectively help YOUR dog learn; breed prejudice; “a (fill in the blank) is stubborn and impossible to train.” Is he constantly critical of your efforts? Do you feel ignored? If you are not comfortable in your current training situation, it is always a good idea to discuss your concerns with your trainer. Remember to keep your dog’s and your own well being in mind. Your instincts are probably correct. Hopefully, by utilizing these suggestions as a guide, your search for a dog training professional will
be relatively easy, and you will be successful in locating a trainer who can support you and your dog in your learning process. Marcia Welch, CPDT-KA, is the managing member of Positively Best Friends! Dog Training and Activity Center in Edgecomb, ME. She has enjoyed teaching people and their dogs in the midcoast area of Maine for over 20 years. A variety of classes and activities are offered at Positively Best Friends! Midcoast Maine’s Premier Dog Training Center. Marcia can be reached through the Center’s website www. positivelybestfriends.com or by telephone; 207-882PAWS; or email marcia@ positivelybestfriends.com.
9 Mr. Dog Training Obedience Classes Activity Classes Free Puppy Playtimes 50 Wing Farm Parkway Unit 2 Bath, Maine 04530, 207.798.1232 www.mrdogtraining.com info@mrdogtraining.com
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• BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION • DOG SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
Training your dog is a lifelong commitment, so start off on the right foot by choosing a quality program that works for you, your dog and your life! 207.251.2296 • finishforwarddogs.com • info@finishforwarddogs.com 30 Spring Hill Road Saco, ME 04072
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