How to find a trustworthy trainer

The American Humane Association and Suzanne Hetts, PhD offer the following recommendations and precautions for owners to take in choosing a dog trainer.

1.  Get a referral from your veterinarian.  Don't randomly sign up for just any training class.  (Ask for references from past students.  Check the mission statements of any training organizations where the trainer belongs.)

2.  Observe a class. Visit the class without bringing your pet. Are the dogs and people having fun? Talk to some of the participants after class.  If the trainer won't let you visit, don't enroll.

3.  Stick together. Avoid trainers who want to train your dog without you.  You and your dog are both essential in developing a well-trained companion.  During a session, don't allow a trainer to work with your dog unless he or she tells you exactly what's going to happen.

4.  Look for treats.  Avoid trainers who won't use food as a training reward.  Food is a powerful positive training tool that works with most dogs.  It also makes training and learning fun.

5.  Think positive.  A trainer should use other positive rewards, such as play, for good behavior. Clicker training is an approach that's gaining popularity; it involves pairing the sound of a hand clicker with something the dog loves.  Soon, the sound itself becomes a remarkably effective reward for good behavior.

6.  Avoid guarantees.  They're a sign that a trainer doesn't understand the complexities of a dog's behavior and individual needs.

7.  Shun cruel collars.  Stay away from trainers who insist you use a choke chain or prong collar.  There are now many humane alternatives such as head halters.  Shock collars should be avoided.  If, during training, you have any doubts about the way your pet is being treated, tell the trainer to stop.