"The Top 10 Questions a Dog Trainer Wishes You Would Ask”



           

As portrait photographers, Stan and I get asked the question "How much is does an  8x10 cost?"  That seldom is what the caller really wants to know, but that's  the only question  they know to ask.



A dog trainer is  asked a question like, "Do you have a puppy class starting soon?"  That's  the question the caller knows to ask, but there is so much more information that they should gather before they  select a trainer or a class for their dog.



Tucker and I are currently in a foundations class with  trainer Nathan Whitehorne of 4 Paws Academy to help Tucker (and me) gain the skills  needed to accomplish our current goals (like therapy dog certification).  I talked with  Nathan about what questions he wishes people would ask. Your response to the answers won’t be the same as mine, but I have shared my thoughts about Tucker’s training as an example of applying the information. 



Question 1 - "Can I bring my dog in for a free evaluation?"

 A simple question, but that's where it should really start.  The trainer gets to see your dog, see you and your dog work together, and work with  your dog himself.  You'll have the chance to ask the questions that we'll be listing here. Then, you can make an informed decision, which will give you the best chance to accomplish the goals you have set for you and your dog.



Question 2 - “What is your overall training philosophy?” 

The trainer’s philosophy might be based on current trends. Or perhaps it is based on a study of how animals communicate.  Nathan believes that we have to learn the dog’s language; we can’t just expect them to understand us.  He heard an owner say “My dog’s bad behavior just happens out of the blue, with no warning”. In fact, the dog had given lots of clues, if the owner had been reading them.. You can learn to stop an unwanted behavior before it occurs. I need to be able to read Tucker’s comfort level in any  situation.



Question 3 - “What are your goals as the trainer of this class?”

The trainer’s goal for an agility class might be to help their students compete successfully as a team.  The 4 Paws Academy mission is to “Provide owners and their dogs with the knowledge and skills needed to develop an enjoyable, lifelong partnership.”  Nathan wants to “show people that their dog can be a part of every aspect of their lives.”  That matches my basic  goal for Tucker.



Question 4 - “Do you use one approach for all dogs?”

“Each dog is an individual”,  Nathan says.  His approach to dog training is not a “one size fits all”.  “There are  few perfect dogs that can be trained with reward-only.”  Even  positive reinforcement varies from dog to dog.  I took Tucker to an one day seminar with a different trainer some time ago, where you were not to talk to your dog  during the walk exercise.  Some dogs did well, but not Tucker.  He works best with a great deal of verbal praise and affection.  In our class now, one dog gets food, another gets to  play, and if  Tucker has done a really great job, he gets to go give Nathan a hug. 



Nathan does use correction for wrong behavior.  Again, that negative reinforcement differs based on the dog and the reason for the unwanted behavior. For example, if our dog gets up during the “very long down” exercise, we are to say from our seats (about 20 feet away), “No. Down.”  That lets  them know that getting up is not allowed and then lets them know what is allowed.  Nathan corrected  me for using too harsh a voice.  Tucker was getting up because he was nervous, not because he was just disobeying. (Nathan creates an increasing level of distraction throughout this exercise.)  The tone of my voice was adding to Tucker’s nervous reaction.  I am to say “no”, but in a kind, encouraging way, to convince him not to worry.

 

Question 5 - “What kind of training/education do you have?”

A dog trainer might have learned in a classroom, or on-line, or through  an internship with an expert.  If you are looking for training in a particular event, like agility, the trainer might have personal experience competing.  With my  goal of learning to read Tucker, I needed  to find someone who had experienced a hands-on opportunity to see many dogs in “person”.



Question 6 - “What is the format of your training?”

Dogs can be trained in classes, or though private lessons, at a training facility, or at your home. Training can be done by the owner under the trainer’s direction or by the trainer. Again, you need to consider  your goal. Then, after the evaluation, the trainer can recommend what setting might be best for your dog. Tucker, like many dogs, listens quite well at home.  However, we need to be able to communicate clearly with all kinds of distractions around us.   The commotion of many dogs in a class will help us achieve that goal.



Question 7 - “How are your classes structured?”

Dogs can be placed into classes based on like age or like level of training needs.  Just because puppies are about the same age, that doesn’t mean that they will be appropriate playmates in a socialization class.  If there is playtime, the trainer should monitor the play to make sure that it goes “back and forth”, with one puppy on top then the other.  Even puppies can be bullies and that is not good behavior at any age.

Our fundamentals class is has two 6 month old puppies, an adolescent, and two adults (including Tucker).  The young dogs are just starting to learn skills like  down and sit.  While dogs like Tucker need practice being comfortable in any position, with or without the close proximity of their owners,  with any amount of distraction taking place around them.





Question 8 - “Is the class fun?”

“Fun” for whom - the dog or the owner? The dog should feel comfortable and safe.  They should be eager to learn and work.  However, Nathan states, “nasty behavior should not earn them a fun reward.” 



There are also different styles of trainer-reinforcement for the owner.  If there is too  much concern about  “fun” meaning  the owner gets  immediate results,  the lesson could end up being more confusing for the dog later.  For example, if “sit” is taught as just a quick butt touching the floor , the owner feels successful quickly.  Later when “stay” is added later, the dog has to relearn the whole concept of what sit means. And they have to figure out why “stay” sometimes means “sit”, sometimes means “stand”, sometimes just means remain in the car.  If , from the very start, “sit” means “sit until I tell you to do something else”, it make take longer to gain the skill, but there is no relearning.  Tucker is working on relearning the skill.  Right now it seems that he thinks  “good sit” is the command for “sit until I tell you otherwise”.



There are trainers who work at the other extreme - really pushing the owners.  I learned years ago, from an experience working with  my  young horse and  a trainer,  that I  don’t respond  to harsh criticism any better than Tucker does.  I need a trainer who can read me as well as he reads my dog; a trainer who knows when I need a word of encouragement or a joke. 

       

Question 9 - “What if I have questions or problems?”

Some  classes start with a time when you can update the trainer on your progress.  Of course, this is only helpful if you’re honest with the trainer.  “Everything’s fine” doesn’t give him information to help you.  Can you can ask for help during the class?  Is  the trainer  available by phone in between classes?  Our foundations class is held every two weeks to give us time to work on the skills assigned, but we are encouraged to call for help, before a problem or confusion gets worse.



Question 10 - “Can I observe a class?”

There is no better way to gain a clear understanding of the dynamics of a class than to observe one for yourself.  You  also want to make sure that you have set up a follow-up time  for any questions you might have.





 

The choice of trainer for your dog is  an important one.  Take the time to gather as much information as you need.  Remember, that a good trainer wants to give you the information.  He is investing his time and reputation in working with you and your dog to achieve your goals.