We all love a dog that, in addition to being a beloved companion, is polite and obedient. In most cases, pet owners themselves take care of their education, with a little information, a little experience and a little intuition. However, many times this is not enough. Whether because we lack time and patience, or because our furry friend has a particularly difficult character, or for some other reason, we do not achieve good results Houston dog training for aggressive dogs.
In those cases, it is possible to hire a trainer to clean things up and teach the animal some basic rules. The question is: How to choose a good professional? In this note we detail five basic things to avoid unpleasant surprises.
But first, a couple of clarifications. In the first place, the activity of trainers is not regulated, so it is difficult to validate the suitability of who we are going to hire. Some institutions, such as the Argentine Kennel Club, offer dog training courses, with official certification, and that can help in the decision.
On the other hand, there are various specializations, depending on the objectives we need. Most just need their dog to “behave” and be obedient. But a trainer may also be required to perform specific tasks, or for special cases in which there is a behavioral disorder. Not all handlers handle all cases, so that is something that needs to be clarified up front.
5 keys to choosing a trainer
- Positive reinforcement . There are many ways to train a dog, but all of them, regardless of the differences, should be based on positive reinforcement. That is, reward the animal when it acts well. Methods that use punishment, force or pain should be avoided. They are harmful to the animal, not only at the time of application, but in the long term, since they cause consequences (aggressive or fearful dogs) that are difficult (sometimes impossible) to eradicate.
- Method . It is essential to be clear about the work methodology: objectives, place, duration… It is usually advisable to have individual and group classes, which help in socialization (especially for puppies). The latter, however, should not be too crowded (up to 6 dogs).
- Flexibility . A good trainer is open-minded, he adapts to your needs and those of the pet, he does not impose his “one-size-fits-all” recipe. Here the creative capacity of the instructor comes into play.
- Human management . Specialists agree on the importance of learning for pet owners, not just the dog. The organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) warns: “It’s not your dog’s training, it’s your training (along with your dog’s).” The American Kennel Club, for its part, explains: “Great trainers understand that their job is to train you to train your dog. Top coaches understand the importance of involving the entire family to maintain consistency.” Therefore, a good trainer must be a good teacher. He must know how to handle the animal, but he must also know how to explain himself and communicate well with the owner. To do this, it is essential that he has patience, good character and a sense of humor.
- Credentials . Because it is an informal activity, without official regulation, we must inform ourselves as much as possible about the trainer, based on references, proven experience and professional preparation.