There is often not one approach or method of training that fits all dogs and their families. Before beginning a dog’s training a professional trainer should consider the following:

• The dog’s individual personality;
• The dog’s past and present behavior patterns;
• The dog’s aptitude for learning and training;
• The dog’s breed characteristics, health, and age;
• Current and past interaction with people and other animals;
• The health and limitations of the owner or handler;
• And most importantly the goals of the dog’s owner.

For example, a shy five-year-old Chihuahua will often require a different training approach than a well-socialized active six-month-old Lab puppy. A qualified trainer should have the ability to modify their approach in varied situations. Professional dog trainers have a responsibility to understand that not every dog can fit into a singular “method” of training. In addition, before starting any training the trainer should make the owner understand the importance of owner education regarding dog behavior and proper handling skills.

Many of our members will do an initial evaluation of your dog or puppy with no obligation to sign up for training. In this evaluation, the trainer will discuss your goals, get a history of your dog and any behavior concerns that you might have; answer your questions; give you a demonstration with a dog that has been obedience trained; and provide training options for you to consider. Often our members will offer this evaluation at little or no cost.

A qualified trainer believes that fair, effective, and reliable training and communication is the key to improving and enhancing the relationship you have with your dog. NK9DTA members believe that the training of each dog and owner is best approached on a case-by-case basis. A qualified trainer should be able to explain the options available to you and your dog. The following is a list of training services a trainer may offer and a brief description:

• Private Lessons scheduled at a location provided by the trainer.

  Private lessons are designed for owners who have the necessary patience and time to work closely with their dogs. This approach is for dogs whose personality types work better when they remain in their home environment or learn with their owner. In each lesson a trainer will teach you and your dog a new command once or twice a week. You and your dog will then practice at home between sessions. A commitment by the owner practicing at home each day is necessary for this approach to be most effective. The number of lessons required will be determined by your goals, the dog, and the time and energy invested.
  In-Home Training Lessons is where a trainer will provide lessons at your home or business. Similar to private lessons but the trainer will travel to you.

• Residential Training Programs (Board and Train) is where the dog stays with the trainer for a period of time in boarding setting and follow-up lessons are provided to the owner after the dog has achieved certain desired training goals.

  Residency programs meet the needs of those owners who simply lack the time or patience to complete a training program on their own or who wish to put their dog's training into the hands of a professional trainer. These programs prove especially effective for training overly hyperactive dogs, complicated behavior problems, or dogs with aggressive tendencies. These programs are also useful to individuals whose health may limit their participation in certain segments of training their dog. The length of training time is based upon your dog's personality, behavior patterns, and your goals. Once a trainer has evaluated your dog, they are better able to recommend whether a residency program is ideal for you and your dog. In order for a residency-training program to be effective, dog owners will be provided with a series of follow-up lessons in which the trainer will provide instruction on how to handle and communicate with their trained dog. In order for all training programs to be successful, it is imperative for owners to commit to incorporating what their dog has learned into everyday life.

• Group Classes are meant for dogs and owners that are suited for learning in a group environment.

  Many dog owners choose group classes solely due to the cost being less expensive than private lessons or residency programs. In these sessions, a trainer teaches a group of dog owners how to train their own dogs. For some people and their dogs, group sessions may work well. While very rewarding to train your own dog, it often takes a great deal of time and patience. In addition to what is done in class, owners must dedicate themselves to working with their dogs at home in between sessions. In-group classes it can be difficult to fully address a particular dog owner's concerns or a dog’s problems in a class atmosphere. Group classes are often geared towards the owners and dogs that are not having serious problems. You may be able to ask questions after class, but don’t expect to get a great deal of personal attention in a group setting. Some trainers advertise group lessons as an opportunity to have your dog socialize with other dogs. Although this can be very beneficial in some cases, it is often very distracting to dogs especially at the initial stages of training. It is sometimes more beneficial to participate in group sessions later in your dog’s training to assist you and your dog with distraction training.

• Combination Programs combine a residency program, private lessons, in-home lessons, or group classes.

  These programs are normally helpful for, those owners whose dogs are not suited to begin with a group or private lessons. The trainer will begin your dog's training in a residency program or through private lessons and once you and your dog have achieved a certain level of training you will then continue training through private or group lessons.

• Puppy Consultations or Preschool Group Sessions are designed to help new puppy owners get off to a good start with their new pet.

  Generally this type of training is intended to teach puppies between 7 to 16 weeks of age and their owners. These sessions often include safe and effective methods for socializing puppies, techniques for successful house training, help on how to avoid unwanted behaviors such as aggression, jumping up, chewing, food/toy possessiveness, play biting, and more. Upon completion of a preschool program or consult, your puppy will be better prepared to participate in formal obedience training.

• Behavioral Counseling Sessions serve owners who have a generally well-behaved dog, but wish to solve a specific problem.

  Trainers will often advise you on probable causes and assist you with solutions. Behavioral Counseling can also provide you with assistance dealing with a specific problem such as house training an older dog.

• Specialty Training is often designed for a particular goal or situation.

  Some examples of specialty training may include: personal protection, scent detection, therapy, service animal, conformation, agility, and other dog sport activities.

• A trainer should be able to explain what services they offer and answer any questions you have regarding their services.

Anyone can call himself or herself a Dog Trainer or a Behaviorist. There are currently no State or Federal laws that require a Dog Trainer or a Behaviorist to have any special license or education.

An Animal Behaviorist is usually someone who has attended an accredited University, completing the education with a degree, generally a Master's or PhD in an animal related field. For example, veterinarians and people with degrees in agriculture, biology and zoology study animal behavior. Many animal behaviorists also have degrees in some form of psychology. The study of animal behavior may require knowledge of several disciplines, including psychology, biology, ecology, genetics, and zoology.

Most Animal Behaviorists teach and/or do independent research at colleges and universities. Many have academic appointments in biology, zoology, psychology departments, or in medical or veterinary colleges. Others are employed in departments of anthropology, sociology, neurobiology, animal science, wildlife biology, entomology, or ecology. Some are licensed veterinarians or work in veterinary clinics or hospitals. This does not guarantee they have extensive experience with dog behavior and there are no State or Federal Standards defining what an Animal Behaviorist is or does.

When meeting with a behaviorist or dog trainer, ask about their education, past employment, affiliations and references (such as The Better Business Bureau) before hiring. Also ask if they have extensive hands-on experience with behavior problem solving and working with dogs and owners in real life situations.

Most competent dog trainers are familiar with canine behavior problems and can assist you with behavior counseling and modification. Make sure to ask the trainer about their past experience with the behavior problem(s) that you are experiencing with your dog.