How to Choose a Dog Trainer (the Right Way)

Choosing a dog trainer can get confusing fast. Every website looks polished, every trainer has their own philosophy, and everyone claims their method is the best. Meanwhile, you’re just trying to find someone qualified, trustworthy, and actually able to help you and your dog make progress.

The good news? Once you know what to look for — and what to avoid — the decision becomes a whole lot easier.

Below is a straightforward, evidence-based guide based on the same standards recommended by the AVSAB, APDT, IAABC, ISCDT, and the New York Times.

1. Look for Legitimate Certification (Not Just Marketing Language)

Here’s the part most people don’t realize:

There is no official license required to call yourself a dog trainer. Anyone can hang a shingle and charge money, even with zero education. That’s why certification matters.

Real certification means a trainer has:

• Completed formal coursework

• Passed an objective exam

• Committed to ongoing education

• Been evaluated on humane, science-based methods

Some respected programs include:

• ISCDT

• CCPDT

• IAABC

📖 Source: New York Times, 2017

2. Ask What Training Methods They Use

Methods matter — a lot.

You want someone who uses positive reinforcement, which is backed by decades of research and recommended by every major veterinary behavior organization. Positive reinforcement:

• Is safe

• Builds real understanding

• Strengthens your relationship

• Produces long-term results

Aversive tools and techniques (prong collars, shock collars, leash corrections, dominance theory, etc.) are rooted in outdated science and often create fear or suppress behaviors rather than teaching your dog what to do.

📖 Sources: AVSAB, NIH

3. Avoid Anyone Who Guarantees Results

This is one of the clearest red flags in the entire industry.

Real dog training is rooted in kindness, clarity, and science. Not quick fixes and gimmicks!

No ethical trainer can guarantee that your dog will:

• Stop jumping forever

• Walk perfectly in X sessions

• Become “fully trained” in a fixed amount of time

Why?Because dogs are individuals. Results depend on practice, environment, consistency, and your dog’s natural temperament.

Anyone promising absolutes is selling a fantasy.

📖 Source: APDT

4. Avoid Board-and-Train Programs (Here’s Why)

Board-and-train sounds great on paper — send your dog away, get them back “trained.”But here’s the reality:

Dogs don’t generalize well.

Just because your dog behaved at someone else’s facility doesn’t mean they’ll behave the same way at home, on your street, or around your triggers.

You’re missing the most important part: learning how to train your own dog.

Training is a team effort. If you’re not part of the process, nothing sticks.

You have zero visibility into what methods are being used.

Behind closed doors, many board-and-trains rely on:

• Harsh corrections

• Flooding

• Shock collars

• Outdated dominance techniques

• Suppression over learning

The dog may come home looking “calm,” but often they’re simply overwhelmed or shut down.

Real-life problems need real-life practice.

Leash pulling, reactivity, manners around visitors — these need to be trained where they happen: at home, in your neighborhood, and within your routine.

Board-and-train programs skip the most important ingredients for long-term success:your involvement, your environment, and your ability to reinforce the skills daily.

5. Be Thoughtful About Pricing

Let’s address something almost nobody talks about openly: what training should reasonably cost, and why.

Training isn’t just a one-hour appointment. You are paying for:

• Years of study and continued education

• Certification programs

• Customized training plans

• Travel time

• Prep before each lesson

• Support and communication outside the session

• Liability insurance

• A real, legally compliant business

• Experience with a wide range of behavior cases
  

Often, the cheapest option up front ends up being the most expensive in the long run. Many low-cost trainers rely on:

• Outdated or harmful methods

• One-size-fits-all programs

• “Quick fixes” that suppress behavior instead of addressing the root

• Minimal owner involvement

• Little to no follow-through

• Poor communication or limited support between lessons
  

The result? You often end up needing a second trainer later to undo the problems from the first one — or to finally make progress the right way.

You’re investing in your dog, not buying a commodity. You don’t need the priciest trainer out there. But choosing solely on price is one of the quickest ways to waste time, money, and effort. Look for value, not the lowest number. A good trainer should feel like an investment in your dog’s long-term behavior, your relationship together, and your own confidence in handling things on your own.

6. Make Sure You Are Part of the Training

Effective training isn’t about someone “fixing” your dog for you.

It’s about:

• Teaching you the techniques

• Helping you understand your dog’s behavior

• Giving you clear practice steps

• Offering support between lessons

• Building consistency at home

If you’re not involved, results won’t last.

📖 Source: IAABC

7. Ask About Insurance & Professional Standards

A reputable trainer should have:

• Liability insurance

• Clear service agreements

• Transparent policies

• Respectful communication

These elements show professionalism and protect you and your dog.

📖 Source: New York Times, 2017

8. Read Reviews & Ask for References

A trustworthy trainer won’t hide their track record.

Look for reviews that mention:

• Reliability

• Clear explanations

• Progress over time

• Good communication

• Support outside lessons

• Patience and professionalism

📖 Source: New York Times, 2017

9. Look for Ongoing Education

Dog behavior science evolves constantly.

A committed trainer stays current by attending:

• Seminars

• Workshops

• Webinars

• Certification updates

• Professional memberships

You want someone who’s learning, not coasting.

📖 Source: IAABC

The Bottom Line

Choosing a trainer doesn’t have to be stressful. Look for someone who is:

• Certified

• Science-based

• Transparent

• Professional

• Communicative

• Owner-focused

• Up to date on modern methods

• Realistic about results

• Appropriately priced

• Ethical about tools and training philosophy

• Involving you every step of the way
  

The right trainer won’t promise magic. They’ll give you structure, support, and a realistic plan for long-term success.

If you want to see how UpDog stacks up across all these criteria, you can learn more or book an evaluation at:➡ UpDogWalkAndTrain.com