Training Your Dog: Effectiveness is Not Enough

One quick google search, conversation with a neighbor, or training article will reveal all the varying opinions on the “right way” to train your dog. Learning about what methods change behavior long-term, how they work, and whether they are right for your dog is a must for all dog owners.

As a dog lover, dog parent, and dog trainer I have begun to see the world of dog training for what it is: confusing. At first glance, there appears to be so many different methods for training a dog and all of them claim to be the most effective. Some methods suggest you need to be constantly vigilant about your “status” and the importance of being the “alpha” in the pack to ensure your dog respects you. Others outline elaborate ways of correcting your dog for misbehavior such as squirt bottles, cans filled with pennies, and firm verbal reprimands. To make matters worse, many trainers disagree on what training tools to use. From shock collars to head halters it is very difficult to get a clear answer on when each tool should be used, if at all, and how each tool assists in the training process.

Unfortunately, the lack of explanation for how each tool works leads to confusion and inappropriate use. With tools that function primarily through punishment such as choke chains, prong collars, and shock collars this leads to a confused and many times fearful dog. If a trainer emphasizes the use of a special collar as the primary means for effective training I suggest looking elsewhere.

Although I agree that effectiveness is important it is not the only factor when considering what training methods to use for your furry friend. Recently, I attended a nationally recognized animal training seminar and one of the speakers emphasized the importance of finding a trainer who has three important qualities: 1) a background and education in behavioral science; 2) hands-on experience in the world of animal training; and 3) ethical use of tools and procedures when working with your dog. I believe this three-fold approach to choosing a trainer is an excellent place to start but how do you know a trainer has all of these qualities?

First, when researching a dog trainers background look for meaningful professional certifications that require extensive hands on work with dogs, written testing, and yearly continuing education. These certifications include CPDT, CDBC, KPA-CTP, and CTC to name a few. For animal behaviorists, the certifications include ACAAB, CAAB, and DACVB. These certifications are as important as labels such as MD or RN for doctors and nurses. They ensure a baseline professional standard that filters out those individuals looking to make a quick buck without investing time, energy, and education into the profession. Be aware that anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviorist regardless of their experience and education. As a general rule, behaviorists typically have a masters or doctoral degree in some field of animal behavior (ethology, zoology etc.) and are certified by the Animal Behavior Society of American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. It can be a challenge to find a certified behaviorist in your area given that there are only about one hundred in the US. Beware the trainer who claims to be a behaviorist but has no formal education or experience to back up that title. However, quality trainers should have at least one of the certifications listed above, be well versed in the science of animal behavior including dog body language, operant/classical conditioning, and have weekly hands on training experience utilizing the most up to date methods for humanely changing behavior.

Additional signs of a skilled dog professional include the ability to explain and teach the methods they are using to train your dog. They will identify what is most reinforcing to your dog in any given situation from food to toys to sniffing fire hydrants and be able to use these reinforcements to strengthen desirable behavior. Alternatively, they will be able to teach you how to eliminate reinforcement for undesirable behavior like barking or jumping on people through the use of management and changing scenarios in which the behavior occurs.

The dog behavior professional you choose should be as sensitive to your learning as your dogs. They should be teaching you the concepts, mechanical skills, and appropriate use of tools to empower you as a dog parent. The ultimate goal should always be strengthening your relationship with your dog through realistic expectations and clear communication.

The informed choice you make about a dog professional can have a lifetime impact on your dog and your relationship with them, so choose wisely!