Training & Behaviour · Stage 05
Getting the Right Training & Behaviour Support
Asking for Help
Asking for help is part of responsible dog ownership.
Professional support may be appropriate when behaviour persists or worsens, a dog appears significantly frightened or distressed, there is growling, snapping or biting, resource guarding is concerning, being left causes significant distress, safety is at risk or the owner simply feels out of their depth.
Vet, Trainer or Behaviourist?
For ordinary everyday skills, a suitable reward-based trainer may be appropriate.
Where behaviour changes suddenly or pain, illness or discomfort could be involved, start with a veterinary professional.
Complex fear, aggression, guarding or separation-related difficulties may require appropriately qualified behaviour support.
Choosing a Trainer or Behaviourist
Before choosing a trainer or behaviourist, it’s worth asking a few questions to make sure they’re suitably qualified and use kind, reward-based methods. Here are some useful questions to ask before deciding who to work with.
- What methods do you use?
- What qualifications and experience do you have?
- Do you belong to an appropriate professional organisation?
- Can I observe a class or session where appropriate?
- What happens when a dog gets something wrong?
- Can you explain why you are recommending a particular method?
Where to look for professional support
Finding the right person can feel confusing, particularly when you’re not sure whether your dog needs everyday training help or more specialist behaviour support.
For everyday training, you can search the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) directory for trainers in your area. APDT members are assessed and work using kind, fair and reward-based training methods.
For behaviour concerns, the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) has a searchable register of practitioners working to recognised professional standards. You can search by location, species and the type of practitioner you need.
For more complex behaviour concerns, particularly where fear, aggression or a significant change in behaviour is involved, speak to your vet first. They can check whether pain, illness or another medical issue could be contributing and, where appropriate, help you access suitably qualified behaviour support.
A directory is a useful starting point, but you should still make sure you’re comfortable with the individual professional, their methods and their approach to your dog.
Red Flags
When speaking to a trainer or behaviourist, pay attention to how they explain their methods and what they promise to achieve. Some approaches may not be suitable for your dog and could even make their behaviour worse. Be cautious if you come across any of the following warning signs:
- guaranteed quick fixes
- heavy emphasis on dominance or alpha status
- refusal to explain methods
- techniques intended to frighten, intimidate or hurt
- anything that makes the owner uncomfortable about how their dog is being treated
You are allowed to say no.
Trainer Checklist
Before deciding on a trainer or behaviourist, take a little time to check their qualifications, experience and approach to working with dogs. The following checklist can help you make sure you’ve covered the important points before agreeing to any training sessions.
- methods understood
- qualifications/experience checked
- reward-based approach
- owner comfortable with treatment of dog
- goals explained
- costs understood
- difference between training and behaviour support understood
Most importantly, ask yourself whether you feel confident that this person will treat your dog with kindness, patience and respect, even when you’re not there to watch.