Things You'll Need
- Phone
- Internet access
Instructions
Use Local Resources
Ask trusted friends and family members for references. If you know someone who has a particularly well-behaved dog, ask for the number of his trainer. The best way to learn about a trainer is to speak with someone who has used her in the past.
Get referrals from your veterinarian. As specialists who deal with dogs on a daily basis, veterinarians know from experience who the best local trainers are. They may also be able to provide information about special deals or discounts available.
Ask employees at local pet shops for guidance. Since pet shops provide animal food and supplies, they often know good trainers or offer their own classes.
Contact your local Humane Society or other animal shelter organization. As they often deal with animals with behavioral challenges, they are an excellent source of information to help find a trainer who specializes in certain dog breeds or backgrounds.
Conduct Online Searches
Search the Association of Pet Dog Trainers website for a list of certified and noncertified trainers between five and 100 miles from your home. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers is a membership-based organization with more than 6,000 trainers, veterinarians and humane society personnel.
Search the Animal Behavior College website to find trainers who have graduated from the Animal Behavior College. Graduates from the training program subscribe to a passionate and encouraging training methodology and have extensively studied the science behind dog training and behavior.
Find a dog trainer through the Karen Pryor Academy website, which lists Certified Training Partners who have studied behavioral biology and training in the Karen Pryor Academy. The Karen Pryor Academy teaches force-free methods and frowns on the use of punishment in training.
Search Yelp.com for community reviews of local trainers. Look for a training school that has a high star rating and a lot of reviews.
Choose a Trainer with Whom You Are Comfortable
Vet your list of trainers by observing a class and making sure that the dogs and owners look like they are enjoying themselves and that no harmful physical restraint is being used.
Ask the trainer if he or she is a member of a training organization. Most good trainers are certified and continue their educations through an organization such as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
Interview the trainer to see if his or her methodology matches your own. Explain your expectations as well as any special needs or unique circumstances that you have to determine if the trainer will be able to meet your needs and those of your dog.
Ask the trainer if they have any references. Follow up with previous clients to ensure that they are satisfied with their experience.
Determine what is expected of you in the training process. The trainer will be able to tell you how much the dog training will cost as well as the time commitment, how involved you will be in the process, as well as treats or tools you will need to provide for your dog.