When searching for a dog trainer, particularly for board and train programs, it’s essential to select one who upholds the highest standards for safety, quality, and effective training that suits your needs. Here are several key considerations to guide your decision, even if you’re not working with me:
1. Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the trainer is fully licensed and insured. This reflects their commitment to professionalism and readiness to handle any unforeseen situations.
2. Dog Accommodations: Ask where and how the dogs are housed. The environment should be safe, clean, and comfortable for extended stays. Are the dogs kept indoors, and do they have temperature monitoring systems, especially if the trainer is away? In warmer regions, like Phoenix, Arizona, summer safety measures are critical. Additionally, consider if they have backup power and surveillance systems in place.
3. Crate Quality: Inquire about the crates used for downtime. Quality crates promote both safety and comfort, and wired kennels may pose risks unless handled by experienced trainers, especially for dogs prone to escape.
4. Health and Safety Protocols: Larger facilities may have increased risks of illnesses like kennel cough, coccidia, or giardia, even with cleanliness standards. Smaller, home-based operations often have tighter control over exposure. While no environment can be entirely risk-free, smaller setups can generally manage health risks more effectively.
5. Veterinary Requirements: Trainers requiring recent health checks demonstrate a proactive approach to safety. Personally, I request recent veterinary exams, fecal checks, and a 10-day no-socialization period before a dog joins my program. This helps create a healthier environment for all dogs involved.
6. Full-Time vs. Part-Time Commitment: Full-time trainers often bring more experience and focus, as they’re solely dedicated to training rather than balancing it with another job. Some people are dog trainers as a hobby, This level of commitment frequently translates to higher-quality training outcomes.
7. Update Frequency and Format: Consistent updates are valuable for tracking your dog’s progress. Ask whether they provide updates in photos, videos, or written summaries and how often these are sent.
8. Tours vs. Photos: While some trainers may offer tours of their facilities, this isn’t always indicative of quality. For example, I prefer to provide photos instead of tours, which helps me maintain a balanced schedule, minimizes stress on other dogs, and respects my privacy. Additionally, strict home-based business policies in Phoenix, AZ, limit in-home visits for clients.
9. Dog-to-Trainer Ratio: Inquire about the number of dogs a trainer works with at a time. Fewer dogs often mean more personalized attention and consistency in training. I know some awesome seasoned trainers can handle five to six dogs at once with an awsome schedule. I personally can too, but each dog is a few hours of training at a time unless they have multiple people helping them. Cleaning alone each day can be time consuming.
10. Training Style Compatibility: Make sure the trainer’s methods align with your values, as training is an ongoing process. Look for a trainer invested in building a lasting relationship rather than offering a quick fix.
11. Pricing and Quality: Lower-priced programs may involve high volumes of dogs or less experienced trainers. Higher investment in quality training typically correlates with individualized attention and more sustainable results, or the facility can have a higher over head cost which it’s passed down.
12. Pressure-Free Decision-Making: A reputable trainer won’t rush you into a decision. Trainers who prioritize quality will focus on compatibility, often preferring clients who align well with their program not taking everyone with a dog and a credit card.
13. Trainer’s Living Situation: Ask about the trainer’s living arrangements by if they are an homebased trainer —are they a homeowner or a renter? Do they live in a house or an apartment? Do they have a busy family environment, or are they a single-person household? These factors can impact a trainer’s work-life balance, which, in turn, affects the quality of care and attention your dog receives.
14. Program Pace: Different programs operate at various paces. Faster-paced programs may achieve quick results, but they often require intensive training sessions lasting several hours each day. While some dogs handle this well, others may benefit from a slower, less stressful pace. Consider whether a quick turnaround or a gradual approach is better suited for your dog’s learning style.
Selecting a trainer who prioritizes compatibility, health, and individualized care can greatly enhance your dog’s training experience. Look for someone who focuses on quality over quantity and is committed to your dog’s long-term success. How to pick the right Dog Trainer