Dog parents in Montgomery have a major decision when adopting a new pup in finding an adequate trainer. It’s among the most difficult and daunting searches, considering anyone can claim to be an expert in the field without credentials to back that declaration.

The dog training profession is unregulated despite the many academies, associations, and training organizations in the market. Go to https://www.howmanydogs.com/2018/05/false-positive-certification-for-dog-trainers/ for guidance on choosing an adequate dog trainer.

That can leave parents and their beloved exposed to a plethora of less-than-qualified “experts” using ineffective methodologies in the same category as professionals who have a natural gift for working with dogs and don’t know how to tell the difference.

A primary consideration when determining the best trainers in Alabama is to find an expert who follows a reward program or positive reinforcement. The concept is humane and force-free.

Let’s look more in-depth at how you can decide on the most suitable profession to make your dog comfortable, suit his needs, and guide you on how to work with your pup.

Tips on Finding the Best Dog Trainer in Montgomery Alabama

When searching for the best dog training near me, it’s essential to look for a professional with some education or certifications in the field and follow a positive reinforcement, no-force regimen with their program. 

This concept aims to offer rewards when a behavior follows the teacher’s guidance to encourage the pup to continue on that path. If the fur baby doesn’t do the lesson quite right, the reward is withheld, but they get more chances for their treats.

The canine needs to feel safe, with a trainer working to establish his resilience and confidence in a human environment unfamiliar to him. The best Alabama trainer will not only work with the pup; they will collaborate with you as the dog parent on how to be supportive and continue the lessons in the home environment.

How can you tell when you’ve found the most suitable teacher for your fur baby? Let’s learn.

Check if the trainer has certifications

The training profession is unregulated, allowing anyone to claim to be an expert. Still, you can differentiate the unqualified and the professional by asking for proof of education or certifications. Various certifications are available, the quality options certifying individuals independently.

These include “CPDT-KSA or CPDT-KA.” The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers offers these, which evaluate knowledge and skills. The prerequisite is a minimum of “300 hours of behavioral experience.”

In order to keep the certificate, the individual needs to recertify after finishing continuing education courses every three years.

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants offers a certification program, also independent, with comparable requirements.

Consider the equipment the teacher uses

Aversive tools, including the use of electric shock collars, slip leads, choke chains, and prong collars, lead to a pup’s increased stress level.

The only acceptable equipment most trainers incorporate into their program are H-shaped harnesses, clickers, long-lines, treat pouches, and food. These professionals avoid anything meant to cause discomfort or pain.

Find out what the trainer does to stop misbehavior

You can only stop misbehavior once you find out the underlying cause for the acting out, usually due to unmet needs. Maybe he needs more exercise, affection, to play, and so on.

The teacher will help you understand the behavior, establish a “management plan” to stop the undesirable, and replace it with desirable behavior.

Ask to observe a training session and request references

Many trainers encourage prospective clients to observe a class without their pups to get an idea of the program and their teaching style. Speak to the trainer about references from past or current clients and also look online on social sites for reviews or client testimonials.

Social site posts offer genuine feedback, allowing insight into the program and the trainer’s qualities as a teacher. This can help you make a more informed decision if the individual is suited for your pup.

Identify where should you start

Many trainers are under the assumption that pups coming young are relatively new to learning, with a need to start with the basics, including “sit, speak, lie down, and on.” 

Some dog parents have already worked with their fur babies on some generic training. How do you know if you should start with the beginner’s session or go to the next stage? You don’t want to push your pup.

It’s suggested that an effective trainer teaching a beginner session should train the dog and the parent to communicate together more so than learning cues.

Even if the pup is somewhat more advanced, learning in an unfamiliar atmosphere where other dogs are around is an ideal opportunity to test those learned skills and reinforce them.

The trainer should love dogs

Before committing to training, the trainer should request a meeting with your canine to see how they interact. It’s vital that they be a good fit, that the pup feels comfortable around the teacher, and that the trainer can develop a good rapport with the dog.

Typically, when there’s a first meeting, a professional trainer will have a few treats hidden in a pocket, get down to the dog’s level, and hold their hand out, palm up, to show they’re a friend. This allows the canine to sniff before the individual attempts a touch.

As the dog becomes more familiar, the trainer should pass a treat that encourages a closer connection and then a little touch from the teacher, and it moves forward from that point. Go here to learn details on selecting the best teacher.

Final Thought

A priority when adopting a puppy is that training starts as early as possible. The fur baby should enter a class specifically created for puppies, not full-grown dogs. These address socialization and obedience.

While it can be challenging to find the best dog trainer in Montgomery, it’s not impossible. With these few tips and much research, you’ll be able to narrow down the experts in your local area.