5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dog Trainer
Choosing the right dog trainer can make all the difference for you and your dog. After helping thousands of families find success with their dogs, I’ve put together these critical questions you should ask BEFORE handing over your credit card or your precious pup.
“What tools do you use, and when do you introduce them?”
Here’s some dog training honesty: if a trainer says they NEVER use tools, that’s a red flag 🚩
Dogs need clear rules! If a trainer won’t remind your dog to follow commands they’ve already learned by setting clear boundaries, your training will take forever!
But also watch out for trainers who use an e-collar right away. Using an e-collar during the first week of training is also a big red flag 🚩
This usually means they’re taking shortcuts. E-collars are amazing tools, but they should be used after your dog has learned what to do through fun training games.
For example: We worked with a Red Heeler named Willie who would come when called inside but would run away at the park when he saw squirrels. His old trainer, who only used treats, made little to no progress. When Willie came to us we taught him using fun games that made coming back exciting, then used a long leash to help him remember, and finally added the e-collar after he totally understood the command. Now Willie goes on off-leash hikes with his family because we used the right tools at the right time.
“How many dogs do you work with each day?”
Ask how many dogs your trainer works with each day. At Train Walk Poop, we only have 4 dogs per trainer in an 8-hour day. This gives each dog plenty of one-on-one training time. Dogs also get playtime with other well-behaved dogs twice a day.
If a trainer has more dogs, how much time are they really spending with YOUR dog?
And if they don’t run social classes, that’s a BIG warning sign as well.
We consider socialization training a foundational part of any dog’s training. From dogs who are social butterflies who need to learn that not all dogs want to play to dogs struggling with severe aggression issues. Every dog learns essential life skills from our social classes.
We believe every dog training plan should include time with other dogs. It’s that important!
“Do you customize your approach for each dog?”
Our trainers can change their plan based on what your dog needs that day. Sometimes we start teaching “stay” but notice your dog needs to learn how to take treats nicely first. We’ll stop and adjust our lesson in the middle of the session if needed!
This ability to change plans quickly helps us find the basic skills that, once fixed, make everything else easier.
For example: We were working with a Border Collie who couldn’t focus during leash training. Our trainer noticed the dog was crazy about toys but never learned to be patient. She switched to teaching a “wait” game with toys first. Once the dog learned patience around his favorite toy, his leash walking got much better in just two sessions. This was only possible because we fixed what HE needed right away, not just what was next on our list.
“How do you make sure I can maintain my dog’s training after the program ends?”
A big warning sign? A trainer who gives you one long lesson at the end of your dog’s training program. It’s hard enough to learn to use a new phone in an hour, so how can they expect you to learn everything your dog did over several weeks of training? It ain’t possible. You will feel overwhelmed and so will your dog!
That’s why our Board & Train programs include:
Daily report cards with detailed updates (so you go on the journey with your dog and understand how all the pieces fit together)
Weekly check-ins (for getting critical hands on experience you will need for practicing with your dog each weekend)
Small, easy-to-learn steps for you
SIX MONTHS of unlimited follow-up help
Teaching YOU is just as important as training your dog.
“What’s your training progression from beginning to end?”
Good training follows this path:
Learning basics in quiet places (a quiet room with no distractions)
Practicing with other well-behaved dogs (so your dog learns good habits)
Going to real places (parks, stores, etc.)
Look for a trainer who has the right setup to do all these steps. How will your dog handle the real world if they only practice inside your home, the trainer’s home, or with a couple of dogs they already know?
Key takeaway: starting with group classes or training at home right away is exactly backwards. Your dog needs to learn the basics first, then slowly face more challenging places. Anything else will just frustrate both of you.
Your dog deserves training that makes sense, builds confidence, and works in real life.
P.S. Planning to interview a few trainers? Save this email and use these questions as your guide. The way they answer will tell you everything you need to know about their approach!
