Are you in the market for a dog
trainer? Do you want your dog to learn from a top notch certified
dog trainer? You may have dreams of seeing your dog in
professional dog competitions and shows. Therefore, you need to
have your dog trained by a certified dog trainer to ensure the
best results.
Why should you hire a certified dog trainer instead of a basic dog
trainer? A certified dog trainer is one that takes their dog
training career seriously enough to become certified. You can feel
comfortable in the fact that they have met high dog training
standards and passed certification exams and tests. You don’t want
a fly-by-night dog trainer, but a certified dog trainer that is in
it for the long haul.
How do you find a certified dog trainer? There are numerous dog
trainers available in the market place today. Dog trainers range
in age, skill level, and experience. Your neighbor might tell you
that they are a dog trainer because they have read a few books on
the subject and taught their dog to fetch the newspaper. This is
not sufficient dog training experience.
You should consult a variety of resources. Try asking your dog
breeder, groomer, and veterinarian. They can direct you to local
dog training schools that have certified dog trainers on their
faculty. Various pet supply stores have dog training programs that
train and certify their dog trainers. Example pet supply stores
include PETCO.
However, research what they mean by “certification”. Is the
certification by PETCO standards only or by a universal
certification? Find out what the requirements are for their
certified dog trainers. Only then can you determine if their dog
trainers will supply the skill level and experience you desire.
You need to find a dog trainer that has had comprehensive training
and can proudly demonstrate that they are a certified dog trainer.
Be aware, though, that there are many “certified dog training”
schools and home correspondence courses available. Not all of
these schools are credible nor do they provide proper instruction.
You need to find a dog trainer that has certification as described
by the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers.
The Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers is a well respected
organization that provides testing and certification services for
dog trainers. They administer specific dog training tests in
various states around the country approximately twice per year.
These intensive tests root out the professional dog trainer from
the average dog trainer. Check out their website at:
http://www.ccpdt.org/.
The Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers also provides a
listing of certified dog trainers. You can search through this
listing to find a certified dog trainer in your area. This roster
of certified dog trainers comprises certified dog trainers all
over the world. The certified dog trainer list will give you their
contact information including name, city, phone number, and e-mail
address. Another great feature is that they list the date the dog
trainer became certified. This will let you know how many years
they have been in the dog training business. Peruse the list at:
http://ccpdt.org/rstr/index.html.
Certified pet trainers do not only need to pass a certification
exam and testing, they must also continue their education through
workshops, conferences, and other means. When selecting a
certified dog trainer ask them about the extent of their
continuing education. You want a certified dog trainer that
continues to hone their craft. They should actively learning about
various dog training methods. This demonstrates that they are
committed to providing the best dog training.
A certified dog trainer should have at least three to five years
of dog training experience. This is especially true if they charge
higher fees. You can take the plunge with a newly certified dog
trainer if cost is an issue. Newly certified dog trainers may
charge lower rates in order to establish a list of clients and
garner experience. “Master” certified dog trainers are those that
have twenty to thirty years of experience. They may have great
skill and in depth background experience, but may come at a higher
price.
You have the beginning knowledge regarding finding a certified dog
trainer. Spend time searching resources available through your dog
breeder, veterinarian, and pet supply store. Scour the book store,
library, and Internet for detailed information. You can find a
certified dog trainer in your area as well.
You wouldn’t go to an unlicensed doctor would
you? So why would go to a trainer that is not certified? Certified
dog trainers are out there and ready to help you and your pooch
learn valuable skills. They are committed to your dog, their
career, and learning everything they can about becoming a top
notch dog trainer. Who knows, your certified dog trainer may help
your dog win the Westminster dog show. Not only would your dog be
trained well and achieve glory, but the expense would be well
worth it.
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