Getting a dog is a happy event. You bring a dog into your family for myriad reasons. Being a partner with a dog should be fun, energizing, happy and fulfilling. We "train" our dogs so that they fit into our life better, know what's expected of them, and what they expect of us. Regardless of why we train, it should be fun.
Police dogs are trained to look for contraband as a game. The reward, once they've found whatever they're looking for, is their toy and a romp with their handler. It's a no-brainer that you learn better when you're having fun. No one wants to sit in a dark room being made to memorize multiplication tables, or having grammar forced down your throat. You wouldn't like it. Why would your pup?
I recently came across a fantastic woman and her amazing dog. Her dog was "acting out" whenever she went to training classes. The trainer was very vocal about her dislike for the dog and the way that the woman worked with her dog. The trainer belittled and humiliated this wonderful woman, who was only trying to do what's best for her dog. Oh, and this dog is really a puppy - she has the attention span of your average gnat - and doesn't have the bandwidth to focus for a full hour. Never mind that her mother is a quivering mess of unconfidence after dealing with this trainer. How would you like to work in a manner that scared you, while watching your mother, also shake with fear?
Listening to this woman's story, I vacillated between being horrified and angry. No one should be treated that way - human or otherwise. So, here are some things that I hope you keep in mind when you're looking for a trainer:
If you get a bad feeling - run. Trust your instincts. And, even if you do stay for a class, if you don't like it, don’t go back. I've seen students leaving other trainers' classes in tears. This isn't a good thing. If you see that, it may not be the class for you.
If the trainer yells at you, your dog, or anyone in the class, it may not be the best fit for you. No one learns anything from fear and condescension.
If the trainer is tugging, pulling, pushing, hanging or doing other physical violence to your dog - you have to stand up for your dog. You wouldn't let anyone do that to you - don't let an "expert" do that to your dog.
Go to a class before you sign up. Any trainer worth their salt is happy to let someone audit a class to see if it's a good fit.
Speak up! There is ALWAYS more than one way to train. If you don't like the way the trainer is doing something, say so. A professional trainer will always have more than one technique to show you.
Get a second opinion. If your trainer recommends something you don't like, ask another trainer. Ask me! I don't care if you take classes with us or you live in Kathmandu, just ask if you have questions.
Remember that there's no such thing as an "accredited" trainer. People that go to the Animal Behavioral College get a certificate. People can take the CCPDT test and get certified, which means that they have a CPDT-KA or CPDT-KS after their name. These people take dog training very seriously, have taken the time to take a test and pay the $300 fee for taking the test.
An Animal Behaviorist is someone who has been to veterinary school, or has an advanced (Ph.D) degree in Animal Behavior. A lot of trainers call themselves animal behaviorists or animal behavioralists, but unless they have the degrees to back it up, they aren't. It's a career no-no to call yourself a behaviorist when you're not.
Look for someone that you connect with. Someone that treats you and your dog with respect. Someone who will LISTEN to you, help you set goals and build your bond and relationship with your dog.
I had a bad math teacher when I was in grade school. Really bad. I was terrified of Mrs. O'Brian, and when she called on me, even though I knew the answer, I couldn't say anything. I fell 140 pages behind in math. I'm still 140 page behind in math. Math terrifies and confounds me. All because of one teacher who was the blight of 3rd grade. If your trainer turns out to be a Mrs. O'Brian, leave. Take your beautiful and loving pup somewhere where both of you will be safe and happy.