How to Choose the Right Dog Trainer for Your Dog’s Personality
Know Your Dog’s Personality First
Every dog is different some are confident and energetic, some others might be shy and cautious. Before you start looking for a trainer, it’s important to understand your dog’s temperament and personality. Does your dog have a lot of drive and energy? Are they highly sensitive to new environments or people? Or maybe they’re stubborn and independent? These traits will influence how your dog learns best and which training methods will resonate most. For example, a sensitive dog might shut down or become fearful if training is too harsh, while a high-energy dog may need more structure and clear boundaries to stay focused. Taking time to really observe and understand your dog will help you narrow down the types of trainers who will be the best fit. Any experienced trainer should be able to identify all of this themselves and determine if their programs are a good fit. It’s just as important for the trainer to determine if they are the right fit as well.
Understand the Different Training Styles
Dog training isn’t a one size fits all, and there are several common styles you NEED to know about. Positive reinforcement trainers focus on rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or toys creating a happy, trusting environment. Balanced trainers combine rewards with some corrections to set boundaries. Relationship based trainers prioritize the bond between owner and dog, using body language and calm leadership to teach. It’s important to understand these differences because some dogs respond better to one style over another. The best trainers don’t stick rigidly to one method they adjust based on the dog’s needs, personality, and progress. So, when you’re vetting trainers, look for someone flexible and experienced with different approaches. A good trainer will have several methods in their mental tool box and know wich of those they are the best at using. Trainers whom only stick to one method or ideology can yield decent results if they have the right dog. But they will also be very limited by this.
Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring
This is so VERY important! Don’t be afraid to interview trainers before you commit. Here are some questions that will give you a clearer picture of their approach and fit. Secondly, don’t be alarmed if the trainer ends up asking you a million questions as well. Good trainers also ask A LOT of questions. This is just their way of getting an idea of what they could be getting into.
“Have you worked with my dog’s breed or temperament before?” This helps you know if they have relevant experience.
“How do you handle dogs that are fearful or reactive?” This will tell you if they have a gentle, thoughtful approach.
“Can I watch a training session before I sign up?” Seeing their style in action is invaluable. However be understanding that not all trainers will allow this. For many reasons. Just know this doesn’t automatically disqualify or mean they are not capable. It very well could be for the dog or your safety.
“What’s your plan if my dog isn’t responding well?” A good trainer will have alternative strategies ready.
Asking these questions upfront saves you headaches down the road and ensures you’re on the same page. Again a good trainer will have several tools for this in the tool box. You could even ask how they have handled situations like this in the past.
Watch for Red Flags
Not all trainers are created equal, so it’s crucial to watch out for warning signs. Be wary of anyone promising instant results or “perfect dogs” after just a few sessions training takes time, patience, and consistency. Avoid trainers who refuse to explain their methods or who dismiss your concerns. If a trainer has no reviews or references, that’s a sign to proceed with caution. And steer clear of harsh physical corrections or punishment. Trainers who sell “sessions” only. Understand all dogs are different. A sessions for one dog could look like 3 minutes vs another could be 10min. Ive worked some dogs who could easily outwork me with minimal breaks. Sessions only training is a red flag. At legion sessions are geared toward teaching the owner to be the trainer. Not fixing your dog. Trust your instincts! If something feels off, it probably is.
Match Energy and Personality
Your dog’s personality isn’t the only thing to consider. You also want a trainer whose energy and communication style matches yours. Do you respond better to calm, patient guidance or a more energetic, upbeat approach? A mismatch here can create friction and slow progress. Remember, training is a partnership between you, your dog, and the trainer. When the trainer’s style complements both your personality and your dog’s, the process is smoother, more enjoyable, and ultimately more effective. Experienced trainer learn over time that just like dogs humans are also all different. Learning to teach all types of dog and humans. Be open minded to receiving from them. Sometimes trainers can unintentionally hit a nerve or sensitive spot when teaching the human where they have unintentionally messed up. While this is not a reflection of you as the owner being a bad person, one of the hardest parts of being a trainer is sometimes correcting the owner or learning that enabling behavior can sometimes be directly linked to personal subjects. Keep an open mind and you will go very far.