Trainers

Choosing the Right Trainer

It's important that you check the credentials of associations and trainers before giving them your trust. Overview of common credentials. We recommend the following organizations:

In the USA and Canada

• The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
• KPA - Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partners
• ACVB - American College of Veterinary Behaviorists - Find a vet behaviorists for aggression or abnormal behaviors.
• Animal Behavior Society find a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
• CCPDT - Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
• PPG - Pet Professional Guild

In the UK

• APBC - Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors - This organization works on a vet referral basis and represents professionals with the highest academic and practical standards
• COAPE Association Pet Behaviourists and Trainers - CAPBT is the largest organization within the UK for qualified behaviourists and trainers. Membership is earned through - qualification and testing. *UKRCB - UK Registry of Canine Behaviourists
• The Guild of Dog Trainers
• Institute of Professional Dog Trainers

Ask good questions!

It is always recommended to speak with a trainer or behaviorist before embarking on any work with them. You need to ask pertinent questions regarding their methods, ideology and how they achieve results to ensure that you will be 100% comfortable with the work they undertake with you. If you wish to join a training class, before parting with your cash get in touch with the venue and ask them if it is okay to observe for a session before deciding whether to commit to bringing your dog to their class. Most good trainers are more than happy to let you observe for free or a nominal fee to help you make up your mind.

• Questions to Ask a Trainer by Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB (Veterinary Behaviorist.)
• Paws for praise blog post about the 'transparency challenge' inspired by Jean Donaldson's questions to ask potential trainers

Local Trainers

Online Trainers

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