Tips on Red Flags when Looking at Dog Trainers

The Humane Society of the United States recently came out with a list of "red flags" to look for when choosing a Trainer. These are great tips and I'd like to share them with you.

When interviewing a potential trainer for your dog, if the trainer indicates any of the following – consider that a "red flag" and keep interviewing more trainers until you find the right one for your dog.

• Trainers that use electronic aids like shock collars
• Trainers that recommend rubbing a dog's nose in an "accident" for housetraining.
• Trainers that raise their voices. Screaming is not training.
• If your dog is afraid of a trainer, you should be too.
• Trainers that try to physically dominate you or your dog.
• Trainers that recommend choke collars.
• Trainers that hit or kick your dog. This is unacceptable.

For more information on training, please read Obedience Training Philosophies: What Kind Is Best for Your Dog?