Resources

How to Choose a Dog Trainer

“How to Choose a Trainer” from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
• “Finding a Dog Trainer” from Best Friends Animal Society
• Bringing a new pet home

Dog care and training resources

“Click to Calm” by the Karen Pryor Academy – This book primarily focuses on training exercises to provide dogs clarity about what to do when faced with dogs or strangers. If this book interests you, it is essential to go slow. Some of the exercises in this book are too advanced for some dogs, so when in doubt try not to put your pet in scary situations.
• Pet Care and other resources from Best Friends Animal Society
• The Association of Professional Dog Trainers Resource Center – Contains information about selecting the right dog for your lifestyle, activities you can do with your dog, becoming a dog trainer, choosing a dog trainer and much more!

Training articles

• The benefits of Positive Reinforcement Training from The American Kennel Club
  •The use of dominance theory in behavior modification in animals from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
• The use of punishment for behavior modification in animals from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
• Puppy Socialization from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior

Training videos

Crate Training

• Step-by-Step Guide to Crate Training Your Dog
• Shaping your dog to love his crate – Clicker Training Tutorial

Treating a mild case of Separation Anxiety

Loose Leash Walking

• Loose Leash Walking Foundations – Starting Positions
• Loose Leash Walking with Focus
• “Watch me” Game – Training your dog to give you their attention without asking for it

How to choose a good and reputable dog trainer

• Too many dogs are given up after their normal, easily modifiable behaviors are allowed to become problems. But things do not have to end up this way. To prevent your dog from becoming a part of this sad statistic, take your dog to a professional dog trainer. A good training class is a fun, social activity that helps your dog become a well-behaved, safe and valued family member.
• As a dog owner, one of the first questions that you might ask is: does my dog need training? The answer is this: yes, and so do you. Whether you are intentionally teaching him or not, you canine friend is always learning. This holds true not only for puppies but also for older, adult dogs as well. If you do not teach your pet your rules, he will invent his own.
• Training allows caregivers to safely and humanly control their dog’s behavior. Positive training enhances the bond between dog and owner, and helps ensure that your dog will happily respond to your instructions.
• What Should I Look for in a Dog Trainer? It is important that the dog trainer you select uses humane training techniques that encourage appropriate behavior through such positive reinforcement like food, praise, play or attention. Look for a trainer who ignores undesirable responses or withholds rewards until the dog behaves properly.
  •Training techniques should never involve yelling, choking, shaking the scruff, tugging on the leash, alpha rolling (forcing the dog on his back, or other interactions that frighten or inflict pain on the dog.
• Where can I Find a Good Dog Trainer? A recommendation from a friend, neighbor, groomer, boarding kennel, veterinarian or humane society would be a great place to start. You can also check the Yellow Pages under “Pet Training.” Do not assume that the membership of a trainer in a dog trainer association qualifies him as a suitable instructor as not all membership criteria in these
• Also, because no government agency regulates or licenses trainers, it is that much more important to investigate their qualifications before enrolling in a class. Find out how many years of experience the dog trainer has had under his belt, how he was educated, and what training methods they use. You might also want to ask prospective trainers for several references from clients who completed the classes.