Which dog training philosophy is best for your dog?

If you are searching for a dog trainer and have begun your research, you are most likely inundated with trainers, each telling you they have the best philosophy for you and your dog. There are dozens upon dozens of dog trainers in San Diego alone. From strictly positive reinforcement trainers to trainers who use traditional methods, to those who advocate the use of electronic stimulus in dog training. So how do you choose? Which philosophy actually is best for your dog?

At the end of the day, the most important thing you need to ask yourself when selecting a trainer is "Who will be training my dog?" After all is said and done, YOU will be the person in charge of making sure whatever training has been implemented, is reinforced. You in essence are your dog's trainer. That means that you need to step away from all the fancy marketing and ignore the trainers that tell you their way is the ONLY way, and choose someone you actually like. Select a dog trainer whose philosophies make sense to you, and whose teachings you are comfortable reinforcing in your own home.

Keep in mind that dog trainers are running a business - it's their job to convince you that they are the best. They can be passionate in their convictions and have likely chosen their training philosophy because they believe very strongly in it. But if it doesn't suit you, respectfully decline. If you have your heart set on a positive reinforcement trainer, find one. Don't let someone dissuade you otherwise unless you find yourself truly convinced that another way is better. Alternatively, if you have your heart set on using an electronic collar to train your dog, find a trainer that suits your needs. Again, don't let someone pressure you into another methodology unless you find yourself truly convinced. Just remember, this is YOUR dog. You know him best and you know yourself best. There is no sense giving into the pressure of dog trainers and owners disapproving of your dog's training. If you do, you will only find yourself throwing money away because you didn't believe in the training method you were pressured into and you weren't willing to reinforce consistently.

Dog trainers and owners can be an opinionated lot. They have their hearts in the right places and in the end, everyone is only trying to help. But ultimately, you have to listen to yourself and your dog. If you trust your instincts when choosing a dog trainer, your dog will thank you for it.