Quote Originally Posted by borzoimom
Okay- lets see if I have this right- do not go to a dog trainer in Arizona or Ill. because none of their trainers are certified or licensed or bonded.. Good thing to remember- thank you!
So if I went to Arizona- and someones dog attacks my dog, the trainer is not certified to teach,by admission never taught dogs before, and nor licensed or bonded to pay for damages.. Hmm good point- TRUST ME I will never go there..
You'll find the same thing in Virigina, so watch out!!

Actually and seriously, this is why I spend so much time and money putting titles on my dogs. Titles DO prove I have a level of training experience. The certifications, etc., really don't mean much, but titles do prove something. It's even better when my STUDENTS get titles on their dogs. Then, it proves I can not only train my own dogs, but teach others to successfully compete with their dogs.

Personally, I wouldn't want government stepping into dog training. They would require us all to conform to their cookie cutter methods of training. As it stands, we are able to provide a wide variety of methods to train. A potential student who knows what they are looking for can find the right trainer to fit their dog and their training philosophies. However, by allowing this freedom, you will run into trainers who are ill-equipped to do the job - certifications or no. As long as training methods don't run into the abusive, the government should allow the wide variety of methods available.

That doesn't mean that I don't get "up in arms" about some of the methods out there, but I also wouldn't want the government involved in regulating training beyond the powers to make areests for abusive treatment.

As for insurance and bonding, as I have said, if it's a concern of a student, just ask to see the trainers insurance/bonding papers.