Who licenses dog trainers?

[agilityk9trainer]

Popcorn anyone???

LOL!! I mean, really lauging out loud!!

As I stated previously, I don't want the government getting into licensing trainers. Not only does the red tape boggle the mind (try getting an agility school zoned in a city in America...talk about red tape...I'm over my head in it right now), but having the government dictate what I might or might not teach is dangerous. I'm ab all-positive trainer. What if the government decides that force training is the best and only method we should use. I refuse to use those methods. They destroy agility dogs. What if the licensing requirements are that I must conform to those force training rules...use of training collars, no clickers, no treats, etc.

The government does need to regulate abuse. No doubt there. But to require a license? Not a good idea to get the government involved.

If you want to find a good trainer, look at the trainer's students. How do they do? Do they meet the expectations you require? Visit class. Do the dogs act happy? Are the people happy? Are the dogs well-behaved for the class-level? Does the trainer offer good class management?

If you're looking for competition training, look further. Look at titles. Look at show results. Especially look at students' results. Ask around. Pull students aside and ask. With a little groundwork, you can find some excellent trainers out there.

I have hesitated posting the following, as I fear it sounds like I'm a braggart. However, here goes. While I did receive "accreditation" for free from a previous dog training employer, I do not have any "certification" or "license," as they are useless. (As was the "accreditiation") Even so, I usually have a year long waiting list and am told my reputation locally is spotless. Word has come back to me that some are calling me the best agility trainer in the state. (I do not agree, with that, BTW. There is one other trainer who exceeds me) Do I need a certification to get a rep like that? No. I need good training techniques, students who excel at the sport and my own dogs who excel as well.

You want to find a good trainer? Don't look for certification. Look for results.

[NicoleLJ]

You want to find a good trainer? Don't look for certification. Look for results.

That was the best statement all night. Great post.
Nicole

[agilityk9trainer]

That was the best statement all night. Great post.
Nicole

Thank you. And I agree that Caseysmom's dogs are probably quite bright.

[borzoimom]

Thank you. And I agree that Caseysmom's dogs are probably quite bright.

Agilitytrainer- you have shelties- and they are know for intellegence in the "dog world". Were you NOT able to train them by your self, you would look for a multi facet trainer- would you not? Because the breed is known for high intellegence - yes you would.
Same with shepherds etc. As a trainer needs to be on different levels for the highest of performance. Your experience with a high intellegent breed - would make you look for this right??? Thats the point- .. that doesnt mean caseymom doesnt have a smart breed- I do not even know what breed she has- but had she have a "intellegent breed" she would look for a multi facet trainer. Just like someone with border collies etc.
I do not know caseysmom at all. Never heard anything positive for me to look into it, but thats the point. Certain breeds need more stimulation than others- and thats a fact as you well know..

[borzoimom]

nachos if anyone wants them. The bar is now open.. but I do not have much- anyone care to contribute???

[applesmom]

nachos if anyone wants them. The bar is now open.. but I do not have much- anyone care to contribute???

Please don't hijack the thread with nonsense!!!!!!!!!!!

[borzoimom]

Pt way of handling stress- want some pizza???

[agilityk9trainer]

Agilitytrainer- you have shelties- and they are know for intellegence in the "dog world". Were you NOT able to train them by your self, you would look for a multi facet trainer- would you not? Because the breed is known for high intellegence - yes you would.
Same with shepherds etc. As a trainer needs to be on different levels for the highest of performance. Your experience with a high intellegent breed - would make you look for this right??? Thats the point- .. that doesnt mean caseymom doesnt have a smart breed- I do not even know what breed she has- but had she have a "intellegent breed" she would look for a multi facet trainer. Just like someone with border collies etc.
I do not know caseysmom at all. Never heard anything positive for me to look into it, but thats the point. Certain breeds need more stimulation than others- and thats a fact as you well know..

As I stated, if I were looking for a trainer, I would look at that trainer's students. I would look for results. I would NOT look for certification or license. And, I don't rate breeds on intelligence. I've met intelligent dogs in all breeds - even those breeds considered by many to be "dumb." In fact, if I had a "dumb" dog (which I even hesitate to use the phrase, as I have yet to meet a truly dumb dog), I would look even more intently for a trainer who posts great results. I'd need the best, then!