Quote Originally Posted by Dr.Goodnow
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.