As you begin to research training for your family dog, there are several things to consider.
GET A REFERRAL——
It is always best to get a referral from a friend, family member, neighbor or your trusted Veterinarian. There is no governing agency or organization overseeing performance or qualifications of professional trainers.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK ——
Be sure the company you are considering offers a full line of support, starting at the puppy stage and taking you through adulthood. As your dog matures, you’ll be presented with different challenges at different times. Your trainer will need to be qualified to address those concerns and questions with techniques that are appropriate for those stages of development. Having someone who can just train puppies is not going to help you when your dog transitions into adolescence.
PEOPLE SKILLS ARE A MUST ——
Teaching the dog is only part of the equation. Trainers should be professional, organized, prepared, friendly and confident. Trainers must be able to understand and respect your concerns while educating you on what is in the best interest of the dog and family. You must be comfortable communicating with your trainer.
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR——
Operating a full service training business requires a substantial commitment of experience, energy, time and funds. Trainers that are making a part time commitment, will only be giving you part time support and most likely be giving your pet, part-time care .
Trainers that are operating out of their home, will only be able to provide you a portion of their time and commitment. Trainers that house dogs in their home are usually not licensed for kenneling, so therefore not meeting the same standards as a commercial Kennel that is following the rules as governed by each individual Township/County. This is not only a liability when it comes to insurance, but most likely a safety issue when it comes to your family pet. Licensed kennels are required by law to ensure the safety of the pet through a variety of standards and specifications. These requirements are subject to annual inspections to assure the ongoing quality care of all animals. A company housing dogs in an unlicensed environment such as a home, garage, barn or warehouse, more than likely has no fire suppression systems, no direct communication to local fire departments, inadequate ventilation systems and a variety of other unsafe conditions.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE ——
Look for a Trainer that has sufficient and qualified staff to support your needs. If you are attending group training, be sure the room has adequate supervision and that the Trainer has ample support to maintain control of the room.
If you are considering a private Trainer, do your homework. Just because someone has experience with dogs in the past or has been employed in the animal industry, does not make them a qualified Trainer. Just as you would do with anyone you were considering contracting to work in your home, verify references and ask for proof of qualifications and liability coverage.
Training is an investment that will pay you back every day for the next 8 to 15 years, depending on the breed of dog. You want to know that your Trainer will be there for the life of your dog to answer any questions and guide you through any concerns you may have.
Canine Academy has been training good dogs into GREAT dogs for over 20 years. The owner, Lisa Farlin, has been actively involved every day since the first day. She is committed to providing professional training and boarding services, in state-of-the-art, owned and operated by Canine Academy facilities, throughout Oakland County.
TRAIN WITH THE BEST ——
Each of our Trainers apprentice for an entire year mastering theory, skills and techniques. All of our Trainers are available to assist owners in our Training Centers located in Rochester, Birmingham and Oxford. When you enroll with Canine Academy, you have a team to support you throughout the life of your dog. Our entire staff is Pet-Tech certified in emergency first aid and pet CPR. With veterinary care in-house, you have no worries when your dog stays with us. Your dog will always look forward to vacation time at Canine Academy.
