How to choose a reward-based dog trainer

A good trainer doesn't just train the dog; they teach you how to talk to your dog. The wrong trainer can get a dog to obey out of fear in front of them, and then the problem comes back worse at home.

What is reward-based training?

• The dog gets something it likes, a treat, a toy or praise, when it does what you want, so it does it again.
• Unwanted behaviour isn't rewarded, and you teach an alternative: instead of jumping on people, it sits to get attention.
• The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommends using only reward-based training, even for aggression.

What about painful methods?

• Things like shock collars, prong and choke collars, hard leash jerks, shouting, and pinning a dog on its back.
• Research links them to stress and fear that can last after training ends, and to a damaged bond with your dog, with no evidence they work better than rewards.
• They're also linked to more anxiety and fear-related aggression.
• Be wary of trainers who talk about "dominance" or being the "alpha" or "pack leader".
• On BesBes, listings for shock collars aren't allowed.

Questions to ask a trainer

• What do you do when the dog gets it right? And wrong? A good answer includes rewards, ignoring and teaching an alternative, not "firmness" or "punishment".
• Can I attend the sessions? Training you're not part of rarely carries on at home. Be wary of "leave him with me for two weeks and he'll come back obedient".
• Will you give me homework? Short daily practice matters more than the session itself.
• Do you guarantee results? Nobody can guarantee a living animal's behaviour. A promise of sure results in a short time is a warning sign.
• Have you worked with my dog's problem? A puppy that mouths in play is very different from a dog that goes for people.

When to start with the vet

If behaviour changes suddenly, or your dog starts growling or biting for no clear reason, see your vet first. Pain and illness are common causes of sudden aggression.

Start at home

• Read leash training your dog and barking and the neighbours.
• For puppies, read house-training a puppy.