When dogs are treated well and trained properly, they can become the most wonderfully loyal and affectionate companions imaginable. It is not uncommon at all for dogs to become some of our very best life-long friends. However, there are many cases of these animals developing serious behavioral problems, simply because they weren’t given the care they needed to keep their issues in check. Many of these dogs end up abandoned or dropped off at a shelter when simply giving them the love and proper training that they need could make all the difference. For those in the Phoenix area looking to improve the training and behavior of their dog before it becomes an issue, or even just looking to have a problem dog rehabilitated, there are a few ways to make sure they’re finding the very best Phoenix dog behaviorists available.
What Makes a Good Dog Trainer?
There are a few key traits that all of the best dog behaviorists share. Most importantly, reputable and high-quality trainers always use exclusively humane training methods. This entails things like using positive reinforcement with the dog, being willing to give out rewards when the animal has earned them, and of course, treating them with patience and kindness. Any Phoenix dog behaviorist that is worth hiring will use these humane methods. Unfortunately, there are still trainers out there that verbally and physically abuse the animals and excuse it with a ‘tough love’ mentality. These trainers should be avoided, as things like hitting, yelling at, or withholding treats or affection from the dogs is counterproductive and can even be traumatic for the animal.
How to Find the Good Trainers
Even if a dog owner knows exactly what qualities they’re searching for in a behaviorist, it can oftentimes be challenging to actually locate the trainers that meet these qualifications. There are a few effective ways to seek out these high-quality dog trainers.
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Ask Around
One common way folks are referred to the best professionals out there in the dog training world is by getting recommendations from people that they know. For example, if a friend or a family member has a dog that is well-behaved and/or well-trained, then it’s a great idea to ask them if there’s a specific behaviorist that they had success with. For those struggling to think of anyone, they know that would have such a recommendation, though, people such as pet-sitters, dog-walkers, and veterinarians can also be excellent resources.
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Check Online
When word of mouth isn’t providing any good leads on high-quality dog behaviorists, there are also online options available. Checking business review sites, such as Yelp, Google, or even the Better Business Bureau, can help to provide a full overview of a trainer’s skill and reliability. These online resources often also provide other useful information, such as what the behaviorist specializes in, and sometimes even what training methods they employ.
Individual or Group Training?
Dog owners seeking out behaviorist training must also decide whether group or private sessions are right for their animals. Both options have their benefits. With group classes, the dogs get an opportunity to socialize with each other, and even interact with other humans. This can go a long way towards making the animals more friendly and outgoing. With one-on-one private training sessions, though, the dog is guaranteed significantly more individual attention, which some pet owners find provides more value for the money. Each dog is different and has different needs, so it’s important to put thought and research into these decisions.
In conclusion, those looking to get the best possible care and training for their dogs should make an informed decision, and take the time to consider the needs of their animal. A well-trained, well-behaved dog will have a happier life, and be an even better life companion.
