The Importance of Choosing the Right Dog Trainer!

You love your dog and desire to create the most loving and mutually beneficial relationship possible with your beloved furry companion. In order to do that, the type of education and training you provide for your dog will be of critical importance. It’s a big deal to choose the correct dog trainer.

Many dogs struggle in today’s modern human world, often because the dog’s innate needs are not being met or the owner’s expectations of it are unrealistic. There is a multitude of outdated misunderstandings about dogs based on myths that have been proven to be false. However, much of this information based on scientific evidence has yet to become widely known to the average pet owner. Unfortunately, dog owners are easily led to believe bad information from Google, from books written by uneducated but popularly known authors, and from “trainers” that have not received modern education based on scientific evidence about the most effective dog training methods. Dog trainers using outdated training methods often offer a “quick” fix for behavior problems, but many of these tools and training methods have negative effects on the welfare of dogs and can lead to greater behavior issues over time, detrimentally affecting the owner’s relationship with their dog. At best, outdated methods suppress behavior, but they don’t do anything to change the underlying reasons for the behavior, and over time, the behavior becomes worse, the dog shuts down, or the dog explodes when it finally can’t handle its suppressed emotions anymore.

There are many times when credentialed modern dog trainers and behavior consultants are called in after a less-than-qualified “trainer” has done emotional damage to a client’s dog that they now need help with. In my own experience, I have seen dogs that have become fearfully aggressive or reactive directly as a result of their experience with an unqualified “trainer.” It is such a shame and so unnecessary for this to happen, and it’s most often a result of the pet owner just not knowing that long-term emotional trauma can be done with the wrong tools and methodology.

How do you find a dog trainer with the right credentials?

The dog training industry is unregulated, and as such, anyone can offer dog training services regardless of their education, experience, or knowledge. That’s why it’s important to select a dog training professional with the proper credentials, background, and education to help you and your dog create the most successful relationship possible. If you need to find a credible professional dog trainer located in your area, a good source is the Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers. They have a directory of Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior consultants listed by zip code. Here is the link where you could find a qualified trainer in your area: https://www.ccpdt.org/dog-owners/certified-dog-trainer-directory/

Wendy Taylor, CCFT, FDM, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, VSA-PDT, FFCP (Trainer)

Wendy is a life-long learner dedicated to continuing education to stay current on the latest scientific evidence about dogs and how they learn in order to provide the most effective training methods to her clients and help them create the most successful lives and relationships with their dogs. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Illinois State University, and since then has proactively pursued additional education focused on positive reinforcement and rewards-based dog training. Wendy graduated from Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior (VSA-CPT) and is certified as a Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Professional Behavior Consultant for Dogs (CBCC-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). She is also a Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT) through the University of Tennessee, and a Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM), which focuses on the “why” of dog behavior and training so that we have a better understanding of what to do to resolve behavior issues that are highly motivated by genetics. The Family Dog Mediation course was developed by Applied Ethologist Kim Brophey, author of the book “Meet Your Dog”. Finally, Wendy is a Certified Fear-Free Professional Trainer. Wendy resides in the Louisville, KY area with her border collie puppy Azure and calico cat Ayla. The name of her company “The Life of Riley” was inspired by Riley, the Rottweiler pictured here with Wendy. Riley was discovered at the shelter where Wendy volunteered, and they had seven wonderful years together. Like many dogs that end up in shelters, Riley was a fantastic dog. Riley is now playing at the Rainbow Bridge with Wendy’s many previous beloved pets.

Wendy’s credentials and experience provide her with the knowledge and understanding necessary to help dog owners create the most successful relationships with their dogs, and help dogs live the very best life possible with their humans – The Life of Riley!