Find a Dog Trainer with the Right Attitude and Skills

by Ira Nelson

As many and varied are the books, courses, and programs on dog training, so are the concepts and approaches used by different dog trainers. There are however basic attitudes and skills that you should look for when trying to find a dog trainer that are universal. These same attributes will serve you well if you are interested in a career in dog training or just looking to train your own dog.

Even though dogs have personalities just as people do, they are not simple-minded or imaginative in the same way that people are. Their brains naturally work in a way that responds to a consistent, persistent, and patient style of training. If you can, above all, find a dog trainer with these qualities, you are out ahead.

The demeanor of a good dog trainer should be foremost one of calmness, constraint, and concentration on the training task at hand. It cannot be a hit-or-miss thing. Some lessons will be picked up quickly, others may take weeks of consistent repetition to finally be mastered. Some dogs and/or owners will require extreme patience and composure.

Find a dog trainer who is willing to explain clearly what methods they use and why, what their objectives and goals are, and who does so in a friendly, patient manner. After all, if your trainer is good with your dog, but has problems communicating with you, then half the training battle is lost. You will not be able to continue your dog's training at home and the inconsistency will confuse your dog.

Of course, there are many variables such as different breed and individual dog personalities as well as owner personality that will have a bearing on training success. Observe how your trainer handles himself/herself with different dogs and different owners. This may be your best way of determining his/her ability to adapt and adjust but still get results.

Another area of expertise a responsible trainer should have a working knowledge of is dog health care. A dog's ability and inclination to learn will definitely be affected by how he feels. It's important for a trainer to recognize obvious symptoms of disease or injury such as dog diabetes, hip or joint problems, and parasitic infestation. A good dog trainer has developed an insightful ability to read a dog's body language and therefore be prepared to react to excitement, nervousness, aggression, fear or other emotions in such a way as to bring the dog into a balanced and calm state. They know how to use this skill of alert observation and immediate response to effectively maximize your dog's training.

One resource to check if you are trying to find a dog trainer in the U.S. is the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Not all qualified dog trainers are members but the APDT does make instruction and training for trainers available to its members. There website is: apdt.com

For more information on this subject go to Dog Obedience Training.

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About the Author

Ira Nelson has years of experience in the dog care and training field. More information, tips, and techniques like the ones in this article are available at Dog Training Basics Online.

Chihuahua Puppy Training Made EASY & FAST In 5 Steps!

by Al Bullington


Learn to train your chihuahua puppy the gentle and patient way.

1. Gentle Behavior Training.

If you want a gentle and well balanced chihuahua when it grows up you must treat your puppy with gentle training. Negative behavior must be dealt with in a consistent and kind manner, not by slapping, hitting and kicking. Positive behavior must consistently be rewarded both with praise and with treats.

A dog's behavior may be modified at any time during it's life. But it's much easier to guide the dog into correct behavior patterns as a small puppy, rather than having to fix problems. It's unfair both to the animal and the owner to let problems go unaddressed. Behavior problems will lead to frustration for both dog and owner.

2. House Training Your Chihuahua Puppy.

House training your chihuahua puppy is very important. It isn't just that soiling the house is such a mess, which it is. If the puppy is not house trained fairly quickly, the dog ends up at another home or at least outside. It's easy to see why proper house training is so important.

One method of training your puppy is the crate method. Confine your puppy in a crate or a small area. Puppies usually will not soil their sleeping area. Very frequently remove the puppy to an area for waste elimination. When the puppy does have an accident, you can quickly rush them to the appropriate area. But, remember, accidents will happen and do be patient and consistent.

3. Biting, Mouthing, And Chewing.

All chihuahua puppies will bite and chew on body parts and clothes. That's just what puppies do. But early on, this painful and destructive behavior must be stopped. Adult dogs who bite and chew are a serious problem.

If the puppy has a chance to play with other puppies, the playing will naturally teach restraint in biting. Without the interaction with other dogs, you must deal with the behavior yourself. One approach is to say "ouch" , which should be easy to do, in response to puppy bites. You can use a pained expression in your voice, but not loud or angry. Then try leaving the room for a short time.

4. Barking And Whining.

Is there a real reason for the barking or whining? Are they uncomfortable? Can you find out why? There may be a good reason. Or is this blackmail? Your puppy must be taught to handle isolation and separation. They must not expect to get everything they want.

Spend plenty of time with your puppy so they feel loved and secure. But do not accept excessive noise that is irritating to the human members of the household.

5. Socialization Tips.

A properly socialized puppy is well adjusted and will be a pleasant and valuable companion. Socialization most easily occurs before the puppy is 3 months old. Make sure early experiences are not frightening nor painful. Try some of the following.

Invite friends to meet your puppy.

Invite other pets where that's possible.

Carry your puppy to places where there are crowds of people.

Take your puppy for short car rides.

Acquaint your puppy with being bathed, brushed and inspected.

Introduce your puppy to anything and everything you wish them to be around.


There are many Chihuahua "secrets" that professional dog trainers don't want you to know. You can find all of them here: Click Here!

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About the Author
Al Bullington writes about rural living and home business topics from his homestead in the country, surrounded by a variety of critters.