Choosing the right trainer really matters for you and your dog.

Did you know that dog training is an unregulated industry? Unlike other skilled professions like medicine, law, or accountancy, there are no standards or rules for what a trainer should know before working with your dog.

Four questions to ask.

Do you belong to the APDTNZ? Membership with the Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand indicates a commitment to high standards of professional knowledge and business ethics.

What training methods do you employ? Animal behaviour science has come a long way in the last decades. Skilled trainers can produce incredible results with humane, positive-reinforcement based training, leaving no excuse for outdated methods that use force, pain, and intimidation.

What do you do for continuing education? Ongoing education is a hallmark of professionalism in any industry. Any trainer you consider hiring should regularly attend conferences and seminars based on the latest training science, including the annual APDTNZ conference.

Can I watch a class? Sitting in on a class will give you a good sense of a trainer’s methodology. But don’t just watch the instructor. Are the students interacting with their dogs in a relaxed, upbeat way? Do the dogs seem happy and focused? If you hear scolding or yelling, or dogs looking stressed with their tails tucked and heads down, find another class. And if a trainer won’t let you watch, find a trainer who will.

Search our directory of trainers.