Finding a Trainer You Can Trust - Sept. 2026

Friends of the Riney Canine Health Center,

We had a wonderful turnout for our August webinar on all things dog training with our guest host, Matt Mason, KPA CTP, from the Behavior Medicine Service team at Cornell's Duffield Institute of Animal Behavior. We covered a lot of ground during that conversation, but one thing became very clear from all of the wonderful questions submitted beforehand: so many of you are navigating behavior and training questions right now.

Whether you're bringing home a new puppy, working through the challenges of adolescence, or dealing with a behavior concern that has developed over time, one question often comes up: How do I find a dog trainer I can trust? We only had a few minutes at the end of the webinar to touch on this, and it is a question that deserves more attention. We briefly mentioned a new client handout from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) on exactly this topic, so I thought we'd dive into it a little deeper this month.

Before you even start searching, it helps to name what you're actually looking for. Are you working on puppy socialization? Basic manners and life skills? Prepping for a dog sport or service work? Or is this about a specific behavior concern? Knowing your goal going in also makes it much easier to ask a prospective trainer the right questions.

AVSAB recommends trainers who use reward-based methods, including treats, toys, praise and other forms of positive reinforcement. These approaches focus on teaching the dog what we want them to do and building communication and a relationship in the process. It's not just about stopping the behavior. This is an important distinction because dogs don't necessarily understand our concept of "no." If your dog jumps on people, for example, telling them "no" doesn't automatically teach them what you would like them to do instead. Effective training gives the dog that information.

The way we change a behavior matters, too. A dog that stops jumping because they were startled with something aversive, like a shake can, or corrected with a prong collar, may learn that something unpleasant happens when they jump. But they haven't necessarily learned what you would like them to do instead. This becomes even more important with behaviors driven by fear or anxiety. A dog who barks and lunges at another dog may stop doing so after being aversively corrected, but that doesn't necessarily mean the dog is now comfortable around other dogs. The underlying emotional response may still be there — and in some cases may even worsen.

AVSAB notes that methods relying on force, intimidation, or pain are unnecessary and unethical, and that aversive methods can exacerbate unwanted behaviors and cause physical or lasting emotional harm. That's why positive reinforcement isn't simply the "gentler" option that works for easy dogs. It is an evidence-based approach that can be used across breeds, temperaments, training goals and behavior challenges.

One of the most useful things about the AVSAB handout is that it gives us some very practical language to watch for when we're searching for a trainer.

Green flags include talking about rewards, communication, cues, relationship-building, choice, preventing unwanted behavior and teaching an appropriate replacement behavior. You'll also often hear these trainers describe themselves using terms like "force-free," "fear-free," or "clicker training" — all of which point to a reward-based approach.

Red flags include language about being the "boss," "alpha," or "pack leader," demanding "respect" or obedience, and an emphasis on punishment or corrections. Tools or techniques such as prong or shock collars, leash jerks, hitting, or physical manipulation — things like rolling a dog onto its back or twisting an ear or lip — should also be a red flag.

One term you may encounter is "balanced training." It can sound as though it simply means a flexible or moderate approach, but in practice it commonly refers to combining rewards with corrections or aversive tools. That's why AVSAB includes "balanced training" among the language to be cautious about.

Another confusing part of finding a trainer is figuring out what all those certifications and letters actually mean. AVSAB recommends looking for trainers with formal education from modern, science-based, humane training programs. Examples include programs such as the Karen Pryor Academy, Jean Donaldson's Academy for Dog Trainers, and the Victoria Stilwell Academy, as well as involvement with organizations such as the Pet Professional Guild, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and Fear Free. While credentials alone don’t guarantee quality, education and a demonstrated commitment to modern, humane methods are important pieces of the puzzle.

One of the more important steps on any dog training journey is recognizing when you need more than a trainer. This is particularly important when what you're seeing is fear, anxiety, or aggression. Genuine fear responses, significant anxiety, resource guarding, or aggression toward people or other animals can be much more complicated than a basic obedience issue. AVSAB recommends involving a veterinarian with advanced behavior knowledge, a veterinary behaviorist (DACVB), or a credentialed behavior consultant when fear, anxiety, or aggression are occurring. Sometimes there may also be a medical component to a behavior change, or medication may be an appropriate part of a larger behavior plan. In many cases, the best approach is a team. A good trainer should be comfortable working with your veterinarian and recognize when a case needs veterinary involvement.

When looking for a trainer, don't be afraid to ask questions before you commit. Some questions should include:

• What methods and tools do you use?
• How would you approach my dog's particular behavior or training goal?
• What education and continuing education have you completed?
• Can I observe a class or see examples of your work?
• What types of cases do you refer to another professional?

Be cautious of anyone who guarantees that they can "fix" your dog's behavior. Behavior is complicated, and even excellent training cannot guarantee a particular outcome. A good professional should be able to explain what they hope to accomplish, how they will measure progress, and what they will do if the initial plan isn't working.

Finally, trust your gut. Training should be enjoyable for both dogs and people. If your dog is frightened or stressed, if you don't understand why a trainer is recommending something, or if you don't feel heard when you raise a concern, ask questions. Ask whether there are other options. And if necessary, find a different trainer. AVSAB specifically encourages owners to advocate for themselves and their dogs and to choose a different trainer if they don't feel heard or supported.

Finding the right trainer can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already struggling with your dog's behavior. But you don't have to be a dog-training expert to make a good choice. Start with your goal, then look at methods, education, your dog's emotional well-being and whether the trainer is willing to listen, communicate and work with you and your veterinary team.

You can learn more about the behavior services provided here at Cornell with the Duffield Institute of Animal Behavior.

As always, thank you for being a member of the Riney Canine Health Center. We look forward to catching up with you next month!

Dr. Aly Cohen

Extension Veterinarian

Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center

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