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What to Look For in a Dog Trainer: Finding the Right Match for Your Pack

  • Feb 1, 2025
  • 4 min read

​Even the most experienced pet parents, fosters, and pet care professionals including trainers hit a wall sometimes. Dogs are individuals, and every now and then, a pup will throw a behavioral curveball that leaves you scratching your head.

​Knowing when to ask for an extra pair of hands or outside expertise isn't a sign of weakness—it’s the hallmark of a truly great pet parent. There is absolutely no shame in seeking guidance to ensure your dog is living their best, happiest life.

​When you start looking for professional help, navigating the world of dog training can feel overwhelming. Here is a breakdown of what to look for, what to expect, and how to choose the right guide for your dog's specific journey.


​Large Retail Training Programs:

A Helpful Start, But Outcomes Vary.

Many of us start our training journeys at large retail pet stores. These corporate programs can be a decent starting point for basic manners (like sit, stay, and loose-leash walking) or Canine Good Citizen (CGC) preparation.

​However, these stores usually put their trainers through a standardized corporate schooling program, requiring them to clock a certain amount of time to pay off that education. Because of this setup, you often find a revolving door of staff.

​It’s important to note that a certificate is just a piece of paper. The difference between a decent trainer and a truly great trainer is intuition, compassion, and a genuine level of care. Sometimes you get incredibly lucky at a retail store and find a passionate trainer who intuitively understands canine behavior and looks at each dog individually. But other times, you get someone who is simply going through the motions of a standardized curriculum. Because of the high turnover, the experience can be a bit unpredictable.


​If you are just looking for a small group class or basic puppy socialization, you don't have to rely on a large retail chain. Many fantastic independent trainers offer these exact same group classes, often with a much more tailored, personalized approach.


​The Professional Spectrum: Trainer vs. Behaviorist

​Not all dog professionals handle the same types of cases. Matching your dog's needs to the right expert level saves time, money, and stress.


​1. The Certified Reward-Based Trainer

​Best for: Teaching new behaviors from the ground up, polishing existing skills, small group puppy socialization, building confidence, or working through common hurdles like mild leash pulling or demand barking.

​The Approach: They focus on teaching the dog what to do using positive reinforcement, shaping a cooperative relationship between you and your pup.


​2. The Certified Behaviorist

​Best for: Serious, deeply ingrained behavioral issues like severe separation anxiety, resource guarding, fear-based reactivity, or aggression.

​The Approach: True behaviorists hold advanced certifications (such as a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist [CAAB] or a Veterinary Behaviorist [DACVB]). They look at the psychological root cause of a behavior, dealing with emotional modification and mental health rather than just teaching "commands."


​The Non-Negotiable: Force-Free & Fear-Free Certified

​The dog training industry is currently unregulated, meaning anyone can buy a leash, call themselves a trainer, and use outdated, harmful methods.

​To protect your dog's physical and mental well-being, always look for professionals who explicitly use force-free, fear-free, and positive-reinforcement-based methods. These trainers understand modern animal learning science. They build trust rather than using fear, pain, or intimidation to force compliance.


​Look for acronyms and credentials from reputable certifying bodies, such as:

​CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed)

​KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner)

​IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants)

​Fear Free Certified® Professional


​Certified Force-Free Dog Training Recommendations:

​Trusted partners for positive reinforcement & behavioral health

​Finding a trainer with the right mix of education, intuition, and compassion isn't always easy. While this list is by no means exhaustive, these are the trusted professionals I recommend as a solid starting point. These are individuals that I, or people in my trusted network, have used personally and had incredibly positive experiences with. I put the trainer I have worked with firsthand through my foster work at the very top of this list, because I have seen their intuition and care in action.


Oli Glick (OG Trains Dogs)

​Credentials: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)

​Why I Recommend Them: Highly recommended as my top choice! I have worked personally with Oli with my foster dogs, so I know from firsthand experience how wonderful and effective they are. Oli is a dedicated force-free, positive reinforcement trainer who works closely with clients to build strong, trusting bonds with their dogs. A fantastic small business to support for personalized, expert care.

​Phone: 443-312-9131


​Ryan Kowalewski

​Credentials: Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant (CPDT-KA, FFCP)

​Why I Recommend Them: Ryan is officially a Fear Free Certified Professional, meaning their methodology is strictly designed to reduce anxiety and stress during training. A dedicated advocate for positive reinforcement and comprehensive behavioral consulting.

​Phone: 410-231-3647


​Baltimore K9 Tutors (Hannah Sigel)

​Credentials: IAABC-ADT, AKC CGC Evaluator, Fear Free Certified

​Why I Recommend Them: Hannah is highly credentialed in behavior modification and socialization, utilizing strict non-aversive (LIMA) principles. Specializes in dog-to-dog integration, loose-leash walking, and overcoming behavioral challenges.

​Phone: 617-798-0025


​Positively Obedient Dog Training (Rachel Lachow)

​Credentials: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)

​Why I Recommend Them: Rachel strictly utilizes non-aversive, positive reinforcement techniques like clickers and treats. Offers excellent private and virtual sessions for puppy and adult manners, behavior modification, and Canine Good Citizen preparation.

​Phone: 410-746-0058


​Your Dog’s Friend

​Credentials: Nonprofit Training & Behavior Support

​Why I Recommend Them: A highly respected, strictly force-free nonprofit organization offering both in-person and online classes. They explicitly ban the use of aversive tools in their curriculum and offer a wide range of support from puppy socialization to advanced nose work and webinars.

​Phone: 301-983-5913




 
 
 

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