Embarking on a new adventure or entering a new life stage, such as bringing home your first dog or exploring a new breed, is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it’s essential to make the right choices to set yourself and your dog up for success. In this blog post, we’ll explore three options for obtaining the necessary training and resources for your dog, emphasising the importance of finding qualified trainers to ensure tailored and effective guidance.
Option 1: Wishful Thinking and Self-Improvement: Many people approach dog ownership with an optimistic outlook, hoping that things will naturally fall into place. While a positive attitude is commendable, it often falls short in reality. Dogs, especially during their early stages, present various challenges that require guidance and training. Relying solely on hope and expecting issues to resolve themselves is unlikely to lead to a harmonious relationship between you and your canine companion.
Option 2: Free Online Resources: In the age of abundant information, it’s tempting to turn to free online resources, such as training videos and articles on platforms like Facebook and YouTube. These platforms offer valuable insights from dedicated trainers who generously share their knowledge and expertise. Utilizing these resources can indeed yield positive results, particularly for common training and behavioral issues. However, it’s crucial to remember that these resources may not address your specific situation or account for the unique traits of your dog.
Moreover, anyone can create a YouTube channel or share content online, making it essential to exercise caution and verify the qualifications of the trainers you follow. Although many trainers on these platforms are highly skilled and experienced, it’s prudent to double-check their credentials before adopting their techniques.
Option 3: Engaging a Qualified Dog Trainer: To ensure the best possible outcome for your dog’s training and behavior, investing in the services of a qualified dog trainer is highly recommended. Qualified trainers undergo a rigorous assessment process and adhere to a code of conduct, ensuring they meet recognized standards in the industry. By engaging such a professional, you can have confidence that their knowledge and expertise are validated.
For those seeking specialised guidance tailored to their specific breed, working with a trainer who has extensive experience with that particular breed can be immensely beneficial. These specialists possess both the hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge necessary to develop a customised training program that addresses your dog’s unique needs. By starting with a Border Collie breed specialist, you can be proactive in preventing breed-specific issues from emerging, rather than reacting to them later.
Finding Qualified Trainers: When searching for a qualified dog trainer, numerous associations and organizations can help guide you in the right direction. One such association is the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), a reputable organization that offers membership to qualified professionals. By selecting a trainer who is a full member of organizations like APDT, you can trust that their expertise has been assessed and recognized by industry standards.
I’m a full members of the APDT membership 01562.
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Martina
