Quite often, in their search for a dog trainer, a new dog owner will ask if the trainer is certified. Being certified sounds impressive, but what exactly does it mean? Please note that there are no federal or state requirements to become certified as a dog trainer. Bottom line, if you know how to do it, you can do it.

So why do dog trainers say they’re certified when there really isn’t a recognized certification? If the dog trainer graduated from a dog training school, she will have received a certificate showing that she completed the course and that is what is generally referred to as certification.

There are also various dog training organizations or clubs, whatever you want to call them, that over the years in order to help your income stream have created what they call a certification program where, for a fee, you can perform a test. If you answer enough questions correctly, you will be awarded a certification.

So, with the certificate in hand, does that mean the dog trainer is actually a qualified trainer or does he know what he’s doing? Good question, some do and some don’t, it’s going to be his job to find out. You can do this by checking with some of their former clients and also doing a Google search to see the level of their experience.

I feel that one of the best methods of finding a qualified trainer is to simply talk to them on the phone. Do they appear knowledgeable, communicate well, and display a high level of professionalism?

Another thing that is very important is where did you find this trainer? Was the coach simply posting an ad on a website like Craigslist.com? Here are some questions I think you should ask. Is he licensed in and by his city? Does the coach have a listing in the phone book? Can the trainer give you references from clients and veterinarians? These are things that are important and show his level of professionalism.

Keep in mind that a certificate does not make a good dog trainer. I have been involved in dog training for over three decades and I can tell you that there are plenty of trainers out there who have never attended a dog training school. They learned to train dogs on their own over the years and are highly qualified to help you train your dog.

On the other hand, there are new dog trainers graduating from dog training schools every year who are also highly qualified and have what it takes in terms of enthusiasm and basic knowledge to help you do a good job with the pet. of his family.

So keep in mind that a certificate is simply a piece of paper, the most important thing is the experience and knowledge that your trainer possesses.