Make it stand out

Common Dog Trainer Claims

to Watch out For

CERTIFIED DOG TRAINER

The dog training industry is 100% unregulated. There are no local, state, or federal standards for certification of dog trainers. What does this mean? The letters and titles are just that. They do not guarantee the trainers’ abilities, knowledge, or experience. Unfortunately, the lack of regulation leaves owners with a false sense of security and often frustration when their goals are not met. Look for a trainer who can clearly articulate what they do and why. Who can show versatility to match you and your dog instead of “proven” methods.

Inflated Number of Dogs Trained Count

Many trainer will claim that they have trained thousands of dogs in their career. The average amount of time it takes to complete a dog training program is 6 to 8 weeks. Let’s say the trainer averaged 10 dogs every 7 weeks. This would then yield approximately 74 dogs per year. The trainer would need to carry this load of dogs every year for 28 years to reach the 2,000-dog mark. So, be wary of murky mathematics. Many trainers simply have not been training long enough to realize the implausibility of their claims.

The K9 Claim

The good old K9 claim. This is often confusing, especially for those making the claim. So, how is Jessicas’ claim different? In the world of K9, there is a clear distinction made between a K9 trainer and a K9 handler. A K9 handler is a police officer who handles a K9. Typically, the dog and officer are trained by a K9 trainer, who is Jessica. While at Global Training Academy, Jessica would train dogs for the DOD, Border Patrol, Military Special Forces, and Police Departments nationwide. Jessica would train the type of dog requested by the agency. They would then send down an officer or soldier to go through 6-12 weeks of training at Global on the proper use of the K9 trained for them. Why does this matter? Because handlers are not trained in dog selection nor do they know how to take a dog from “green” to final product. They simply know how to properly utilize the dog purchased. Be sure that when someone is making this claim to ask them to make this distinction. A K9 typically lasts between 5-7 years, meaning that an officer who was in K9 for say 15 years is likely to have HANDLED 2-3 dogs but did not train those dogs. Additionally, some trainers claim to have “titled” narcotics, bomb, or police dogs. Please note that Police K9s are not “titled” they get certified. For someone to “certify” a K9 with any of the major organizations, the person handling the dog MUST BE A FULL-TIME COMMISSIONED POLICE OFFICER. Be sure to have trainers making these claims to clarify their claims. You’ll find many who are not expecting to be questioned on their claims.

Behaviorists

This is a very confusing title/claim. But there is one clear distinction that helps. A “Behaviorist” will have an MS at the minimum and most often will have a PHd in behavioral Science. Be sure to verify this claim by a trainer by checking to see what college or university was attended, and what their degree was actually in. Please note that the Animal Behavior College is not an accredited college and does not offer a true BS or MS.