Compare experience, methods, owner participation and pricing before you choose a training program.
Why the question is harder than it sounds
Trainer experience and programs vary. Ask for specific credentials, examples of the training process and written prices and terms before committing to a package.
The seven questions
- How long have you personally been training dogs, and where did that training come from?
- Do you use shock collars or other aversive equipment, and what happens to the dog's behavior if that equipment is removed?
- Am I included in the sessions, or does the dog train separately from me?
- What happens at the very first visit? Is there an evaluation before you commit to a package?
- What's excluded from your program (breeds, temperaments, behaviors you won't take on)?
- What certifications or evaluator credentials do you personally hold, and with which organizations?
- Can I see your rates and package terms in writing before I pay anything?
Have a dog who could use this?
Start with a 2–3 hour evaluation and first training visit at your home, $199, included in every package.
Red flags worth walking away from
Be cautious about guarantees of specific results for every dog, unclear methods, unverifiable credentials or pressure to pay before your questions are answered. Ask how the program handles dogs whose needs fall outside its scope.
What a real first evaluation looks like
At The K-9 Handler®, the initial service call is a 2–3 hour evaluation and first training visit at your home. It is an actual working session where training starts the same day and you leave with a plan and a straight answer about what to expect.
Related training
About the author
Ira Smith
Owner & Certified Professional Dog Trainer
USAF veteran dog handler, training dogs since 1974, 52+ years. AKC evaluator and S.T.A.R. Puppy instructor, Alliance of Therapy Dogs national tester, IAADP provider member.
