Looking for a positive trainer near you?
See our list of professional organizations below.

Looking for a dog trainer doesn't have to be difficult to do. There aren't always qualified dog trainers where you live, but sometimes you can find them in nearby towns. A good dog trainer is worth the commute!

Locating the closest dog trainer to where you live is usually people's first concern, but there are more important considerations! You will want to find a qualified dog trainer who belongs to a professional dog training association such as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers or IAABC. If you are lucky enough to have a certified dog trainer from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers or a graduate from Karen Pryor's Clicker Training Academy then even better!

What to ask a dog trainer:

Just because they are on the list, doesn't automatically mean they are a positive trainer, or that they are good at what they do. The first question I would ask any dog trainer is where did they learn to become a dog trainer. This is important because self-taught dog trainers typically don't have exposure to learning theory which is very important in understanding dog training. The second question I would ask my dog training professional is how long have they been in business. No matter what the answer, ask for referrals, including local veterinarians.

You will want to find a positive reinforcement dog trainer, and especially if this is a rescue dog or a young, puppy. Ask, "what corrections do you use?" If the answer involves collar corrections on chain, prong or electronic collars, or if the word "dominance" pops up, look elsewhere. If the trainer doesn't believe in using food rewards, keep looking for a different trainer! Finally, ask if they have handled your specific behavior issue or can help you meet your training goals. What is their specialty? Family training, working with kids? Competing in obedience trials?