Being a force-free dog trainer is just about bribing dogs with treats… what ACTUALLY goes into being a certified R+ dog trainer!
I’m going to be honest, being a force-free (aka R+) dog trainer isn’t easy.
I promise I’m not looking for sympathy, just to bring light to an often taboo subject.
The dog training industry is unregulated and filled with a lot of harmful advice and trainers who lack education, credentials, and qualification.
It is also full of people who undermine those of us who prioritize formal education and utilizing science-based training methods. You will often hear us force-free trainers being referred to “purely positive” trainer (which purely positive doesn’t even exist).
There is so much that goes into being a certified dog trainer that the general public doesn’t see…
Tailoring training plans to fit individual needs
Understanding and interpreting dog body language
Addressing underlying causes of behavior
Educating and supporting dogs and their guardians
Navigating deeply emotional challenges
Ongoing professional development and continuing education
Working with multidisciplinary teams
Quick problem-solving and adaptability
Building trust with and between dogs and their humans
Advocating for humane, science-based training
Becoming a certified dog trainer and/or behavior consultant requires going through reputable certifying courses to gain foundational knowledge and passing multiple exams to obtain certification.
This includes learning how to recognize subtle signs of stress, fear, or over-arousal which is crucial for addressing issues before they escalate and for keeping training sessions safe and effective.
All while keeping in mind the abilities of the dog and their guardian to create a training plan that is accessible for everyone.
We also look beyond the behavior itself to uncover potential causes, such as anxiety, fear, frustration, pain, underlying medical issues, and/or unmet needs.
And then work to address those root issues.
Now remember, no two dogs or families are the same so we must assess the dog’s behavior, environment, and guardian’s lifestyle to create personalized, achievable training plans that work for both the dog and their guardian(s).
Many dog guardians come to us trainers feeling frustrated, ashamed, or hopeless about their dog’s behavior. We’re here to provide emotional support, empathy, and encouragement while guiding them through the process.
Along with all of that..
Us credentialed dog behavior professionals stay up-to-date with the latest research in animal behavior, learning theory, and humane training techniques to ensure we provide the best possible solutions.
This means doing continuing education to continue building skills and knowledge.
Another big part of being an ethical dog trainer is collaborating with veterinarians, veterinary behaviorists, and other professionals to address medical, behavioral, and environmental factors that affect a dog’s behavior.
Plus, while we educate our clients, a lot of us also spend extra time educating the public about ethical training practices and advocate against outdated, harmful methods that prioritize punishment over compassion in a world that loves quick fixes and having total control over living beings.
We are constantly battling with the horrible and often dangerous misinformation out there about dog training. And on top of that, being held to the unrealistic expectation to be able to “fix” every behavior problem instantly.
So, while the dog training industry is unregulated and anyone can call themselves a dog trainer… I highly recommend that you seek help for your dog from credentialed, force-free, and positive reinforcement based dog trainers and consultants.
And so what if we use treats!?
P.S. Enjoyed this article and want a little something extra?
Download our DIY Enrichment: Treats and Fun Ideas for Your Pup freebie to get ideas for meeting your dog’s needs, learn more about what enrichment is, and TWO frozen food toy recipes you can make for your dog!
