URBANANIMAL: Tips for finding a great dog trainer - insideTORONTO.com

Dear UrbanAnimal,

My 12-year-old son and I are getting a puppy in February and I'm looking for a good dog training school in Toronto. Do you have any recommendations?

Alissa

Hi Alissa,

It wasn't that long ago when dog trainers were rare commodities, even in a city as large as Toronto.

When I adopted my first puppy in 1994, the Internet was in its infancy. In fact, it really didn't exist. Training a dog was considered unnecessary, I suppose, aside from house training, "sit," and "down."

High-achievers went for extras such as roll over and play dead. But the rest of us flew by the seat of our pants, relying on advice from friends and relatives only when absolutely necessary.

My own pants, by the way, featured rips courtesy of my pup's claws when she jumped on me (which was often) and shredded hems thanks to her habit of using me as a pull toy.

A nice lady at my local library became my new best friend during those first few months. She shared my interest in dogs and introduced me to the writings of Barbara Woodhouse and the Monks of New Skete. Woodhouse and the Monks were really the only game in town at that time and, although the two sources often contradicted each other, they gave me enough information to train my pup to stop jumping on people. Well, most of the time.

Those books also piqued my interest in wanting to work with a live dog trainer so I asked my veterinarian to recommend someone, just as you're doing, Alissa.

My vet frowned, rubbed his brow and said, "There used to be a trainer somewhere around here. I think he moved, though."

I polled the small band of dog owners at the local park, but like my vet they were unable to recommend a local trainer mainly because they didn't know of any.

Nowadays, it's not "Are you going to a dog training class?" but rather "Who's your dog trainer?"

Dog training schools have popped up in great numbers over the years and while that's a good thing their proliferation has caused too many choices and too many questions.

You want the experience to be worthy of your time and money and your son will want to be involved, too. And what about puppy? Which training method would be best for him?

First, look for a trainer who uses the words "positive reinforcement", which will tell you he uses positive techniques designed to gently compel pup to follow the owner's directions. Treats and toys are used as motivation, along with lots of upbeat encouragement and constructive advice. Keep away from a trainer who yells, shakes pup's scruff, frighten him (or you!), forces pup onto his back (also called "alpha rolling"), or advocates the use of collars or other tools that are designed to frighten pup into submission.

Some of these moves and tools can cause injury or, at the very least, may create a pup who will distrust you. Building trust between you and your dog is important and it can be severely compromised with negative early experiences.

Ask other dog owners in your neighbourhood, your veterinarian and staff at your local pet supply store to suggest a few trainers. Before bringing your new puppy home, choose two or three training schools and ask if you can sit in on a class as a spectator. If the human students are smiling and the dogs are enjoying themselves while real progress is being made, you've found a good school for you, your son and your pup.

Afterward, ask the trainer about upcoming classes, fees and time schedules, and if the school requires proof of specific vaccinations prior to allowing your pup entry into any particular class.

Some schools insist on a written health clearance and proof of vaccinations from a veterinary, all of which will dictate when your pup can start training.

Currently, anybody can set up shop as a dog trainer and there are no licensing requirements in Canada. A good place to start your search would be to contact the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers (CAPPDT) at 1-877-SIT-STAY, or visit their website to view a list of trainers according to region at www.cappdt.ca/trainers.

Good luck, Alissa! I hope you find the perfect school for you, your son and your puppy.

Email jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.

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