Choosing a Trainer

Whether it’s because you recognize that proactively training your dog will benefit your pet and your family for years to come, or you are struggling with a specific behavioral challenge…you are in the right place! Educating yourself about how to choose a Trainer and which program is best for you and your pet, is the ideal place to start. Because, let’s face it, choosing the wrong Trainer or program could set you back more than just time and money.

Trainers vary in their experience, their methods and ideals. Ask questions that can help you understand more about the Trainer. Also, keep in mind that it is best for a dog to be trained by multiple people, making the transfer of training back to your family smoother once the program is finished.

The training program that you choose is equally important. A variety of factors should be considered, including but not limited to, breed, age, past training history, budget and most importantly the behavioral goals of the family.

The highest demand is often for overnight options, or Stay & Train’s, where the pet stays at a facility for a specific amount of days. They

By Training Staff at Meadowlake Pet Resort 2 Locations

are an ideal option for people who need more comprehensive training and do not have the time to do it themselves. They are usually offered in varying lengths from 5 days to 30+ days. The longer the length of time that the trainers have the dog in their care, the more reliable the results will be and the more behaviors can be taught. These programs are great not only for basic obedience, but for specific problems like separation anxiety, reactivity, confidence building, off leash training, and more. Make sure to ask about how the training will be transferred and if there are continuing education options or resources to help you succeed once back at home.

Another option is Private Lessons, which are one-on-one sessions with a Trainer, typically offered once per week for about an hour. This is perfect for the client who wants to learn how to train their dog themselves. This method requires a huge time commitment at home and usually results in slower progress. Group classes are a very common and inexpensive option but come with significant obstacles for dogs who haven’t been through an obedience program previously. Distractions are usually at an all time high which often results in the dog losing focus. Reactive dogs (towards people or other dogs) can be dangerous in these settings and their behavior could potentially become worse and teach the other “students” bad behavior. And because it is a group setting, the Trainer must work at the pace of the class, leaving behind clients or dogs that are not ready for the next step. However, classes are a fantastic option once a dog has basic commands mastered. Then, the class environment becomes a perfect place to increase reliability with distractions, distance and duration as well as build new behaviors onto the ones already learned. The pace of the class is more relaxed and is a fun way to meet dog owners like you.

Meadowlake Pet Resort proudly offers a team of Trainers, multiple options for programs including Stay & Trains, Private Lessons and Post Graduate Classes and a variety of choices for training tools and methods. Contact Meadowlake for a FREE Training Orientation today where we will discuss all the above and determine the best program to reach your goals and improve the relationship between you and your pet!

By Kayla Jankowski Director of Operations USA Pet Resorts USAPetResorts.com