Anyone in the US can call themselves a dog trainer. There’s no license, no required exam, and no standard. That makes choosing one harder than it should be. These seven questions separate the professionals from the rest.
1. What methods do you use?
Listen for rewards-based, positive reinforcement, force-free or LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive). Be cautious of “balanced,” “alpha,” “pack leader” or any mention of shock, prong or choke collars.
2. Are you certified, and by whom?
Independent certifications such as CCPDT (CPDT-KA), IAABC, or Karen Pryor Academy (KPA CTP) require exams, experience and continuing education. Ask for the credential and look it up.
3. Have you worked with this exact problem?
Puppy manners and dog aggression are different specialties. Ask how many similar cases they’ve handled in the past year.
4. What will I practice between sessions?
Good trainers coach you. You should leave every session with a short, specific homework plan.
5. How will we measure progress?
Look for concrete checkpoints, like “walk past a dog at 30 feet without lunging,” not vague promises.
6. What happens if it isn’t working?
Professionals adjust the plan, refer out to a veterinary behaviorist when needed, and never guarantee results.
7. Are you insured?
Especially for in-home training and aggression cases, ask about liability insurance.
Every TailorTrained partner is vetted on these questions, and uses rewards-based methods only.