The right dog trainer for your Corgi should be able to keep the dogs in their class calm, use positive reinforcement for training, offer tailored training packages, and be properly qualified to train dogs. Be aware of outdated training methods used by some trainers.
Finding the right dog trainer for your Corgi can be quite stressful, especially when there are so many different ones out there, and you’re left wondering if you’ll ever find a good one. One of our subscribers recently wrote in to discuss how their husband found a dog trainer who liked to use choke chains and outdated training methods and how concerned they were.
I understand the worry behind that, and while it’s good to see how many cruel forms of training are slowly being phased out, they do still exist. After the email we received, I decided to put out this guide to help you find the right dog trainer for your Corgi, helping you sift through the red flags to find the perfect person for your dog.
Training isn’t always easy, but let’s stop making it hard. This is how to find the right dog trainer for your Corgi.
Key Takeaways:
- You should stay away from buzzwords like alpha, dominant, and hierarchy
- The right dog trainer should use positive reinforcement
- Calm dogs in their classes are usually a good sign
- Make sure they offer customization packages for your dog
- The wrong dog trainer will often use outdated forms of training like choke chains and shock collars
What Makes The Wrong Dog Trainer?
The wrong dog trainer will use cruel and outdated methods such as choke chains, shock collars, and methods that involve domination and fear. It’s a negative form of training that teaches a dog to submit and be afraid instead of working alongside you. This is partly due to the incorrect notion that dogs have the same hierarchy as wolves and an alpha.
These trainers will often use aggressive tactics to get a dog to do as they’re told, which can cause fear issues in the long run. If you want to keep a better eye out for the trainers you should avoid, look for these buzzwords:
- Alpha
- Pack leader
- Dominant
- Assertive
- Leader
- Control
- Authority
- Traditional
- Hierarchy
What Makes The Right Dog Trainer?
When you’re searching for the right dog trainer, you’ll find that they use positive reinforcement methods in their training. This is a reward-based form of training that makes a big deal out of good behavior and tends to ignore bad behavior instead of punishing it. It has been shown to be much more successful as a form of training as well as more ethical.
The right dog trainer will also make sure you know exactly how they work, how qualified they are, and whether or not their training packages can be customized. They will be calm, gentle, and patient with the dogs they work with, and they will avoid harmful training methods such as choke chains and shock collars.
6 Tips For Finding The Right Dog Trainer
To make the process a little easier for you, I have a few tips and tricks for finding the right dog trainer for your Corgi. Follow this advice, and you should be able to find out who the good trainers are fairly quickly.
1. The Behavior Of Other Dogs
How are the other dogs in the class feeling? If it’s their first day there, they might be nervous. Check to see if the trainer takes the time to comfort and reassure them. Those who have been there for a while should be calm and confident. Always look out for dogs who have their tails between their legs and are avoiding eye contact – this is a red flag.
2. The Size Of The Class
How big is the training class in question? Typically, classes should have no more than eight dogs or puppies at a time. This allows everyone to get some personal time to work on their technique while also ensuring a calm and controlled environment. Large classes are usually a sign of a trainer who cares more about money than the dogs.
3. The Training Methods
Once again, it is important to search for classes that use reward-based training to ensure a positive experience. You should avoid classes that advocate the use of choke chains, shock collars, shouting, hitting, or general aggression. Anything that relies on fear or pain is not an ethical choice for your Corgi – they deserve better.
4. The Environment
What’s the class environment like? A calm and quiet environment suggests dogs who are happy with where they are and the training taking place. However, if you find there is a lot of barking, whining, and general noise, this can indicate high-stress levels. If the dogs are stressed in the training class, you should look elsewhere.
5. The Customization Options
Dogs are much like children in that they progress at different rates and have different motivations. Check to see if the training class accommodates each dog and helps work with them on an individual basis. Will they make sure your dog is made to feel relaxed before participating? Will they help them find their motivation?
6. The Advice Given
Most importantly of all, do they stay in their lane? A good trainer doesn’t offer veterinary advice or any behavioral advice they aren’t qualified to give. Check their qualifications before you sign up with them, and listen to the training sessions to ensure they aren’t giving out unsolicited advice that they are not able to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Worth Getting A Dog Trainer For Your Corgi?
Yes, it’s worth getting a dog trainer for your Corgi. It’s not always easy to train a dog, and professional trainers can help you learn what you’re doing wrong and point you in the right direction. They can also correct you if they find you’re using outdated methods or unintentionally having a negative impact on your Corgi’s health.
What Is The Best Age To Start Dog Training Classes?
The best age to start dog training classes for your Corgi is around 12-16 weeks of age. This means they are fully vaccinated, so they are safe to be outside and with other dogs, and they are also fully settled into your home. This is the best age because their minds are malleable and eager to learn, and it is easier for them to retain information (much like children).
What Age Is A Dog Hardest To Train?
Adolescence is the hardest age for training a dog, and this includes Corgis. Typically, this lasts until they are 2-3 years of age (which is why the terrible twos are a very real thing for dogs), and it can start as early as six months of age. However, it is more typical to begin once they hit 12-18 months. This is why it’s best to start training as early as possible.
Final Thoughts
While finding the right dog trainer can feel like a daunting experience, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Most of the time, it’s as simple as learning to avoid people who use outdated methods and certain buzzwords because they are more likely to be cruel. Methods like that are more likely to make your dog frightened and teach them to fear you instead of work with you.
Hopefully, I have been able to steer you in the right direction and help you in your journey to finding the perfect dog trainer. Of course, you still need to work with your Corgi at home to help reinforce their commands, but you want them to have a good experience in every aspect of their training. They’ll be on their way to star citizens in no time.
