What to Look for When Picking Your Dog Trainer

Finding the right dog trainer can make all the difference in your journey as a dog owner. Whether you’ve just brought home a new puppy or you’re dealing with some behavior challenges, the trainer you choose should be a good fit for you, your dog, and your lifestyle. With so many different training styles and services available, here are a few key things to consider before making your decision:

1. Be Clear About Your Goals and Lifestyle

Before hiring a trainer, be honest with yourself about what you want to accomplish and what you're realistically able to commit to. Training takes time, consistency, and effort—so it’s important to share your availability and goals with any potential trainer right from the start.

• Busy work schedule? If you and your family work long hours or have a demanding schedule, a board and train program might be best. These programs allow a professional trainer to work with your dog daily, laying a strong foundation while you’re busy handling life.

• More time at home? If you’re ready to be hands-on and can dedicate time each day, private one-on-one sessions are a fantastic option. This gives you the chance to learn alongside your dog from the beginning and to actively participate in their progress every step of the way.

Both training methods can be highly effective—it just depends on what fits your lifestyle best.

2. Understand the Trainer’s Philosophy and Methods

One of the most important things to consider when hiring a trainer is their approach to training and the methods they use.

At Connected K9, we proudly practice balanced dog training. This means we use a wide variety of tools, techniques, and approaches—because every dog is different, and training should never be one-size-fits-all. Our goal is always clear, fair communication with the dog, and we tailor our methods to fit their personality, behavior, and your lifestyle.

There are other training philosophies out there, such as force-free or positive reinforcement only. While these approaches are very popular and can sound appealing, we’ve found that they often don’t align with the reality of what effective dog training involves—especially for dogs with behavioral challenges. Sometimes, the wording used in these styles can feel a bit gimmicky, giving the impression that any use of tools or structure is harmful, which simply isn't true.

As balanced trainers, we do not do anything that harms or hurts your dog. In fact, our entire approach is based on building trust, respect, and clear communication. We believe that using a variety of tools—appropriately and humanely—allows us to teach, guide, and communicate with dogs in a way that’s effective and fair.

Positive reinforcement is a key part of what we do, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Balanced training gives us the flexibility to support each dog in the way they need, rather than limiting their potential with rigid or incomplete methods.

3. Know What’s Included in the Program

Not all training packages are created equal. Make sure you know exactly what you're getting for the price.

Here are some questions to ask:

• Will you have support between sessions?

• What happens if an issue comes up after training ends?

• Are group classes or refresher sessions included?

• Do they provide or recommend training tools?

At Connected K9, we offer 4- and 6-week training packages that include lifetime access to our monthly group classes—at no extra cost. This ongoing support helps keep owners accountable, gives dogs consistent mental and physical stimulation, and fosters a strong training community. Our group classes regularly see 20–30 participants, which we love seeing!

We also continue to support past clients whenever needed, because training doesn’t stop when the program ends—it’s a lifelong relationship.

4. Ask if They Offer Consultations

It’s always helpful to meet your trainer before committing. Many trainers (ourselves included) offer consultations either over the phone or in person. This gives you the chance to ask questions, share your goals, and see if your personalities mesh. Training is a personal process—it’s important that you and your trainer click, and that your dog feels comfortable too.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a dog trainer, take the time to do your research. Talk to a few trainers, ask questions, and make sure their style, values, and personality align with your own. Look for someone who respects your goals, understands your dog, and offers ongoing support—not just a quick fix.

At Connected K9, we’re here to help you build a strong, lasting relationship with your dog. Whether you choose individual sessions or one of our programs, we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way with proven methods and real support.

Still unsure what type of training is best for you? Reach out—we’d love to chat and help you figure out the best next step.