tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3036077853160320056.post7377540177558825226..comments2024-01-10T09:14:36.325-05:00Comments on Gone to the Dogs: Certifed and Insured Dog Trainersbuchelesk9s -- Ken and Laurie Buchelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11822406659319534417noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3036077853160320056.post-14447479587536891872010-04-24T09:16:49.000-04:002010-04-24T09:16:49.000-04:00I am so sorry this happened to these people and pr...I am so sorry this happened to these people and probably others as well! For all classes, private sessions, board and trains, etc. ask your trainer if s/he is certified and ask for proof. (APDT has a list of recognized certifications, Karen Pryor Training Academy certifies dog trainers as well as Animal Behavior College -- these trainers are all well-versed in positive reinforcement training. There may be others; ask lots of questions and check things out on the internet if you are not sure.) Ask your trainer if they have insurance and ask for proof along with the terms/limits of their coverage (for board and trains, make sure they have insurance for that -- on our insurance that's an extra we have to request and pay for). <br />If you are doing a board and train, regular updates are a must and ask if visits or observations are possible (many trainers prefer you not interact with your dog too much during a board and train, but are happy to let you observe from nearby). Also ask if your trainer will provide a training journal of the time s/he spent with your dog -- a bonus would be a video training journal!<br />Above all, go with your gut. If something doesn't feel right, don't give in and try to make yourself feel better. Investigate, research, and keep both your precious dog and your money safe. There are many certified, insured, and wonderful positive reinforcement trainers out here who want to help you improve the relationship with your dog -- they want to be a companion with you on your journey.<br />(My apologies for cutting and pasting this article -- I was having trouble with the links and I really wanted to post this.)buchelesk9s -- Ken and Laurie Buchelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11822406659319534417noreply@blogger.com