The Dog Trainer Dilemma: Red Flags, Social Media Myths & What to Look For when Training Your Dog"

When it comes to choosing a dog trainer or behaviourist, the options can be overwhelming. The dog training industry is entirely unregulated, meaning anyone can call themselves a professional, regardless of experience or qualifications.

A quick Google search will bring up countless trainers claiming to offer ‘quick fixes,’ ‘guaranteed results,’ or ‘dominance-based’ techniques—but not all trainers are created equal. Some are highly skilled professionals, while others may rely on outdated, unproven, or even harmful methods.

So, how do you separate the experts from the amateurs and ensure your dog gets the best possible support?

Here’s what to look for when hiring a dog trainer or behaviourist—so you can make the right choice for both you and your dog.

1. Credentials & Qualifications: Are They Legitimate?

Since anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, formal qualifications and accreditations are important indicators of professionalism and ongoing education. However, just because someone has letters after their name doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the right fit.

Key things to check:

- Are they qualified through a reputable organisation? (E.g., IMDT, PACT, APBC, ABTC, IAABC, CCPDT, or a recognised university course in behaviour and training?)

- Is their qualification based on practical assessment, or was it just an online multiple-choice test?

- Do they have continued professional development (CPD)—are they still learning, or did they stop at one certificate years ago?

- If they call themselves a behaviourist, do they have the correct level of study? (A behaviourist should hold at least a degree-level qualification in applied animal behaviour.)

Red Flag:

Be wary of trainers who dismiss qualifications as ‘just a piece of paper’—this can be a sign they lack formal education or refuse to stay up to date with modern methods. 

Why this matters:

The science of dog behaviour is constantly evolving. A good trainer will always be learning and improving to ensure they offer the best, most up-to-date methods.

2. Experience: Have They Worked With Dogs Like Yours?

Experience matters—but not all experience is equal. Someone who has ‘owned dogs all their life’ is not the same as someone who has worked professionally with a variety of breeds, temperaments, and behavioural issues.

Key questions to ask:

- Have they worked professionally with dogs, or is their experience purely personal?

- Have they successfully worked with dogs with similar issues to yours? (e.g., reactivity, separation anxiety, resource guarding, etc.)

- What type of training techniques do they use? (Force-free? Positive reinforcement? Balanced training?)

- If they work with aggressive or reactive dogs, do they have the knowledge to assess whether the behaviour has a medical or emotional cause?

Red Flag:

If a trainer claims to be an expert in every aspect of training but lacks case studies or testimonials, they may not have enough real-world experience. 

Why this matters: Dog behaviour is complex—no one trainer can be an expert in everything. Trainers should recognise their limits and be honest about what they can and can’t help with.

3. Training Methods: Do They Use Modern, Ethical Approaches?

Understanding a trainer’s training philosophy is crucial. Science-based, reward-based training is now widely accepted as the most effective and ethical way to train dogs.

Things to look for:

- Uses positive reinforcement (reward-based training).

- Builds confidence rather than using fear or intimidation.

- Encourages a cooperative relationship between dog and owner.

- Adapts techniques based on the dog’s individual personality and needs.

Red Flags:

- Mentions “dominance,” “alpha theory,” or “pack leader” methods—these are outdated and debunked. 

Why this matters:

Dogs don’t form ‘pack hierarchies’ with humans. This theory was based on flawed research on captive wolves and has since been disproven.

- Uses shock collars, prong collars, or leash corrections as a primary training tool. 

Why this matters:

These tools rely on pain or discomfort to suppress behaviour rather than teaching the dog what to do instead. This can increase fear, anxiety, and aggression over time.

- Says they guarantee results—dogs aren’t robots, and behaviour is complex! 

Why this matters:

Every dog is an individual. Some behaviours take time to modify, and ‘quick fixes’ often mean the problem is only temporarily suppressed rather than solved.

4. Social Media Popularity vs. Ethical Training

In today’s digital world, many dog trainers and behaviourists gain large followings on social media, often showcasing ‘quick-fix’ methods that promise immediate results. But just because a trainer is popular online, does that mean they are ethical and effective in the long term? Not necessarily.

Things to consider:

- Do they share their full training process, or only dramatic ‘before-and-after’ clips?

- Are their methods backed by science and professional organisations, or do they rely on intimidation and quick suppression of behaviour?

- Do they explain WHY a dog is behaving a certain way, or do they simply label dogs as ‘stubborn,’ ‘dominant,’ or ‘bad’?

Red Flag:

If a trainer consistently shows dogs ‘shutting down’ quickly, avoiding eye contact, or suddenly ‘behaving’ after a correction, this can indicate the use of aversive techniques such as intimidation, fear, or punishment-based tools. 

Why this matters:

Quick fixes often come at a cost. Training that relies on fear-based methods may stop a behaviour in the moment, but it does not address the underlying cause. Instead, the dog may suppress its reactions, leading to future outbursts, increased anxiety, or worsened behavioural issues over time.

What to look for instead:

✔️ Trainers who educate their audience about why a behaviour occurs. 

✔️ Transparent methods that show progress without intimidation or fear. 

✔️ Ethical trainers who prioritise the dog’s long-term wellbeing over viral content. 

Social media can be a great tool for learning, but always question what you see and look for professionals who align with modern, ethical training practices—not just those who get the most likes.

Final Thoughts

Finding a great dog trainer or behaviourist isn’t just about who is cheapest or most available—it’s about choosing someone qualified, experienced, and ethical, who understands your dog’s individual needs.

- Take your time to research trainers in your area.

- Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their methods and experience.

- Trust your gut—if something feels off, keep looking.

The right trainer will support and guide you—not just train your dog, but teach you how to strengthen your bond and build lasting success. Changing your dog's behaviour, whatever the reason, is a lifelong commitment. Choosing a like-minded behaviourist or trainer should be a carefully considered investment, that suits both your needs, and the needs of your dog. You could be wasting more time and money than you need to by making a rushed, ill-informed decision.

At EpiphanyK9, we believe that training should always be fair, kind, and effective.

If you're looking for guidance on reactivity, recall, or behaviour problems, get in touch—we’re here to help! If you decide we're not right for you and your dog, we can direct you to our vast network of behavioural experts.

Until next time...

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