{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"How do you find a dog trainer in your area with Maddie Angevine, trainer, with Gentle Touch","description":" Whether you're potty training a new pup or struggling with positive reinforcement, you might want to consult a qualified dog trainer and\/or enroll your pooch in a class. \u201cA lot of people say \u2018I know how to teach a dog to sit. Why would I go to a class?\u2019 And it's so much more than that,\u201d says Lindsay Hamrick, director of shelter outreach and engagement at the Humane Society of the United States and a certified professional dog trainer herself. She advises dog owners to \u201creach out for help anytime they don't know what to do.\u201d  Animal behavior websites can vary greatly in quality, Hamrick adds, but dog trainers can too\u2014so here are some tips to get you started!  Starting the search Start your search for a dog trainer at the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which makes locating a qualified dog trainer near you as simple as plugging in your zip code. You might also try searching "canine behaviorist" and "dog behavior consultant." Making a match Contact potential dog trainers to see if they\u2019d be a good fit. Trainers\u2019 websites typically describe their expertise, allow you to submit a form explaining the concerns you have about your dog\u2019s behaviors and give you an idea of the cost. It\u2019s also important to determine if they have the bandwidth to work with you. Good dog trainers \u201cknow what they can and can't handle,\u201d Hamrick says. Some don't work with aggression cases, for example, and focus solely on obedience training or non-aggression behavioral challenges.   Setting realistic expectations Remember that dog trainers aren\u2019t miracle workers, and behavior change takes time. \u201cIf you are talking to a trainer and they think they can fix your issue in a 30-minute television show \u2026 you should find somebody else,\u201d Hamrick says. However, while a single session may not solve the challenges completely, we know that access to behavioral support can be pricey unless you have a low-cost option in your community. One consultation can still be helpful in identifying the root causes of your dog\u2019s behavior and some initial ways to help them choose new behaviors. And just like when you were in school, homework matters. \u201cIf you only practice during those training sessions, it's not going to stick,\u201d says Jessica Simpson, a senior companion animals public policy specialist for the HSUS. A consistent approach is necessary to help dogs generalize the new behavior from the classroom to the home.   Virtual training Online dog training options have exploded in COVID\u2019s wake. It's possible for dog trainers to size up a dog\u2019s issues through virtual chats with the owner and videos of the dog\u2019s behavior. After an initial video consultation, trainers can give the owners homework and then watch videos tracking the dog\u2019s progress. GoodPup is a great online program for those looking for this approach.   Red flags Ideally, you\u2019ll find an affordable, certified dog trainer who\u2019s knowledgeable about your dog\u2019s issues, practices humane techniques and is available either in person or online. But if the training sparks concern, you can simply leave.   \u201cIf you don't feel good, then remove your dog,\u201d Hamrick says. \u201cIf you go to a local obedience class, and the trainer is yanking on leashes or making your dog scared, if your dog is not excited to go to class, then you absolutely have the right to cancel and remove them. You will do more damage by trying to be nice and stay.\u201d BY JAMES HETTINGER ","author_name":"Bark n Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk","author_url":"https:\/\/barknwag.com\/","html":"