What Is: Dog Trainers?
Dog trainers are experts who use various methods and training techniques to facilitate the process of modifying a dog's behavior to accommodate its specific role in life, whether as a house pet, a show animal, a service dog such as a guide dog for the blind or companion animal for the disabled, or a working dog performing activities such as herding, hunting, guarding, and even bomb-sniffing. While all trainers will likely agree that dogs learn from their interactions with their environment, there is much disagreement among individual trainers of various schools of thought as to which training methods achieve optimal benefits. From the late Barbara Woodhouse, author of No Bad Dogs, to popular "dog whisperer" Cesar Millan, the debate continues. Although there are many certification programs available for dog trainers, they vary greatly in their content and requirements for completion. As no certification or licensing is required for individuals to hold themselves out as professional dog trainers, due diligence is always advised before hiring any trainer.
