Sensible Natural Training - C 'n I Dog Training

Often Asked Questions and Answers That Can Help You Make A Good Decision

All our programs are based on honest training and owner education. What better place for your education to start than in your search for a trainer!

How can you tell if someone is truly a qualified trainer/instructor?

The only way to tell if someone is a qualified trainer/instructor is to ask them, "what are your training credits"? There is no established requirement or standard for the offering of services as a dog trainer/instructor nor is their an established standard for their certification, accreditation or registration either. There are however very defined training standards a dog must meet to qualify for advanced titles, AKC Utility or comparable level. To successfully train at this level takes a great deal of knowledge and years of experience, this is the graduate level of dog training. Proven ability is what separates trainers. How can someone call themselves a Qualified Trainer if they have not shown the ability to train a variety of dogs at the highest level? Some do, that's why you need to ask questions.

Why is it important to have trained to an advanced (utility) level?

This is the graduate level of dog training. Any program is only as good as the experience level of the trainer, this is the highest level. There is no substitute for this experience.

How will training correct behavioral problems?

Behavior Modification is a fancy name for training.

How young should you start training?

At 8 weeks of age a puppy's mind is pretty well wired. It has the full ability to learn and retain information. Old school says wait till 5 or 6 mos., modern info says start ASAP. Training at home allows you to take advantage of this. It's also never too late to train. Old dogs can learn new tricks and stop old ones.

Don't all dogs respond to the same training method?

NO! Matching method to temperament is the key to good training.

Do I need to train in a different language so my dog will only listen to me?

Training is loaded with gimmicks.

Why is leadership so important?

Where leadership is present there is order amongst the troops.

Are some dogs just plain stupid or non trainable?

No such thing as a non trainable dog.

Are electric collars good or bad as a training device?

Electric collars are not intended as training devices but as enforcement tools. Anyone teaching with this equipment should have verifiable skills and at very high levels. Improper use of an electric collar can cause serious mental problems with a dog.

We stressed experience at the highest levels because experience is essential in dog training -- there is no substitute for it. What an inexperienced trainer does not know can cause a great deal of heartache!

ASK QUESTIONS--LOOK FOR TRAINING CREDITS

We also truly believe in the old saying "the more you know the better we look".