What to Consider When Choosing a Dog Trainer in St Louis

There is no shortage of option for dog training in St. Louis. 

There are dog trainers who have been working ten years or more with dogs, some that are fresh out of a school. St. Louis dog trainers are no different. Some of us have lots of hand on experience working with dogs, and some have just graduated from a dog training school.

The first thing I would say to look into is their hands on experience with dogs. Have they worked with a lot, or did they do an online course and earn a certificate? Getting your hands on training puppies and training adult dogs is where it all comes together. Everyone has to start somewhere, I get it, but would you rather work with the person who has only trained their own dog, or someone who has worked with hundreds, if not thousands of dogs? I would personally choose the later.

The next thing I would look at is their method of training. Are they only using one tool and nothing else, are they using positive reinforcement only, or are they somewhere in the middle using a balanced method? Is there only one way to train a dog? Absolutely not. Every dog is different and every dog needs different methods. I have used methods all along the spectrum, positive only to compulsion only. I have found somewhere in the middle to be the best. Each method has their positives, each method has their negatives, but you have to learn what your specific dog needs and find a dog trainer who is willing to be flexible with their methods.

Then there is the different types of programs. Some puppy trainers in St Louis do board and train, private lessons, day training, and/ or group lessons. Again, what is going to fit for you and your dog? What fits into your schedule, what is convenient for you guys? All these programs have their pros and cons. They typically all have different price points also.

Since price has been brought up, I would say this is the last thing to take into consideration. What is it going to cost? Dog training isn't cheap anymore. Can you find some cheap trainer? absolutely, but I would second guess these guys, just my opinion. Through all of the education, and evolution of dog training, it has become more of an art and specialty than someone just doing it as a hobby. Even though dog trainers in in St Louis may charge a premium, doesn't mean it all needs to be paid up front. A good trainer will allow payment plans, or even have it set up to pay as you go.

With all of that, Tyler at St. Louis Dog School started working with dogs back in 2012 while he was in the military. Over the years he has used methods all across the spectrum, compulsion, positive only, but now he works in the middle with flexibility. Some dogs may need more pressure to get the job done, some may need a lot more treats. It is all about being flexible with the dog and tools. St. Louis Dog School also offers a Day training program. The trainers will come to your house in the morning to pick up the dog and take them back to be trained throughout the day. At the end of the day they bring the dog right back to you and will spend time with you to go over the obedience training that was done that day. When it comes to the cost, it is a pay as you go program. They set up a weekly payment and you can stop training whenever you would like. There is a lot of flexibility and convenience with what they do!