Ask This Before You Hire A Dog Trainer. Seriously.

So, you’re thinking about hiring a dog trainer. Maybe your new pup’s recall is basically non-existent, or your older dog has suddenly decided that the postman is a personal enemy. You want help. You want guidance. Most of all, you want someone who can work with you and your dog to make things better. Not worse.

The thing is, not all dog trainers are created equal. Some are brilliant, passionate and evidence-based. Others… well, let’s just say they have strong opinions and very little science behind them. And in between those extremes is a wide, confusing space filled with jargon, marketing buzzwords and conflicting advice.

That’s why it’s worth doing your homework before you book anyone. Below, we’re diving into the key questions to ask a dog trainer before you hand over your trust, your money and your dog’s wellbeing. We’ll also cover the green flags that show someone knows what they’re doing – and the red flags that should send you quietly backing away.

This isn’t about trying to catch someone out. It’s about making sure your dog is in safe hands. Let’s get into it.

What qualifications or certifications do you have?

This one matters. A lot. In Ireland and in many other countries, dog training is still an unregulated industry. That means anyone can wake up one day and call themselves a trainer, no credentials required.

So, when you’re hiring someone to work with your dog, your dog who doesn’t get to consent to this, by the way, it’s important to ask where they learned their skills. A strong green flag is someone who’s has recognisable certifications as these require trainers to study behaviour science, pass exams and commit to ongoing learning.

A red flag? Someone who says they’ve “been around dogs all their life” and “don’t believe in labels”. Passion is good. But passion without education often leads to poor practice and a lot of confusion for both dogs and their people.

What kind of training methods do you use?

This is where it gets real. The answer to this question tells you not just what a trainer knows, but how they treat dogs.

Look for trainers who use reward-based methods. They should talk about positive reinforcement, understanding why behaviours happen and helping dogs learn through encouragement and consistency. That’s not about handing out treats every second. It’s about using evidence-based techniques that help dogs feel safe enough to learn.

Watch out for anyone who talks about dominance, pack theory or needing to be the “alpha”. Those ideas have been widely debunked and don’t reflect what we now know about how dogs learn. If someone mentions using tools like prong collars, shock collars or physical corrections, that’s a massive red flag. Those methods often suppress behaviour without addressing the cause. Worse, they can damage trust and lead to new problems.

Ask the trainer to walk you through how they’d handle a typical situation, like a dog who jumps up at guests or pulls on lead. Their answer should make sense to you. And it shouldn’t rely on fear or intimidation.

Can I attend the sessions with my dog?

This should always be a yes. Always.

Training should never be something that happens behind closed doors while you’re sent away. Your dog lives with you, not the trainer. You need to be involved, not only so you can learn the tools yourself but also so your dog has the consistency they need to succeed.

If a trainer says they only work with the dog one-on-one, or if they discourage your involvement, that’s a red flag. While some rehabilitation cases may require individual handling at first, you should never be cut out of the process. This isn’t a drop-off service. It’s a collaboration.

What experience do you have with my dog’s specific issues?

If you’ve got a puppy who’s biting everything in sight, or a rescue dog who’s fearful of men, it’s fair to ask whether the trainer has worked on similar cases before.

You’re not being picky. You’re checking that the person has relevant experience and can offer strategies that fit yoursituation.

Green flag: the trainer listens carefully to your concerns, asks questions and gives you a realistic idea of what to expect. They talk about working at the dog’s pace. They don’t promise a quick fix.

Red flag: they say things like “I’ll have that sorted in one session” or “leave it to me”. Complex behaviours take time. The right trainer won’t rush or make sweeping guarantees.

Do you have insurance?

This one gets overlooked, but it’s absolutely essential.

A professional trainer should have public liability insurance at the very least. That protects you, your dog and the trainer if something goes wrong. It also shows that they take their work seriously and operate above board.

No insurance? No thanks.

Can I see reviews or speak to previous clients?

Reputation matters. You’re perfectly within your rights to ask for testimonials or even contact with a previous client (if they’ve given permission, of course). A solid trainer should have no problem sharing this.

You can also check independent platforms like Google, Facebook or Trustpilot. Look for consistent patterns. Are people mentioning how the trainer listened, explained things clearly and treated their dogs with kindness? That’s what you want to see.

What you don’t want? A suspicious lack of reviews. Or glowing testimonials that all sound suspiciously similar.

How do you stay up to date with dog behaviour research?

This is a big green flag: a trainer who invests in continuing education.

Dog behaviour science is always evolving. Good trainers read books, attend webinars, join conferences and keep learning. It shows they’re committed to doing better, not just doing what they’ve always done.

Be wary of anyone who says they’ve “seen it all” or doesn’t believe in changing their methods. That’s how training gets stuck in the past.

What happens if my dog doesn’t respond to your training?

This question reveals how a trainer handles challenges.

A skilled trainer will say something like, “We’d reassess, try to understand why the dog is struggling and adjust our approach.” They’re flexible. They see behaviour as communication, not defiance.

Someone less experienced might blame the dog. Or you. Or both.

You want someone who sees your dog as an individual, not a problem to be solved with a cookie-cutter plan.

Can I observe a class or session before signing up?

A good trainer should be happy to let you sit in on a session (without your dog) so you can see their style in action. This gives you a feel for their energy, how they communicate with both dogs and humans, and whether it’s a good fit for you.

It also shows transparency. They’re not hiding anything.

If they’re reluctant, or say it’s against their policy, ask why. If the answer doesn’t feel right, trust your gut.

Final Thoughts: Trusting Yourself Is Part of the Process

Yes, the questions matter. Yes, the qualifications and methods and experience all matter. But there’s one more thing that’s just as important: how you feel during the conversation.

Do you feel heard? Respected? Not rushed? That’s a good sign.

Do you feel judged, dismissed or talked down to? That’s not a trainer you want to work with, no matter how impressive their website might be.

Dog training isn’t just about the dog. It’s about you too. You’re the one who has to apply what’s learned, live with the changes and support your dog through whatever challenges you’re working on. You deserve someone who’s on your team.

So ask the questions. Take your time. And don’t be afraid to walk away if it doesn’t feel right.

Your dog is worth the effort. And so are you.

Curious about what Paws Academy has to offer? Have a look at our online training hub and see what might work for you and your dog.