HOW TO PICK A TRAINER

Looking for training for your dog or puppy? It's not as simple as a quick internet search!

Dog training is an unregulated industry in our country. That means finding the right trainer--someone trustworthy, ethical, and well-educated--can be more difficult than it appears. It's not just about who ranks high in search engines or even who has the best reviews. Every year, pet owners entrust their beloved animals and their animals' wellbeing to training professionals who may or may not have the skills and education to help in a kind, ethical way.

That's why we're here! All the trainers who appear on our recommendations page have demonstrated they are committed to continuing education, and are actively adhering to the most modern and ethical practices in the dog training industry. Each must agree to our Code of Ethics. Not only can you find a trainer to help you with your dog, you can trust that they are meeting the highest standards in the animal training industry!

Dog training credentials tell you a little bit about the type of education your trainer has pursued to ensure they are as knowledgeable as possible for the field.

Education is critical in the field of animal training. Dog training is, essentially, applied science. If you don't know the science, how can you effectively and ethically apply it?
For many specializations, trainers may hold certifications or credentials specific to that specialization
NMDTU recognizes credentials from organizations that focus on up-to-date, scientifically-sound training approaches that prioritizes the behavioral health and welfare of the learner (the dog).
We don't accept all credentials, so when you see credentials on a trainer's page, it tells you their education meets the ethical standards of New Mexico Dog Trainers United.

Some of the credentials you might see listed on a NMDTU trainer's profile page might include:

CPDT-KA/KSA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed or -Knowledge and Skills Assessed): Issued by the Certification Counsel of Professional Dog Trainers, these trainers have established their expertise in general dog training through meeting a minimum number of training hours and passing a standardized test. They may additional education to prepare them to offer more advanced behavior work.
CBCC (Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed): Also issued by Certification Counsel of Professional Dog Trainers, these individuals focus their work specifically on behavior modification work, which means working on behavior cases that may require education beyond that of a general trainer.
KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner): Issued by the Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Behavior & Training, these trainers have completed rigorous coursework and evaluations to earn this certification for expertise in general dog training. They may additional education to prepare them to offer more advanced behavior work.
SBA, ADT, CDBC, CCBC, CEBC, CPBC, CSB-D, CSB-C:
VSA-CTD
DVM or VTS (Behavior)

Details on our trainers' credentials can be found on each trainer's profile page.

Training can be offered in different ways. Look for the trainer with offerings that best fit the learning experience you want.

Private Training: One-on-one education, with the trainer coming either to your home or another location. Can be more expensive, but also more individualized.
Group Classes: Training takes place in a group setting with other dogs and people. Often less expensive, but less individualized.
Day Train/Board-n-Train: Trainer will do the training directly with your dog, either in your home or their facility. Trainer then teaches you how to ask for and get the same behaviors.
Virtual: Trainer offers sessions (either private or group) via online platforms. Coaching happens online, not face-to-face. This means these trainers have a wider service area than their physical location (and, yes, virtual training does work!).

You can use "Service Type" as a filter option in our Trainer Search to find the trainer offering what you need.

You want to find a trainer with experience and education in the specific area you are interested in training your dog in.

Examples of specializations include:

Basic Skills: sometimes called "obedience" these are the basic behaviors most families want dogs to learn, "sit," "down," etc.
Puppies: trainer is specialized in development and learning for dogs 6 months and under
Service Dog: trainer has education/experience in teaching service dog behaviors and coaching owners looking for service dog support
Therapy Dog: trainer has special education/experience in preparing owners to complete therapy dog testing with their dog
Aggression: trainer has special education/experience working with dogs who might attempt to bite humans/other animals
Behavior concerns: trainer has special education/experience working with dogs struggling with issues of fear, anxiety, hyperactivity or other concerning behaviors
Sports: trainer has special education/experience teaching dogs to competition level in sports such as agility, obedience, scent work, field work, etc. Details on what sports trained for in trainer profile

You can use "Specialties" as a filter option in our Trainer Search to find the trainer offering what you need.

Location is important if you will be meeting your trainer face-to-face for private sessions or group classes.

Look for trainers whose service area includes a location you are willing to travel within or to for your training sessions.
Can't find a trainer in your exact location? Look for trainers offering Virtual services!

You can use "Location" as a filter option in our Trainer Search to find the trainer offering what you need.

FIND A TRAINER