Choosing The Right Dog Trainer: How To Find A Qualified, Ethical Expert

When it comes to your dog’s health and happiness, you want the best—and that starts with selecting a trainer who uses humane, ethical methods. Choosing the right trainer is essential for fostering a strong, positive bond between you and your dog, setting the foundation for a lifelong, healthy relationship. 

Why ethical methods matter:

Ethical training focuses on positive reinforcement based techniques, never relying on punishment-based methods that cause fear, pain, or distress. These compassionate approaches not only build trust between you and your dog, but they also promote lasting results while safeguarding your dog’s emotional and physical well-being. 

Red flags to avoid when looking for a dog trainer:

• Use of punishment or aversives

  • Shock (e-collars), prong, or choke collars 

  • Alpha rolls, slip lead corrections, or dominance-based techniques 

  • Intimidation, shouting, or physical force 

  • Note: these methods cause fear, stress, and can result in long-term behavioural issues. 

• Claims of guaranteed results

  • Dogs are individuals, and behaviour can’t be “fixed” on a strict timeline. Trainers who promise quick results or “100% guaranteed” outcomes are often oversimplifying or using harsh techniques to force compliance. 

• Lack of qualifications and transparency

  • If a trainer cannot clearly explain their education, professional memberships, or training methods, this is a major red flag.

  • Note: a reputable trainer should openly discuss their qualifications, their approach and what to expect from sessions

• Dominance or 'pack leader' language

  • Trainers who rely heavily on the very outdated dominance theory often use fear- or force-based methods. Modern behaviour science does not support these ideas. 

• Refusal to allow owners to observe

  • A trustworthy trainer will welcome your involvement. If they refuse to let you watch sessions, won’t explain what they’re doing, or discourage your participation, consider it a warning sign. 

• No written policies and terms and conditions

• Judging / blaming owners

  • Good trainers support and guide you—they don’t shame, judge, or blame you for your dog’s behaviour. 

• Rushing the dog and ignoring stress signals

  • If a trainer pushes a dog too quickly, ignores signs of stress or fear, or insists that the dog is “being stubborn,” this suggests a lack of understanding of canine body language and emotional states and welfare. 

• No use of positive reinforcement

  • If the trainer dismisses or avoids reward-based training, or claims it “doesn’t work,” that’s a sign they are not using ethical, evidence-based approaches. 

• Unable to show references

  • If a trainer can’t (or won’t) provide references, or if their online reviews raise concerns about harsh methods or poor communication, look elsewhere. 

The importance of choosing a qualified trainer

Selecting a qualified dog trainer is essential for ensuring that your dog receives safe, effective, and ethically sound training. A truly qualified trainer has completed in-depth education that covers canine body language, the psychology behind behaviour, and modern, humane training methods. Their skills and knowledge are formally assessed, and they work under strict codes of conduct designed to protect both dogs and owners. 

What makes a trainer qualified?

A qualified trainer is someone who is properly educated and experienced in dog behaviour and training—not just someone who “likes dogs.” They understand how to read canine body language, apply behaviour modification techniques, and use training strategies based on sound behavioural science. Their expertise allows them to tailor training plans to a dog’s individual needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Look for recognised certifications

When choosing a trainer, look for certifications from reputable organisations such as the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). These credentials demonstrate that the trainer has undergone formal education, adheres to ethical standards, and is committed to ongoing professional development. 

What is the ABTC?

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) is the leading authority in the UK for regulating dog training and behaviour professions. It sets rigorous standards for education, professionalism, and ethical conduct, ensuring that trainers and behaviourists work responsibly and competently. Similar organisations exist in other regions, but in the UK, the ABTC is the benchmark for trustworthy, science-based training credentials.

What does ABTC certification ensure?

Trainers registered with the ABTC have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill, and ethical understanding. They have completed substantial education, gained verified practical experience, and undergo regular review to ensure their methods remain humane, up-to-date, and scientifically sound. ABTC practitioners are held accountable for their conduct, giving owners confidence that their dog is in safe hands.

The benefits of choosing an ABTC accredited trainer

Working with an ABTC-accredited trainer gives you peace of mind that your dog will be trained using ethical, evidence-based techniques. These trainers follow strict codes of practice designed to safeguard animal welfare and promote positive, compassionate training. Their commitment to ongoing professional development means they stay informed about the latest advances in behaviour science and modern training approaches. 

The strict code of conduct trainers should follow

Professional dog trainers should operate under a clear and comprehensive code of conduct. This set of standards guides their behaviour, decision-making, and methods. It typically includes commitments to using positive reinforcement-based techniques, maintaining professional boundaries, and being open and honest with clients about their approach. A strong code of conduct helps ensure that training is safe, ethical, and centred on the well-being of both the dog and the owner.

What should the code of conduct include?

A trainer’s code of conduct should outline core principles that protect animal welfare and support effective learning. These include: 

• Prioritising the welfare of the dog at all times, ensuring the dog’s physical and emotional needs are respected. 

• Working collaboratively with owners to create realistic, compassionate, and achievable training goals. 

• Being transparent about the methods used, why they are chosen, and how progress will be monitored and assessed. 

• Avoiding any techniques that cause fear, distress, or harm, ensuring that all training remains humane and science-based. 

Reviews and references: ensuring the trainer has a good reputation

Before choosing a trainer, it’s important to read online reviews and testimonials to get a sense of their professionalism, training style, and success with clients. Positive feedback from other dog owners can give you valuable insight into what you can expect. Community reputation—whether through local groups, social media, or word of mouth—is also a strong indicator of a trainer’s reliability and expertise. 

Don’t hesitate to ask a trainer for references from previous clients or colleagues. A reputable, well-regarded trainer will be more than happy to provide them.

Cost and value: understanding the investment

When choosing a dog trainer, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re paying for. Ethical, qualified trainers are transparent about their pricing and clearly outline what each service includes. While these trainers may sometimes cost more than others, the investment reflects their education, experience, and commitment to using humane, effective methods. In the long run, choosing a reputable trainer can save you both time and frustration by setting your dog up for lasting success. 

A well-structured training package should provide enough sessions to see real, measurable progress. This includes time spent teaching new skills, supporting the owner, and reviewing any behavioural challenges. Clear expectations help ensure that both you and your dog receive the guidance needed to make meaningful improvements without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. 

Summary

Choosing the right dog trainer is one of the most important decisions you can make for your dog’s well-being. A qualified trainer—one who uses ethical, science-based methods, holds reputable certifications such as those from the ABTC, and follows a strict professional code of conduct—ensures that your dog learns in a safe, supportive, and effective environment. Investing the time to find someone trustworthy and skilled will set both you and your dog up for long-term success. 

If you’re ready to begin your training journey or have questions about what to look for in a professional, I’m here to help. My approach is rooted in compassion, positive reinforcement, and the highest ethical standards. 

At Super - Nova Dog Training & Behaviour, your dog comes first. I'm committed to using only the most ethical, positive reinforcement-based methods to help your dog thrive. Contact me today to learn more or schedule a session!