In a continuation of our greetings series, the following are positive dog training tips for greeting friendly strangers. For more greeting tips check out “Greetings: Mom! You’re Home!”

There are a number of training methods you can employ with your clients, but the following are a few helpful guidelines to keep in mind.

1. Ensure your stranger is in fact friendly. Do they like dogs and want to engage with your dog? If not, don’t approach.

2. Ensure that your dog is interested in meeting friendly strangers. Dogs that are reserved and slowly warm up to new people aren’t the best candidates for meeting friendly strangers in public.

3. If you use food, decide whether you or your stranger will deliver your food. Again, reserved dogs shouldn’t be encouraged to take food from strangers’ hands. This can create some conflict (I want the food! But – I’m worried about the person!) that can be stressful for the dog

4. Whether you or the stranger is delivering the lure/reward food, be sure there is a clear criteria for when and how the food is delivered. Check back for specific methods to use in teaching greetings, if you need a few new ideas.

5. Be sure there is a clear decision as to who will do what if there is a failure of politeness – jumping, barking, lunging, or pawing, for example. One possibility is that the owner leaves with the dog, thereby removing the dog from the excitement (and reward) of the interaction with the friendly stranger. You might also have the stranger walk away.

6. If you are using food or a toy, keep the delivery low if jumping is a concern. For more on delivering the reward, read our blog post “Practical Skills: Improve Your Reward Delivery.”

Adding to your problem solving tool box is an ongoing priority for certified dog trainers. A very commonly asked question by clients is why their dogs won’t load up in the car and how they can train the behavior.

Read “Dogs and Car Rides: Loading Up” for some quick tips on encouraging dogs to load more readily in cars. It’s also very important to know when your clients need a referral to a canine behavior specialist. Know how to recognize the difference between reluctance and anxiety.     

Venomous snakes are a serious problem for pet owners in many geographic areas in the United States. The most readily available method for snake avoidance training has been with a remote electronic collar. Is this training safe, effective, and of a type that you as a certified professional dog trainer can ethically recommend?

Trainers certified through the CCPDT agree to abide by certain ethical standards embodied in their Human Hierarchy document. The least aversive method possible is utilized to achieve desired training results, and the health and safety of the dog is of primary concern. Is utilizing shock the least aversive method possible? Read Linda Michaels comments on this topic, and read about some alternatives to shock in Michaels’ blog post “UT Pet School: Snake Avoidance.” Michaels is an expert in force-free, science based methods for addressing dog behavior problems in the San Diego area

Certified dog trainers are in a unique situation with respect to canine health. Here are some facts that make your position as a professional dog trainer uncomfortable on occasion.

1. Reputable dog trainers verify that participants in their group classes meet minimum legal vaccination requirements, if not a higher vaccination standard.

2. It is imperative for the health and safety of puppies attending group puppy class, that dog trainers follow certain cleanliness standards regarding the space in which these classes are offered.

3. Your clients will likely see you more frequently than they see their vet.

4. Clients, especially puppy clients, frequently ask simple health questions, the answers to which certified dog trainers are familiar and happy to share with clients. For example, at what age do puppies lose their puppy teeth?

5. Trainers certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers are required to abide by a code of ethics that includes adherence to the Humane Hierarchy. The first tier in the hierarchy includes health, nutritional, and physical factors. Specifically that the trainer identify health concerns that should be addressed by a licensed veterinary.  

Combine all of the above, and it is undeniable that certified professional dog trainers: 1) are making some simple health determinations (Are your dog’s vaccinations current? Does your dog display physical signs of illness?), 2) that the trainer is placed in a position of authority regarding some health issues (minimum vaccination standards to join group classes and cleanliness standards for puppy class), and 3) that the trainer may have more contact with her client than does the client’s vet. 

The Problem

Unfortunately, clients frequently come to the conclusion that their trainer is a health expert. Not only are dog trainers not experts in canine health, but there are strict state laws regulating all aspects of veterinary practice, and non-vets may not practice veterinary medicine.

What to do?

• Do not disseminate advice to your clients that exceeds simple, practical solutions. For example, I frequently recommend to clients with teething puppies that they use a wetted then frozen rope toy or knotted washcloth to ease some of the everyday pain of teething.
• Never shy away from recommending a veterinary visit. This is especially true for any sudden change in the dog’s behavior or appearance, including rapid weight gain or loss, hair loss, increased or decreased appetite, changes in elimination habits, and so on. It may not always be clear to your clients that there has been a sudden change in behavior or appearance until they begin discussing training challenges with you. Help your clients pinpoint them and direct them to their vet.
• Stay abreast of interesting veterinary developments that directly impact dog training and dog behavior. This blog post by Patricia McConnell is an example of one such topic and includes her thoughts: “The Plot Thickens: Spay Neuter Effects & the Health of Our Dogs.” 

What not to do?

• Never recommend the administration of drugs, over the counter or prescription, unless you are directly consulting with a veterinary. Even then, the veterinary should be making the recommendation to the client, not the trainer.
• Refrain from diagnosing health issues. Diagnosing falls within the veterinarians’ pervue, and should not be done by trainers. You may call the vet and discuss your concerns with them, but you should not discuss those concerns with the client – that’s the vet’s job.
• Just because you have an opinion doesn’t mean you should share it. While you may have a personal relationship with some clients outside of training, while interacting in a professional capacity with your clients be careful to limit your health comments.

As a certified professional dog trainer you are a dog training resource, which may at times include some very simple statements regarding canine health. This makes you by default a dog health resource for your clients. But you are not a dog health expert. Be aware of your limitations and encourage a strong relationship with open communication between your client and his/her veterinary. 

The perfect client does not exist. Or rather, every client is perfect in some way, but not in every way. One of the challenges you face as your clients’ dog training resource is to point out the imperfections both specifically and fully without dampening your clients’ enthusiasm for learning. If you fail to point out your clients’ training weaknesses – poor timing or clumsy delivery, for example, then you’re failing your clients as a teacher. If you point out these weaknesses and your clients are offended and discouraged, then you’re failing your clients as a teacher.

So how do you walk this fine line? Be specific and very descriptive in pointing out both perfections and imperfections. The following are some examples of specific language.

TREAT DELIVERY

1. I like how smoothly you delivered the treat to Spot. You had the treat ready in your hand and your movements to his mouth were clean and economical. Excellent job!

***NOT*** Good Job!

OR

2. I noticed that you fumbled in your treat bag for a bit before you had a treat ready for Spot. You might try emptying your treats from the plastic baggie directly into your treat pouch to make them more accessible, or have a treat ready in your hand.

***NOT***Your treat delivery wasn’t very good. You need to have treats out and ready more quickly.

TIMING

1. Good job using the marker word. As soon as Spot’s nose touched your hand, you marked it with a prompt “good.” There was no delay between his nose touch and your marker word, which is exactly what we’re looking for!

***NOT*** Good job using the marker word!

OR

2. Your marker word “good” was delivered after your dog’s nose was no longer touching your hand. Before you put your hand out, be sure you’re ready to speak up! Ideally, you want your marker word to be spoken as your dog’s nose is touching your hand.

***NOT*** You were a little slow. Try being a little faster.

Remember, all clients are perfect in some way. Be sure that you recognize and acknowledge their good training in a specific way so that they can repeat it, whether it’s great timing, reading body language well, their enthusiasm for training, or following your instructions closely. If you see areas for improvement, point out the specific need for improvement and provide specific instructions for how your clients might improve.

If you find yourself struggling with specificity, then review your own training skills. Practicing good mechanics, especially videoing yourself, can make you more aware of exactly why certain training feels better or works better. In knowing specifically why certain training skills work well, you should be better able to specifically explain to your clients what you like and want repeated and what needs improvement. Also, check out our blog post “Skills Practice: Improve Your Reward Delivery.” There are several very specific tips regarding reward delivery.

Becoming a certified dog trainer means becoming a teacher. You have a responsibility as a teacher to encourage learning in your students – and it’s just good business!   

As discussed in our blog post “Swimming: Targeting Specialized, Seasonal Training,” predicting your clients’ seasonal needs is an important requirement of professional dog trainers. How to handle the special needs of dog’s exposed to fireworks is of particular concern around the Fourth of July and New Year’s.

Check out “Fireworks – What’s a Dog Owner to Do?” for some management and positive dog training tips. It’s also important to get a very good history when answering questions about fireworks. Be sure to be specific in asking clients to describe the behaviors that have concerned them in the past. If you suspect severe anxiety, then consider whether this falls within your area of expertise. If you are a behavior specialist, then you may decide to accept this client; you might consider seeking the aid of a consulting veterinary depending on the severity of the dog’s anxiety. If you focus primarily on pet manners and obedience, then those cases that exceed prevention and are more serious anxiety cases should be referred to a local, reputable canine behavior specialist. If you have not already developed a relationship with one, now is the time to start!

Reading dog body language – certified professional trainers can never have enough practice! Review the photo and brief scenario description provided below. Compare your thoughts and interpretations with our comments below.

Scenario Description:

This is a picture of a medical carry taken midday in Texas in June. The dog has a large accumulation of burrs under her armpits matting the hair and making movement painful. Pain was evidenced by a severe limp. She is being transported to a rehabilitation area.

What do you see?

1. Context.

As professional dog trainers familiar with body handling, we know that many dogs don’t enjoy being picked up. We know based on the scenario description that the dog may be physically uncomfortable or even in pain due to the burr matted hair. Be careful! Don’t let the context and the expectations that you may have based upon that context trump the dog’s body language.

2. Body Posture.

Body posture is difficult to see here since the dog is not bearing her own weight. The loosely dangling legs, however, are some evidence of relaxed body posture.

3. Facial Expression.

Relaxed facial muscles combined with the upturned corners and slight parting of the mouth create what is frequently described as a “smile.” Upturned corners with tight facial features or a closed mouth may not lead to the same conclusion. But this dog evidences all three characteristics.

4. Other Evidence of Distress.

Panting can be a sign of distress. In a still photo, the rate of the dog’s breathing is not evident, and a rapid rate of breathing can also be a sign of distress. Here, the relaxed facial muscles provide some evidence that the panting portrayed in the picture is not rapid; additionally, the tongue is relaxed – it will be more spatulate when the dog is tense. We do know that the picture was taken midday in June in Texas. Some panting would be expected based upon environmental conditions.

5. Summary

Happy, relaxed, and comfortable. This dog does not show signs of extreme stress or distress. This photo is an excellent example of how important it is to observe body language. The context predicts a strong likelihood that the dog would be uncomfortable, but her body language says otherwise.

If you’re not satisfied with how your interpretations compared with the final analysis, don’t worry! Keep practicing. Check back for more photo posts with analysis. And attend the upcoming September 2013 seminar “Canine Body Language” hosted by Raising Canine.

One of the most commonly asked questions certified dog trainers have to answer?  Which product is the right one for their client. In the pursuit of income diversification, many trainers offer a variety of services, including a combination of group classes, private coaching, day training, seminars, and single topic mini-classes. Additionally, clients frequently request very specific services that may not be the best fit for them.

How do you coach your client to the correct product?

1. Listen!

Clients are calling you, the professional dog trainer, with an expectation of solutions. While they’re expecting help, they also want an opportunity to share their personal stories. Take a moment and listen. It gives you an opportunity to connect with your prospective client, and you’ll be rewarded with a number of informational nuggets.

1. Ask key questions.

Sometimes a request for loose leash walking help comes from a client who needs help with a leash reactive dog. A request for separation anxiety training can be something as simple as a lack of crate training but the owner is panicked, overwhelmed and not sure what to do next, so he assumes the worst. Ask questions that elicit factual, descriptive responses rather than opinion or conclusions.

1. Pick the product.

This is the moment when you synthesize all of the informational nuggets that you’ve gathered. Be familiar enough with your products that you can make a recommendation on the fly – in other words, very quickly! Also know when your next available start date is.

1. Explain how your product recommendation fits your client’s needs.

Be specific, pointing out how the training you’re offering can alter and improve their dog’s behavior.

Coaching clients is one of the challenges you’ll face in becoming a professional dog trainer. Having a plan, being familiar with your products, and listening to your clients will help you successfully coach clients through one of their first interactions with you.

Many certified dog trainers struggle with the question of how much. How much should they charge for their services? How much are clients willing to pay? How much must they charge to earn a living?

There are several factors to consider when setting prices.

What are local competitors charging?
Check out your local competitors to see what they’re charging. This is merely a starting point. As you’ll see below, a number of additional factors will play into your final pricing strategy. Regardless of the pricing strategy that you choose and how that strategy compares to your competitors, you should be aware of where you fall within the pricing spectrum of your local market. 

How does your niche choice impact your pricing?
Specializing frequently allows you to charge more. If you’re an expert in an underrepresented area, if your niche specialty requires specialized training or experience, or if your niche attracts clientele who are willing to pay more for classes, then you might be able to increase your class prices to reflect this.

How does your target client market impact your pricing?
You can use pricing to encourage or discourage certain clients. Certain types of training require a strong commitment to change and a great time investment from the client. For example, training involving dogs with separation anxiety and certain types of aggression can be very involved and time consuming for the client and trainer alike. Professional dog trainers may choose to discourage less committed clients by raising their prices. Alternatively, you may choose to represent a specific geographic area in your community. Doing so can either place limitations upon your pricing or offer an opportunity for the sale of premium and add-on services.

Consider the Concept of a Working Wage
Professional dog training is not a hobby, it’s a career. As a certified dog trainer, you are responsible for training dogs that are considered family members by many owners. You may also have a direct impact on the safety and well-being of families and their pets, especially if you work with reactive and aggressive dogs. Becoming a professional dog trainer involves study, practice and maintenance of practical skills, and ongoing continuing education. When setting your prices, consider the concept of a living wage. What do you need to charge to earn a sustainable living as a professional dog trainer? A dog trainer who will be there for clients tomorrow and in 5 years, and in 10. You may not be able to set prices purely based upon your living requirements, but the concept of a working wage should influence your pricing if you’re committed to a long term career as a professional dog trainer.

Certified dog trainers are asked by clients – how do I get reliable behaviors? There is no single answer to this question. One of the training methods for reliability that I incorporate very quickly when training pet dogs is using distractions as rewards.

A reward doesn’t reinforce a behavior unless the reward has value to the dog. A training reward is anything of value to the dog. Food, toys, treats, praise, and play are the most commonly used in dog training. Primarily because these rewards are easy for the handler to control.

The bane of any dog owner’s existence is the squirrel running up the tree, the cat streaking across the street, the stinky patch of overturned earth, deer poop…distractions, those things that keep your dog’s attention away from you and on the environment. The beautiful thing about dog training is that these 2 groups, distraction and reward, have a significant amount of overlap. The skill involved here? Targeting the distractions that are also rewards, then narrowing that pool to rewards that are controllable by the handler. If you’re interested in becoming a certified dog trainer, this is a valuable skill to develop.

Some simple and frequently used examples of distractions that are also used as rewards:

1. “Go sniff” that stinky patch of ground.
2. “Say hello” to that friendly person or dog.
3. “Go play” with that dog you just left alone when I called you to me.

Consider your daily walks, play time in the yard, and shared time in the house. What distractions can you use as rewards? If it’s safe, there is a way for you to control access to the distraction, and it’s something of value to your dog, you can make it into a reward!