I don’t want to limit myself to dog trainers near me: searching for a dog trainer online during a global pandemic.

Why should I limit myself to finding a dog trainer near me? With a global pandemic to consider and the fact that everyone around me is getting a quarantine pup, it’s definitely time to rethink my options. It’s becoming more common for dog trainers to offer the same courses and packages remotely via a Zoom call, which is a lot like having a dog trainer at home. Except now I can choose from nationwide experts, instead of local trainers. This is exactly why our team created Pawsitive.

Pawsitive is a dog trainer app that helps parents raise happy, healthy dogs by providing community and professional support.

Pawsitive provides a spectrum of DIY options via free video training challenges and also professional video consults with a certified dog trainer within the app. Pawsitive has currently partnered with 5 certified dog trainers, 1 dog nutritionist, and 1 dog behaviorist to create short, educational video challenges for our community. These are way better than any dog training videos you will find online because they are interactive and break down ideas into small, fun, doable steps. Even within the Pawsitive app, finding the right dog trainer is all about truly connecting with them. Here are a few guidelines on how to find your perfect match!

1. Find a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement rather than punishment methods when correcting unwanted behaviors.

Remember that what we consider to be ‘bad’ behavior or ‘unwanted’ behavior in our dogs isn’t something that they understand. These are social constructs that we use to evaluate their behavior, but they are not bound by these social constructs like we are. For example, my dog loves to chew up all the contents of our bathroom trash can if we leave the house for too long. He doesn’t recognize his actions to be ‘bad’ behavior or ‘unwanted’ behavior, but can only read our reactions to different things. Punishment teaches a dog to stop a behavior out of fear of punishment. Not only does this not address the root of the issue, it can even make the problem worse. Choose a dog trainer who uses reward-based training, motivating your dog with treats, toys, or affection, rather than punishment.

2. Ask your dog trainer to explain in detail what they want you to do and why.

If you end up meeting with a dog trainer in person, ask them to explain what they are about to do or teach your dog, before they actually do it. This ensures that you can stop the trainer from doing something that you feel uncomfortable about. Good trainers will explain their process, what behaviors they are training, why it’s important, and how to do it. They will go at your and your doggo’s pace and encourage you to practice!

3. Avoid dog trainers who bully, shame or intimidate you into doing something.

Don’t do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. And don’t do anything that you think will make your dog uncomfortable. Think about it this way: if a dog trainer is trying to bully, shame, or intimidate you into doing something, then how much worse will they treat your dog if that’s what they are doing to you?

4. Avoid dog trainers twho guarantee results.

All dogs are different and it is simply impossible to guarantee that a dog can learn certain tricks. While it’s good to guarantee satisfaction, trainers that guarantee results don’t often understand just how complex dog behavior can be. A good trainer will be comfortable collaborating with a veterinarian for problem behaviors like biting, fighting, aggression and destructiveness. Find a dog trainer who is always trying to learn new methods and practices, keeping up to date with the latest information.

5. It’s best to avoid choke collars and pinch collars in favor of head collars.

A good trainer will never force you to use a choke collar or pinch collar. Avoid dog trainers who use force on your doggo, such as hitting them or hanging them by their collars. If your dog trainer wants to use punishment as a method, ask why. Recognize that this method should only be used if the trainer can explain the possible negative effects, as well as how to address them. Punishment should never be the first approach.