10 Killer Questions to Ask a Dog Trainer Before You Book
Dog training is unregulated in the UK. That means anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, print a certificate, build a slick website and start taking bookings.
Some are excellent. Some are well-meaning but underqualified. Some use outdated methods that can make behaviour worse, especially for puppies, fearful dogs and dogs already struggling with big feelings.
If you have ever felt confused by the difference between 'balanced' and 'reward based' training, or terms like 'alpha', 'leadership' or 'dominance', you are not alone. The safest starting point is simple: ask better questions before you book.
A good trainer will welcome them. A poor one will dodge or deflect or talk about 'what I do with my dogs is...
Here are the essential questions to ask a dog trainer before you book, plus the red flags and green flags to listen for.
1. What formal qualifications do you have?
This should be one of the first questions you ask.
Experience matters, but experience alone is not enough. Someone may have “worked with hundreds of dogs” and still be using methods that modern behaviour science has moved past.
Look for qualifications or memberships from respected organisations that assess both knowledge and practical skills. In the UK, that's organisations such as the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, known as the IMDT, or the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, known as the APBC.
A trainer who takes their education seriously should be able to explain:
Who they trained with
Whether they were practically assessed
How they keep their knowledge up to date
Whether they follow a code of ethics
What areas they are qualified to handle
This matters because dog training is not just about teaching “sit”. A trainer needs to understand learning theory, body language, stress, puppy development, safety, welfare and when to refer to a behaviourist or vet. Test them!
🚩 “I’ve trained dogs for years, so I don’t need qualifications.”
✅ “I’m a qualified instructor with the IMDT, I’m assessed, and I complete regular continuing professional development.”
2. Can you describe the science behind your training methods?
If they say anything other than positive, force-free or reward based training, run for the hills. A modern, qualified, ethical trainer should be able to explain how their methods work without reaching for myths about dominance, pack status or being “the alpha”.
Modern, welfare-focused training is based on reward, reinforcement, careful management and clear communication. It teaches the dog what to do, rather than frightening or punishing them for getting it wrong.
Research, including work by Vieira de Castro et al., China et al. and Ziv, has raised concerns about aversive or 'balanced' training methods. These methods can increase stress and fear, and they may raise the risk of aggressive behaviour in some dogs. They can also damage trust between dog and owner.
That does not mean force-free training is soft or permissive. Good positive training has structure and clarity. It uses timing, reinforcement schedules, reward placement, redirection, prevention and careful progression.
A good trainer will happily talk about:
Operant conditioning
Classical conditioning
Reinforcement
Motivation
Canine body language
Stress signals
How dogs learn in real life, not just in a quiet room
Ask us and we're likely to bore you for half an hour, in the best possible way. We love the geeky stuff!
🚩 “Your dog needs to know when they’ve done wrong.”
✅ “Mistakes are an important part of learning. We teach the behaviour we want to see instead.”
3. What training tools do you use or ban?
Tools tell you a lot about a trainer’s ethics. Ask this question clearly: “What equipment do you use, and what do you not allow in class or one-to-one sessions?”
A force-free trainer will not use tools designed to scare, hurt, startle or suppress behaviour. That includes shock collars, choke chains, lead jerks, rattle bottles, spray collars, pet corrector sprays and any tool used to intimidate the dog, including pushing or pulling the dog.
Ethical trainers prefer equipment that protects welfare and helps dogs succeed, such as:
A well-fitted harness
A flat collar for ID tags
A long line for safe freedom
Food rewards
Toys
Mats
Barriers and gates
Muzzles that have been introduced positively, when needed for safety
A muzzle, for example, is not a punishment when it has been trained kindly. It can be a sensible safety tool. A shock collar is different, even if the trainer says it 'only produces a tingle'. Ask to put it on the trainer and then have a play with the remote control.
🚩 “We use whatever gets results.”
✅ “We do not use pain, fear or intimidation to teach behaviours”
4. What happens when a dog gets it wrong?
This question cuts through a lot of vague claims.
Every dog will make mistakes. Puppies will jump up. Adolescent dogs will forget their recall. Nervous dogs may bark. Excited dogs may pull towards another dog. The trainer’s response matters.
A good trainer will not punish confusion. They will ask why the dog struggled.
Was the environment too hard?
Was the reward not strong enough?
Was the dog tired, scared, overexcited or in pain?
Did the human cue clearly?
Was the exercise too advanced?
Good training adjusts the setup so the dog can succeed. That may mean increasing distance, lowering distractions, using a better reward, changing the exercise or taking a break.
This is especially important in puppy classes. Puppies are babies. They are learning about the world, their bodies, other dogs, people, sounds, smells and surfaces. They do not need to be dominated. They need kind, clear teaching.
🚩 “If they ignore you, correct them.”
✅ “If the dog gets it wrong, we make the task easier and help them understand.”
5. What mix of dogs do you have in class?
Group classes can be brilliant. They can also be chaotic if they are poorly run. We understand that business is tough for many dog trainers. There's a lot of competition, including from online courses and 'do this one thing' social media posts. So we understand why some are running classes for mixed age groups. But puppies have different developmental needs to teens, or mature dogs, which is why we run classes for each of these group.
🚩 “Dog training is dog training, whatever their age”
✅ “Puppies, teens and adult dogs have different training needs based on their developmental stage”
How do you keep dogs safe in classes?
Ask how many dogs attend, how much space each dog has and how the trainer manages dogs who bark, lunge, hide, freeze or become overwhelmed. A safe class should not be a free-for-all. Dogs should not be forced to “say hello” to every other dog. Puppies should not be bundled together and left to work it out. Socialisation does not mean unlimited interaction. It means careful, positive exposure to the world.
A well-run class may include:
Small class sizes
Space between dogs
Visual barriers where needed
Clear guidance on greetings
No off-lead chaos, only carefully managed interactions
Breaks for tired dogs
Support for nervous or overexcited dogs
Realistic expectations for different ages and breeds
If your dog is reactive, fearful or has a bite history, a group class may not be the right first step. A good trainer will tell you that honestly. Our classes have a maximum of five in a large village hall and 8 in our indoor riding school, with two instructors.
🚩 “They’ll sort themselves out.”
✅ “We manage space carefully and never force dogs into interactions.”
7. What experience do you have with my dog’s issue?
A puppy foundations class is different from separation-related distress. Loose lead walking is different from dog-to-dog reactivity. Recall training is different from resource guarding.
Explain what you need help with before you book. Be honest. If your dog has bitten, say so. If your dog panics when left, say so. If your dog barks and lunges at dogs on walks, say so. A suitable trainer will not judge you, but they do need the full picture.
Ask what experience they have with that specific issue. Listen for a thoughtful answer, not a dramatic promise.
Some behaviour problems need a behavioural approach. Pain, illness, hormones and medication can all affect behaviour, which why consultations are often preceded by a vet check. An ethical trainer will not pretend every issue can be fixed with obedience drills.
🚩 “I can fix any dog.”
✅ “I can help with that, and if I think we need vet behaviourist support, I’ll tell you.”
8. Can I watch a session before I book?
This is a powerful question because it moves beyond words.
Watching a class or session shows you how the trainer behaves when real dogs are present. Pay attention to the dogs, not just the people.
Look for dogs who seem relaxed, engaged and able to take breaks. Some may bark or struggle, especially in beginner classes, but the overall atmosphere should feel safe and kind.
Watch how the trainer speaks to owners too. A good trainer does not shame people. They explain. They adapt. They make learning feel possible.
If you cannot attend in person, ask for a video clip of the trainer working, or ask to speak to them before booking. Some trainers may not allow observers in certain classes because it can distract the dogs, but they should still be open to helping you understand their style.
🚩 “No, it distracts the dog”
✅ “Yes, you can observe, or we can talk through exactly how the class works.”
9. Are you insured, what are your policies?
A professional trainer should have appropriate insurance. They should also have clear policies for safety, cancellations, welfare, vaccination or titre requirements, and what happens if a dog is not coping in class.
If they work with children, vulnerable people or in public spaces, safeguarding and risk awareness matter too.
You do not need a trainer to send you a huge folder of paperwork before your first class, but they should be able to answer basic professional questions clearly.
Ask about:
Public liability insurance
Welfare policies
Class safety rules
Vaccination or titre guidance
Handling of incidents
Data privacy for your personal information
What they do if a dog is stressed or unsafe in class
A trainer who takes the business side seriously is more likely to take safety seriously too. All our policies are published on our website and we have clear terms and conditions we ask you to read before booking.
🚩 “No-one reads this stuff”
✅ “We are insured, we risk assess sessions, and we publish clear welfare and safety policies.”
10. What support do I get after the session?
Good training does not end when the hour is up.
Most progress happens between sessions, during normal life. That means you need clear homework, realistic next steps and a way to ask questions if you get stuck.
Ask whether you will receive written notes, videos, follow-up messages, a training plan or access to extra resources. Ask what to do if the exercise does not work at home. Ask how progress is reviewed.
Be wary of big promises. Dogs are living, feeling animals. Their progress depends on health, history, environment, consistency, motivation and stress levels. A trainer can guide you, but no ethical professional can guarantee a perfect dog in a fixed number of days.
The best support feels practical. You should leave knowing what to practise, how often to practise it, what success looks like and when to make the exercise easier.
🚩 “One session will sort it.”
✅ “You’ll get a plan, we’ll adjust it as your dog progresses, and you can ask for help if something is not working.”
A quick red flag checklist before you book
If you hear any of these, pause before paying:
“Be the alpha.”
“Your dog is being dominant.”
“Corrections are the only way they’ll learn.”
“Treats are bribery.”
“I use balanced methods.”
“I guarantee results.”
“I can fix any dog.”
“They need to know who’s boss.”
“This tool doesn’t hurt, it just gets their attention.”
Some phrases sound confident. That does not make them safe.
What a good trainer should make you feel
A good dog trainer should leave you feeling informed, not intimidated.
You should understand why you are doing each exercise. Your dog should be treated as an individual. Their fear, excitement or frustration should be taken seriously. You should never be pressured into using a tool or method that makes you uncomfortable.
The right trainer will help you build skills, not dependence. They will celebrate small wins. They will be honest when something needs more time. They will care about your dog’s emotional wellbeing as much as their behaviour.
Ask the questions. Listen carefully to the answers. Trust the trainer who can explain the science, respect your dog and show you a kinder way forward.
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