Questions for the consultant, behaviorist or trainer treating dog aggression

Also see things to observe

What areas or cities has the consultant, behaviorist or trainer trained or treated dogs in?
What credentials does the consultant, behaviorist or trainer have? Where did the consultant, behaviorist or trainer receive his training as a consultant, behaviorist or trainer ? Ask for proof! Certificates are always given for courses, and most people display them proudly. Do they continue their education in anyway? Confirm their memberships with any organizations they claim to be part of. Look into what it takes to become a member. An organization that accepts people on the basic of what they claim, or pay for, is much different than organizations that require certification testing, for example.
What methods does the consultant, behaviorist or trainer use? This should be discussed in great detail, so don't be afraid to ask questions (this is an area where its good to do your homework first).
What learning theories does the consultant, behaviorist or trainer base his or her work on?
What are his or her ideas about the causes of dog aggression? What is the role of the owner, diet, genetics, socialization, training methods, etc. in the development of aggression? (then do your research on this to see if any of the responses are valid).
What sort of things will he or she look at or need to know to assess your dog (here again, is another good area to do your homework first)?
As part of the program, does the consultant, behaviorist or trainer give the dog owner instructions and training? How detailed will these be, over what period of time and how much support will be offered once the program has finished. Note that you may be on your own despite any promises, or may be required to pay more money, unless something is specified in detail on a contract.
What learning theories does the consultant, behaviorist or trainer base his or her work on? What are his or her ideas about the causes of dog aggression.
How long does he or she antisipate training should take before any change can be seen. What happens if there is no or little change observed in the dog?
Does the consultant, behaviorist or trainer have a place on the Internet where he and his clients can chat, or exchange messages?
Ask questions specific to your dog’s breed to see how well the consultant, behaviorist or trainer knows your dog.
Does the consultant, behaviorist or trainer have any books or videos available?
If there is a contract, ask to see a copy of the contract before deciding to go with the consultant, behaviorist or trainer /training facility.
Does the consultant, behaviorist or trainer offer any kind of guarantee, i.e. your money back if not satisfied, placement of your dog with another home if your dog isn't improved to your satisfaction, etc. If so, be aware that this is problematic. No consultant, behaviorist or trainer can promise to fix your dog, and what defines your satisfaction can be subjective.
Where does the consultant, behaviorist or trainer get his or her referrals?
1. Referrals from a vet are good, since the owner usually continues to see the vet, and the vet continues to see the dog (you might get that vets info so you can talk to him/her in person).
2. Referrals from others in the industry that have nothing to gain by recommending them can be good, although less so if they know little about treating aggression
3. Referrals from other trainers of classes are not as good, since those people usually do not see the dog again, and if there are problems, the owners often do not go back to these people to report.
4. Referrals from clients are usually only from happy clients, and thus, are only part of the picture. Clients often will accept their trainers word as gospel and have very little frame of reference to determine whether the consultant, behaviorist or trainer is actually qualified. Most happy clients descrive their consultant, behaviorist or trainer in glowing terms.
5. Its always a good idea to try to find additional sources that the consultant, behaviorist or trainer has not provided to you for a fully rounded picture. Generally those who are good, develop a good reputation and their name gets mentioend time and time again.
Make sure you get these referrals, and make sure you contact them:
1. At least one Veterinarian
2. Other clients, at least three
3. Other people in the industry, at least three

See questions for the referrals

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