Dog Training: When to DIY and When to Call in the Pros
I’m a big fan of DIY. In fact, as I type this, I have about 7,000 tabs open about how to blow drywall. We are in the middle of a floor to ceiling kitchen remodel at the moment, and we’re trying to save money any way we can. There is no satisfaction comparable to learning a new skill and knocking it out of the park.
When it comes to dog training, there’s a lot you can do yourself. This is why I create so much free content. There are so many owners out there struggling with their happy go lucky (but badly behaved) dogs, and they genuinely just need help with the basics - walking on a leash , coming when called, not jumping on guests, staying in a down. You can easily accomplish most basic obedience with a simple leash and prong collar.
However, there’s a learning curve for everything, and we all know how easily our DIY’s can turn into DI-WHY’s. The last thing I would want is for someone to take on a problem they are not equipped to handle. Dogs are living, breathing creatures, and EVERY dog can bite. If you’re not acutely aware of subtle canine body language, things can go south fast.
As many of you know, I became a dog trainer by rehabbing my own aggressive dogs. And I’ll be the first to admit it was a risky move. The issues we were dealing with were entrenched, had everything to do with our relationship dynamic, and had been going on for a long time. Lots of trainers I called didn’t even want to touch our case and frankly told us we should just get rid of one of the dogs. I didn’t know if I would be successful, but at the time I felt like I had no other option.
When to Call a Pro
1. Your dog is a bite risk.
Let me rephrase that: EVERY dog is a bite risk, but if your dog has a bite history, better get on Google and start calling trainers. With very few exceptions, dogs who have showed a willingness to use teeth need professional help. There are too many subtle signs you’re likely already missing, and your dog needs experienced handlers to teach a new way of being. Dogs who feel entitled to bite usually have major attitude problems, possibly some relationship issues with the owner, and a complete separation from the “old way of life” is typically just what the doctor ordered.
2. You’re stuck and your dog knows it.
Occasionally, I will get a contact form where the owner has clearly put in a ton of work, but the work isn’t translating to results. Usually the owner has put in tons of time reading dog training blogs on the Internet, watching videos, and reading books. “The books make it sound so easy!”
If no results are had, this will create a frustrated owner whose just about ready to throw in the towel. They are usually the ones who come in telling me, “He can’t be trained! He’s too stubborn!” Believe it or not, dogs can pick up on that energy. So the problems get worse and more costly, meanwhile you’re left holding the bag and your dog remains too big for his britches.
If believable leadership is what you lack, then you don’t need more theory or book learning. You need to learn some in-person techniques on how to lead your dog. As a trainer, I’m constantly doing (and not doing) little things that stack up over time to major results, and most of the time I’m not even conscious that I’m doing them. Everything from the way I hold the leash, to the exact marker timing, to my body language and tone of voice contributes to a dog’s willingness to follow along with me, and I find myself pausing private lessons frequently to explain why I just did “that thing” or “this thing.” The best way for you to learn these techniques is to watch me do them, and do them yourself.
3. You want it done right, quickly.
People sometimes say that Board & Train (or balanced training in general) is the easy way out. They claim that if you were ______ (kinder, more skilled, better), you’d be able to train your badly behaved dog at home using only treats, love, and time.
Well, here’s the thing: Most of my clients don’t want to fuck around for six months doing things that work inconsistently or not at all, just for the the opportunity to flex what cool, kind, dog trainer they are. They want their dogs to listen, and listen well, so they can start doing fun stuff with their dog. They don’t get a medal from the pure positive crowd, that’s for sure, but you know what they do get? A bad-ass dog and lots of adventures with that dog.
Remember - you’re not asking much. You’re not asking your dog to do Search And Rescue, or sniff out bombs at a football game. You’re asking your dog not to jump, not to eat the trash, walk nicely, come back when called, don’t run into traffic, don’t bark at other dogs, don’t chew the blinds, etc. These are simple things to train and can happen for most dogs within the span of weeks, sometimes less!
Using an iPhone to call your mom is easier, quicker, and more effective than sending mail by post or carrier pigeon. Some people really don’t care to train the commands, they just want to enjoy their dog as quickly as possible, and know that reliable training will help them do that. That’s why Board & Train is my most popular program.
When you send your dog to Board & Train, you leave your dog with the security that anyone who touches them will have already trained countless dogs. You know we’re going to be on top of the timing, the markers, the body language, etc. Our goal is not, of course, to send you back a dog who will be perfect with no further input. Our Board & Train is designed to instill a foundation so you can move forward with your dog.
When your dog comes home, he will know a full suite of obedience commands, and accountability is a matter of using the leash or e-collar. You are still going to need to walk and exercise your dog every day, continue behavioral training if indicated, supervise your dog, enforce rules, perhaps crate your dog, etc. However, you’ll be armed with a litany of tools, commands, support, and knowledge this time around. I tell my clients that training is a lifestyle, they can’t just go back to chaos at home and expect the dog to magically be perfect.
Now, I want to hear from you. Did you DIY your dog’s training, hire some help, or both?