How’s That Working For You? (And When to Fire Your Dog Trainer)
You didn’t get a dog to add a line item of stress to your life. You got a dog for the zoomies, the companionship, and the “welcome home” wiggles. If your dog is currently causing more headaches than happiness, that’s a problem. But if the “experts” you’ve hired aren’t actually helping, that’s an even bigger one—especially if they refuse to acknowledge your unique life, your schedule, or your dog’s specific quirks. Here’s how to know when to fire your dog trainer.
Dogs Aren’t “One Size Fits All”
As varied as their coat colors are dogs’ personalities. A rescue from a rural farm has different needs than a puppy from a suburban breeder. Your family dynamics matter. Your living situation matters. Anyone you turn to for help should be treating those factors as essential data, not inconveniences.
Fire Them Immediately
One of the biggest red flags in this industry is a trainer who claims their method works for “every dog, every time.” That “my way or the highway” attitude is a one-way ticket to burnout for both you and your pup.
You need a trainer who:
- Listens more than they talk.
- Remains flexible and creative when Plan A fails.
- Suggests solutions that actually fit into your real life, not a textbook.
This Isn’t A Sales Pitch
We aren’t here to tell you to “buy now” for a private consultation. Look, we’re fantastic trainers—we know our stuff. But for most people, the gold standard is hands-on training.
Sometimes you need a professional in the room who can see the subtle flick of a tail or the exact timing of your reward. While we’re here for “2-minute” fixes, perspectives on training, and ideas for new games, we’ll always be the first to tell you when you need a local pro to step into the ring with you.
Flexibility in Action: The “Archie” Case Study
We love it when people bring the whole family to our training classes. This week, Archie’s whole family showed up—mom, dad, and his two-legged sisters. They brought a specific dog-walking issue with them: How do they get Archie to behave when the rest of the family is walking a few steps ahead?
It’s a common issue, even if it’s rarely talked about. Dogs are pack animals; they like it when everybody is within reach and they can keep an eye on their people. When part of the family “breaks rank” and moves into the distance, dogs can get anxious and start pulling to close the gap.
Just because a problem isn’t in the standard training manual doesn’t mean there isn’t a solution. Here is the spur-of-the-moment game we created for them:
The Family Walk Game: “Stop And Go”
- Step 1: The person holding the leash is the “Game Lead.” Everyone else stands a few steps in front of the dog.
- Step 2: The Game Lead says “Go!” and everyone starts walking. (The dog will likely pull to reach the front group).
- Step 3: The Game Lead says “Stop!” the second the leash gets tight. Everyone freezes.
- Step 4: Wait. The moment the dog releases tension on the leash and looks back at the Game Lead, they get a treat.
- Step 5: “Go!” again. Repeat the process, rotating who holds the leash so Archie learns the rules apply to everyone.
Archie started catching on in just three repetitions. He’s a smart boy—he knows who’s holding the treat pouch.
Speak Up For Yourself (And Your Dog)
There are multitudes of dog trainers and methods out there. With training, like everything else, you have to be a savvy consumer.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. If anyone ever tells you to do something to your dog that makes you uncomfortable, walk away. And if the advice you’re getting doesn’t work, let the trainer know. If they can’t pivot to “Plan B,” be willing to find someone who can.Training should make your life better, not harder. If it isn’t… how is that working for you?