Interesting conversation yesterday on trainers in dog clubs. What makes a good trainer? There are trainers that remain steeped in the past unwilling or unable to change their methods despite overwhelming research and evidence to the contrary. There are trainers who think gaining a qualification (mostly completed through distance learning) is sufficient for them to take on training classes and offer paid advice on behavioural roblems in dogs. There are trainers who think because they have years of experience they don't need anything else. In my opinion, it's not just academic qualifications, it's not just experience, it's a combination of both PLUS continuing professional development.
A good trainer recognises the need to keep up with academic research. A good trainer recognises the value in years of experience working with different dogs, different breeds and different situations. A good trainer recognises the need to keep their own skills up to date through trying different disciplines, learning from other trainers and behaviourists. A good trainer also recognises the need for people skills as in the main it's the handlers that need training!
So what do you think? Are you a good trainer?
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