The Top 5 Interview Questions to Ask A Dog Trainer

I hear a lot of questions from clients, and I thought it would be helpful to share a selection to assist you in making informed decisions when choosing a trainer for your dog. Some of these questions can be a bit outlandish, so I’ve compiled the top five questions you should ask when interviewing a dog trainer.

Is this important? Definitely!

After all, you want to avoid handing over your hard-earned money or, worse, teaching your dog bad habits. Asking questions should be a straightforward process.

If you don’t get the answers you need, it’s perfectly fine to move on to someone else instead of wasting your money.

So, let’s dive in and start with the most frequently asked question

[Click on the photo to download your free interview questionnaire]

1. What’s the Cost?

This is probably the first question I hear when meeting potential clients. “How much do sessions cost?” It’s totally reasonable to want to know upfront.

Here’s how I usually break it down:

Session Pricing: For one-on-one training, I charge $100 per session, except for protection clients, who are $150 per session. It’s about finding the best return on your investment! [Click here to get started]
Contracts and Packages: Watch out for trainers who lock you into big contracts right off the bat. You might see something like, “We offer X classes for $700 with a non-refundable policy.” While not every package is a bad idea, being tied down without a trial can be risky.
Trial Periods: Always ask if you can sit in on a class or if there’s a trial option. At Sjabo, we don’t typically allow sit-ins since our clients pay for dedicated one-on-one time, but I’m happy to offer a free meet-and-greet for potential clients. It’s a great way to see if we click!

Bottom Line:

If something feels off with the pricing or the structure, don’t hesitate to ask more questions or look elsewhere.

2. How Long Will It Take?

Another common question is, “How long is this going to take?” Right after the cost, this one comes up a lot.

Here’s what you should know:

No Guarantees: I can’t promise a specific timeline because every dog learns differently. Some may pick up skills quickly, while others might need more time.
Consistency is Key: If you’re practicing regularly outside of our sessions, you’ll see faster progress. But if you’re only meeting once a week, it might take a bit longer.
Be Wary of Quick Fixes: If you hear about trainers boasting a 100% success rate in just two weeks, proceed with caution. That usually means they’re trying to lock you into a contract for a big payday before you see any real results.

Question #3: What’s Your Background?

I absolutely love this question because it gives me a chance to share my journey! My background is pretty unique, and here’s why it’s important to ask this when selecting a trainer for your dog:

Experience Matters: I was trained by a former K9 police officer with over 30 years of experience. After two years of intensive mentorship, I received the green light to train dogs on my own. This hands-on training was crucial in shaping my approach.
Training Diversity: Throughout my journey, I’ve covered a wide range of training areas, from obedience to advanced obedience, detection, tracking, protection, and patrol work. The more varied the experience a trainer has, the better equipped they are to handle different situations and challenges that may arise with your dog.
Ask About Their Journey: It’s essential to know where your trainer learned their craft. While I had the privilege of training under a highly skilled mentor, not everyone is as lucky. Many new trainers enter the field with just a clicker and a treat pouch, lacking the depth of knowledge and understanding of development that comes with experience. [Read our trauma to triumph story here]

As the industry continues to grow, it's important to remember that some trainers might focus more on profit than on the dogs' well-being. So, don’t hesitate to ask about their journey! It’ll give you a clearer picture of their qualifications and whether they align with your dog’s needs.

Question #4: What’s Your Training Style?

This question can lead to some interesting conversations since dog training has become quite politicized. It's essential to approach this topic thoughtfully.

Here’s what you need to consider:

Styles and Systems: You’ll come across terms like “balanced,” “force-free,” “R+,” and “NePoPo” (which is trademarked). While these labels can be useful, they often end up undermining what truly matters in dog training: finding out what works best for your dog. It’s important to recognize that the training style you choose should be tailored to your dog’s individual needs.
Flexibility is Key: A good trainer should be flexible in their approach, adapting their methods to fit your dog’s unique circumstances. For instance, if your dog struggles with confidence, using stress-inducing tools isn’t the way to go. Conversely, if your dog is unruly and doesn’t respond to treats and clickers, a positive-only trainer might not be effective either.
Beware of Rigid Systems: Be cautious of any trainer who insists that their method works for every dog. That’s a major red flag! Every dog is different, and the right approach should reflect that diversity. In my experience, I’ve worked with aggressive dogs that needed firm corrections and others that just required a little love and understanding.

The bottom line is this: the correct answer should always be that we will do whatever works best for your dog. I’ve seen systems fail in both directions.

For example, I once met a K9 who wouldn’t release after being trained on an e-collar. After changing the tools and redefining what was expected of him, he was able to release verbally in just two classes. It’s all about figuring out what works best for each individual dog and approaching it effectively.

Question #5: What Services Do You Offer?

“What do you guys offer as far as services go?” While this might seem like a straightforward question, it’s essential to ask! Understanding what you want your dog to gain from a trainer or school is crucial.

Here are some key points to consider:

Understanding Your Goals: What do you want your dog to achieve? Whether it’s basic obedience, agility, or protection training, make sure the trainer specializes in what you need.
Specialization in Breeds: If you have a specific breed, ask if the trainer has experience working with them. Some trainers have specific expertise, like working with Malinois or German Shepherds.
Avoiding Mismatches: Just because a place has “Dog Training” in its name doesn’t mean they’re right for you. Ensure their services align with your expectations.

For example, I’ve never trained a service dog in my career. It’s a specialized field that involves medical considerations I don’t have access to, and there are excellent schools that focus on that area. My expertise lies in protection training, as well as basic and advanced obedience, particularly with Malinois and German Shepherds.

Make sure the school you choose is equipped to handle your specific needs and that their style, cost, and background align with your expectations. This way, you’ll get the most bang for your buck!

Questions to Ask Your Dog Trainer Before You Commit