Questions to ask a trainer before signing up

A skilled obedience trainer can transform the relationship between you and your dog—not just teaching sit and stay, but building focus, trust and calm behaviour that makes daily life safer and more enjoyable. But finding the right person means asking the right questions, listening closely to their answers, and spotting where someone dodges or oversells. This is your hiring interview, and you should treat it as one.

The opening questions: method and experience

Start with specifics. "What approach do you use?" is too vague. Instead, ask: "How do you handle jumping?" or "What do you do when my dog pulls on the lead?" A trainer who is confident in their method will describe a clear, consistent technique. They might say, "I use positive reinforcement—we reward the behaviour we want to see, and we redirect unwanted behaviour calmly." That's a direct answer. If they say, "It depends on the dog," probe deeper: "Can you give me an example?" A good trainer thinks on their feet and can illustrate their logic.

Next: "How many dogs like mine have you trained?" This is not about ego. If you have a reactive spaniel or a stubborn terrier mix, it matters whether the trainer has relevant experience. Listen for specificity. "I've worked with dozens of spaniels over ten years" is better than "I've trained lots of dogs." You can ask a follow-up: "What breed traits did you need to work around?" Someone who knows spaniels know they need different motivation than herding breeds—and they'll say so.

"Are you registered or qualified?" is fair game. Ask them directly and ask what that means—whether they've completed a formal course, whether they hold any credentials, whether they're registered with any professional body. Some trainers will have formal qualifications; others will have years of apprenticeship. Both can be legitimate, but you deserve to know what backing they have. If they get defensive, that's a red flag.

The practical and boundary questions

Move into nuts and bolts. "Can I watch a session?" or "What does a typical session look like?" A confident trainer will say yes or explain their policy clearly—some work better without owner observation at first, and that can be reasonable if they explain why. If someone refuses without explanation, walk away.

"What's your commitment after training ends?" Many problems resurface if owners don't practise, so ask: "Will you give me written instructions?" and "Can I contact you if my dog regresses?" A good answer might be, "I send written notes after each session, and you can call me with quick questions for the first month after we finish." Evasiveness here—"I don't usually do follow-up"—suggests they're not invested in your success.

Ask about timescale too. "How long will this take?" A trainer who says "Eight weeks, guaranteed" might be overselling. One who says, "Most dogs show real progress in four to six weeks, but it depends on the issue and how much you practise at home" is being honest. Training is not a finished product; it's a skill your dog learns.

Finally, the money question: "What happens if I'm not happy with progress?" This isn't about refunds necessarily, but about whether they have a conversation plan. Do they adjust method? Do they refer you elsewhere if it's not working? A trainer who says, "We'll review after two weeks and adjust if needed" is standing behind their work. One who says, "All dogs respond eventually" is not.

A trainer who listens as much as they talk, who answers directly without buzzwords, and who's clear about what they will and won't do is someone worth your time and trust. When you find one, you'll know—they'll ask you questions too, about your dog's history, your goals, and what's frustrating you. That two-way conversation is what makes training stick. Look for verified trainers on Strove who can show you their qualifications and reviews from owners just like you.