A list to take with you when you first talk to a trainer. It helps you find out how they work, what you’re paying for and what happens if things don’t go to plan.
A quick conversation before the first session often tells you more than any advert or website. The questions below are grouped by topic so you can find what you need quickly, and for some of them we’ve added a short note on what a good answer tends to sound like.
How to use this list
You don’t have to ask every question. Pick the ones that matter for your situation: with a new puppy, the basics and home routines will be most relevant; with an adult dog who’s easily frightened, you’ll want to spend more time on methods and on what happens when the dog struggles.
- Tick five to ten questions in advance that matter most to you.
- Jot down the answers during the conversation or straight afterwards.
- If you’re speaking to several trainers, ask them the same questions so you can compare like with like.
- Notice how they answer as well as what they say: patiently, clearly, with your dog in mind.
Methods
- How would you describe the way you work, in everyday terms?
A good answer describes actual exercises, not just a label. - What do you do when a dog does something you don’t want?
- Which rewards do you use, and how do you phase them out?
- Do you use any equipment that tightens, shocks or causes discomfort? If so, why?
A good answer is straightforward and open about the reasons and the alternatives. - How can you tell when a dog is stressed?
If you’d like some background for making sense of the answers, our overview of dog training methods covers the basic principles.
Goals and plan
- What should we work on first, given my situation?
- What does the plan look like over the next few weeks?
A good answer talks about stages and reviews, not a guaranteed outcome. - How will we measure progress?
- What’s realistic to expect, and what isn’t?
- When and how will we review the plan?
Session structure
- How long is a session, and where does it take place?
- Is it one-to-one or a group class? How many dogs are in a group?
- What actually happens in the first session?
- Do you start with an assessment? What does it involve?
- How often would you suggest sessions for a case like mine?
To get ready for that first meeting, see our guide to the first dog training session.
Your involvement
- Will I be handling my dog during the session?
A good answer: yes – they show you, let you have a go and coach you gently. - What will I need to practise at home, and for how long each day?
- Can other members of the household join in?
- Will I get written notes or videos after each session?
Experience
- Have you worked with situations like mine?
A good answer gives real (anonymised) examples and is honest about any gaps in experience. - What kinds of dogs or issues do you work with most often?
- How do you keep your knowledge up to date?
- When would you suggest a vet check or another specialist?
Costs and what’s included
- How much is a session, and what exactly does it include?
- Is the initial assessment charged separately?
- Is there a travel charge?
- Do you offer packages? What happens to any unused sessions?
- Could I have the full costs in writing before I pay?
A good answer: “Of course, I’ll send them over."
For what drives the price and how to compare offers fairly, read our guide to dog training costs.
Cancellations and rescheduling
- How much notice do I need to give to cancel without charge?
- What if my dog is unwell on the day?
- What happens if the weather rules out working outdoors?
- What happens if you need to cancel?
Follow-up support
- Can I message you with questions between sessions? Is that included?
- How quickly do you usually reply?
- What happens after the last session in a package if I still need help?
If your dog struggles
- What do you do if my dog becomes frightened or overwhelmed during a session?
A good answer: take a break, make the exercise easier or change the setting. - Can I stop an exercise if I’m not comfortable with it?
A good answer: “Whenever you like." - What happens if we don’t see progress after a few sessions?
- When would you refer me to a vet or a veterinary behaviourist?
After the conversation
Look over your notes while the conversation is still fresh. Ask yourself whether the answers were clear, whether you felt listened to, and whether the plan sounds right for your dog rather than for dogs in general.
If any answers left you uncertain, our guide to dog trainer red flags can help you follow them up calmly. For the bigger picture, go back to how to choose a dog trainer.
