How do I choose a trainer?

You want to choose a trainer that has experience with your training goals, has good communication and ultimately wants to work themselves out of a job. After all, you, the owner, are the primary trainer for your dog! 

Your trainer should focus on all aspects of your dog's life and past experiences to work to understand the root of the behavior. I’ll start by identifying the root of your dog’s behavior, ruling out any medical issues that might be underlying. Then I’ll work with you to set realistic expectations for success and training. I like to make training plans for you that best fit into your busy day-to-day schedule; but note that the plan may also require some compromise and investment to be successful. 

Your trainer should want the sessions with your dog to be low stress and fear free. The training plan and exercises I put together are designed to keep your dog under threshold, in an optimal headspace to learn. I focus on positive reinforcement where you are associating the right behavior with really good things; I believe dogs learn best when they are taught the 'right way' and negative behaviors are replaced instead of punished. Training should be fun!

A good trainer also knows their limitations. If I don’t have the expertise to work with you and your dog, I wll be transparent and assist you in bringing in the right resources. Whether that be your vet, a veterinary behaviorist or another specialized trainer – your dog’s success is my number one priority.

Here is an article that outlines even more considerations that I think are key in identifying a good positive trainer for you and your dog. 
https://positively.com/dog-training/find-a-trainer/how-to-choose-a-good-dog-trainer