How to Know If You Need a Dog Trainer

Hiring a professional dog trainer is an increasingly popular solution to common dog behavior problems. Dog training moguls like Cesar Millan ("The Dog Whisperer") and Victoria Stilwell ("It's Me or the Dog") focus on minor correction, human relationships with dogs, pack mentality and positive reinforcement.

Television shows show the remarkable transformation that can occur as a result of a decent dog trainer and hard work from a family--but how do you know if you and your dog need professional help?

Safety Concerns

If your dog has ever bitten a person or animal or if family members or visitors feel unsafe, you should immediately consult a professional. If your dog bites someone, you may lose your dog and cause physical and mental distress to the dog and the injured party.

My husband and I decided to hire trainers for our dogs after one of them became fear aggressive following a fight with another dog. Our well-trained American Staffordshire was bitten by the neighbor's dog and now reacts aggressively towards other dogs.

The trainers assured us that our safety concerns were valid and such behavior is unacceptable. They are currently working with our dog in a safe, controlled environment to ensure correction of this behavior.

Our trainers usually work with our dogs without us present. This enables them to evaluate the dogs without distractions. Afterwards, they describe what works and stand back to let us work with the dogs.

Common Concerns

Chewing, jumping, barking, potty training, food snatching, 'counter surfing' and anxiety are common behavioral issues with dogs. Responsible pet owners may be able to correct some of these behaviors by watching credible instructional videos and reading authoritative articles on dog training.

Like many dog owners, I've found that I am able to correct most of these common concerns with repetition and hard work. However, some of the typical tips and tricks just don't work for me. In this case, you may require a dog trainer's help.

My husband and I were able to break our dogs of many bad habits. They do their business outside and don't jump up on the counter to steal food. However, they still bark when someone's at the door, so our trainers have focused on correcting that negative behavior.

Puppy Training

Individual trainers and large pet store chains offer puppy training classes. These classes focus on the basics such as "sit" and "stay" commands. Additionally, puppies can positively socialize with one another in this environment.

Basic commands are important for every dog. These commands help other humans communicate with your dog, teach mental discipline and help your dog keep cool in stressful situations. "Come" is the most important command you can teach your dog -- without it, your dog could run away if she becomes off-leash.

My husband was able to socialize our dogs and teach them basic commands on his own, though the trainers we hired for more complex reasons do spend time reinforcing the commands our dogs learned as puppies.

Hiring a dog trainer may or may not be necessary for you and there is an expense associated with dog training. In addition to the training services, you may have to buy items like training collars, leashes and clickers.

Well-trained dogs and their families are generally happier and safer, so if you can afford the improvement, it's certainly a wise investment.