BEWARE OF FLASHY SALES TACTICS

"Guaranteed results" "Results in X amount of time"

Real dog trainers CANNOT "Guarantee" behavior of a living, breathing animal or state an issue can be "fixed" in any certain amount of time. It is unethical to mislead potential clients into thinking otherwise.

Our favorite example is Nicole Wilde's friend's rhinoplasty procedure. "Her parents eventually agreed to allow her to have a rhinoplasty—a “nose job.” After careful research and consultations with various plastic surgeons, they settled on one who guaranteed that if they didn’t like the results, he would modify it again, free of charge. Armed with this assurance, they moved forward. As it turned out, my friend did not like the results. In fact, she hated them. As promised, the second surgery was performed free of charge. Unfortunately, it yielded results no better than the first. My friend was not any closer to having the straight, narrow nose she’d envisioned, and although I would never have said so, it now looked downright odd. It took a third surgery, performed by another surgeon, to get it right."

What value does a guarantee of additional services hold if the provider lacks the proficiency to achieve success initially? Think of a dog training company that pledges results, asserting they can solve your dog's issues in a single session. Even if unsuccessful, they commit to returning until the problem is resolved. Is this a worthwhile arrangement, particularly if the initial session comes with a hefty price tag? Doesn't the foundation of this "quick fix" approach suggest a lack of appreciation for the time needed to modify certain intense or deeply ingrained canine behaviors? 

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Of course simple, basic obedience skills like teaching sit and down can be taught quickly. However, in the majority of instances, trainers who pledge immediate guaranteed resolutions for significant issues such as aggression often rely on aversive and punitive methods. While the quick fix may appear miraculous, there are repercussions associated with the use of punishment—it merely stifles behavior rather than tackling the root problem. Furthermore, attempting to replicate the trainer's actions may not yield identical results for the owner, and there have been instances of individuals being bitten in the process. And the transfer sessions with these trainers, if any are given, are not in the owner's home and usually these skills do not transfer to success in the owner's home rendering their attempt at training provided at their kennel useless. Additionally, is it truly desirable to treat your dog harshly and potentially jeopardize the trust between you and your furry companion? Certainly not.

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Another example referencing a similar concept is teaching a child a foreign language. Can fluency really be guaranteed in the true meaning of the word? 

Every dog is unique, with distinct temperaments, personalities, and responses to training. Positive reinforcement scientifically works for ALL mammals (they must not be doing things correctly, if these trainers think otherwise). A dog trainer cannot predict or control all variables that may influence a dog's behavior. Ethical trainers acknowledge and respect the individuality of each dog, understanding that outcomes may vary.

 A dog's behavior is often influenced by its environment, including the owner's home, lifestyle, and other external elements. Ethical dog trainers recognize that factors beyond their control may impact a dog's behavior, making it impossible to guarantee specific outcomes.

 Successful dog training often requires active participation and consistency from the dog owner. Ethical trainers understand that if the owner doesn't follow through with training techniques or fails to maintain a consistent approach, it can affect the dog's behavior. Guaranteeing results without considering owner commitment is not ethically responsible.

Dogs may encounter new and unpredictable situations that can affect their behavior. Trainers cannot foresee all potential scenarios that a dog may face, and therefore, they cannot guarantee how the dog will react in every circumstance.

 Health issues or genetic predispositions may influence a dog's behavior. Ethical trainers recognize that these factors are beyond their control, and guaranteeing behavioral outcomes would be unrealistic and potentially misleading.

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In summary, ethical dog trainers emphasize the importance of a customized and flexible approach, understanding that living beings, including dogs, exhibit variability that cannot be entirely controlled or predicted.