Protecting Your Pet and yourself: Essential Questions

Speak directly with the person who will be working with you and your dog.
Ask about their schooling, certifications, continuing education, and what literature or professional material they study.

Confirm their years of hands-on experience in the pet care field.
If your needs are specialized—veterinary support, service dog work, Therapy Dog Training,  behavior issues, or protection—ask specifically about their background in those areas.
Find out how many dogs they have actually trained or worked with.

If they use titles like “Master Trainer,” ask what qualifications or accomplishments support that designation.

For training or instruction, learn about their ability to teach both people and dogs:

• Do they have formal or informal education in teaching? 
• Do they use written lesson plans? 
• How many classes have they taught as an instructor or lead instructor? 
• How many people are allowed per session? 
• How many will they teach at one time? 

Do they claim to be licensed? 

Clarify exactly what type of license they hold.
Is it a general business license or a professional license for this specific type of work?

Many people have a business license, which does not qualify them in dog behavior or training. 

Who issued the license, and do they have legal or regulatory authority?
Understand whether the issuing entity can regulate, restrict, or revoke their ability to operate. 

What were the requirements to obtain that license?
Training? Testing? Background checks? Or simply paying a fee?
 

Will they provide copies or proof upon request?
Reputable professionals will.
 

What organizations or boards do they claim membership in?
Get the exact names and look them up. 

Does the organization have any governing or regulatory authority?
Many do not; some are just clubs or membership-fee groups.

What are the requirements to join—testing, education, vetting, or just payment?
This helps reveal professionalism and credibility.
 

Are they an active member?
Active involvement often correlates with continued learning and ethical practice.
 

Does the organization provide continuing education or professional standards?
Quality organizations support ongoing development.

Are there meetings, blogs, exchange of Information or ideas?

About the Individual or Company

What do you know about the person or business working with your dog?
 

Will they have access to your home or keys?
 

Have they undergone a background check, and can they provide valid identification?
 

Can they provide references—and have you verified them?
 

Safety & Accountability

How can you contact them immediately if something goes wrong?
 

Have you checked with local agencies (Animal Control, Consumer Affairs, Chamber of Commerce) for complaints or issues?
 

Have you reviewed their online presence and social media?
 

Any concerning or negative information should be openly discussed.
 

How do they resolve disputes or disagreements?

 What is their philosophical approach to working with you and your dog?
 

Why do they use that approach?      Ask them to explain their reasoning, methods, and expected outcomes.
 

What is their opinion of other training philosophies, techniques, equipment, or trainers?
Their openness—or lack of it—can tell you a lot.
 

Is their method a requirement of their employment?
Are they obligated to use certain tools or techniques?
 

Are they part of a franchise that prohibits adapting or personalizing training methods?
 

Do you feel comfortable with their explanations?
Trust your instincts.
 

Do they genuinely believe in what they teach, or are they simply repeating a script? 

 Are they insured?
Request details about the policy.
 

Coverage specifics:
Who is covered?
What incidents or damages are covered?
How much coverage is provided?
 

Documentation:
Ask for a copy of the insurance policy.
 

Scenario testing:
Discuss various “what-if” situations to ensure both your pet and you are protected.
 

Comfort level:
Are you satisfied and confident with their answers?
 

Are they bonded?
Understand what the bond actually covers—typically theft or property damage, not training outcomes.
 

Proof of bonding:
Honest providers will provide documentation. 

How many dogs do they handle at one time, and is that number safe?  

Have you observed their training or handling methods?  

Do they allow dogs off leash in unsafe or prohibited areas?  

Do they engage in illegal or unsafe practices? 

Do they provide a written contract outlining responsibilities, expectations, and liability?  

Are they willing to explain their training methods in detail—before touching your dog?  

Do they welcome questions, or do they become defensive or evasive?  

Are they insured for injury, negligence, or property damage involving your dog?

 Do they hold current CPR and First Aid certifications for both humans and dogs?    

Do they have an emergency plan for accidents, injuries, or lost dogs?
 

Do they know where the nearest emergency veterinary hospital is located?
 

Do they carry emergency supplies (first aid kit, water, slip lead, cooling items, etc.)?
 

Are they prepared to transport your dog safely in an emergency?
 

How do they manage fearful, reactive, or aggressive behavior in dogs? 

Are they able to read canine body language accurately to prevent fights or bites?  

Do they have a plan for separation, timeouts, or decompression if your dog becomes stressed?  

Will your dog ever be left unsupervised? 

If so, for how long and under what circumstances?

Are they clear about the services they will provide?
What exactly is included in each session or program?
 

Is there a satisfaction agreement?
If so, whose satisfaction is it measured by—the provider or you?
 

What are you paying for?
Ensure all costs are transparent, including follow-up sessions or additional fees.
 

Is there a written contract?
Review it carefully for scope of services, obligations, and policies.
 

Ask about guarantees, refunds, or dispute resolution.
Do they offer money-back guarantees, satisfaction contracts, or litigation support if services are not delivered as promised?
 

Are additional products required?
Ensure you are not forced to buy treats, leashes, clickers, or merchandise as part of the training. 

Do they list degrees, certificates, or specialized training?
Ask what each credential represents.
 

Have they attended any formal training courses or classes.  

Although On the Job Training is important, formal education can be helpful 

Is it relevant to dogs, behavior, training, or animal care?
Some credentials sound impressive but have no connection to dog handling or safety.
 

How did they earn these credentials?
Was it coursework, hands-on training, exams—or an online payment certificate?
 

Where will the training or handling occur? 

Is the location safe, enclosed, and appropriate?  

Do they transport dogs in a safe, secured, and temperature-controlled vehicle?  

Do they allow dogs to interact with unknown or aggressive dogs?  

Do they use equipment that could cause harm (shock collars, choke chains, unsafe harnesses)?

Do they require proof of vaccinations for all dogs in group settings?
 

Do they follow hygiene practices such as hand sanitation and cleaning shared equipment?
 

Do they monitor dogs for overheating, exhaustion, or excessive stress?
 

Are water breaks, rest periods, and shaded areas provided during outdoor sessions?

Do they provide written progress notes, updates, or feedback after sessions?  

Will they notify you immediately if your dog is injured, frightened, or involved in an incident?  

Are they respectful of your concerns and preferences for your dog’s training and care?  

Do they encourage your participation—or try to exclude you from observing?

They refuse to let you observe training.  

They rely on intimidation, fear, or physical corrections.  

They avoid answering questions or rush you to sign contracts. 

They have no written policies, no insurance, and no clear safety procedures. 

Their social media or public reputation shows patterns of complaints or unsafe behavior.

Unable to answer questions concerning their technique.  

Refuses to explain the nature or origin of a technique or command.