If you're a new dog owner or maybe you know someone who just got a dog and is trying to figure out what to do next, this episode is for you. I've been seeing a lot of chatter online lately about people using their dog's behavior problems for clout on social media. And sure, maybe that happens sometimes. But I also see a lot of honest people who are just trying to learn. They're saying things like, I've never had a dog before, I don't know what I'm doing, who should I trust, what kind of training actually works? And honestly, I get it. There is so much information out there, and so many trainers all saying different things that it's hard to know who to listen to. So in this episode, I just want to share my thoughts, my humble opinion on how to choose a trainer and a few things to watch out for. So first, be careful of trainers who gaslight you. And you'll know it when you hear it. It usually sounds something like if you don't do it my way, you're gonna ruin your dog. Or your dog's trying to dominate you. You need to show them who's boss or you're never gonna be able to train them. And honestly, that's not advice. That's emotional manipulation. That's gaslighting. A good trainer doesn't need to scare you into their program. They should be able to explain why a method works and help you understand how to apply it in real life. If the main feeling you leave a session with is guilt or fear, that's not a good sign. Again, it's manipulation. And the next red flag to look out for is a trainer who constantly talks down about other trainers. And you might hear them say things like, Oh, you know, that trainer's too rough, or she's too soft, her dogs walk all over her. A confident trainer doesn't need to tear anyone else down to make themselves look better. They can explain their own methods clearly and respectfully without gossip or judgment. And that confidence that they have comes from experience, not from ego. Now let's zoom out for a minute because this part really matters. Dog training methods generally fall into three main categories. Force-free or positive reinforcement training, where the focus is on rewarding the behaviors you want and preventing the ones that you don't. And then you have balance training, which mixes rewards with corrections. And the third category is compulsion-based training, which relies more heavily on pressure and correction to compel behavior. And here's the thing: if you find a competent, educated trainer in any of those three categories, they can help you train your dog. They just all use different methods. And the best method is the one that you're comfortable with, the one that you can confidently and consistently follow at home. But you know, there is a fourth category, and I'm saying this clearly and for the record. It's the one that would be written in bold red letters, because I don't consider it training at all. This category includes anyone who hits, punches, pokes, slaps, hangs or drags dogs. That is not dog training. That is abuse. And going forward, when I talk about trainers or training methods, I am never including people who use those techniques. Because that's not dog training, and it has no place in a professional conversation about helping dogs. What most matters is that you, as the dog owner, understand what method your trainer uses and that you're comfortable with them. Because if you're not comfortable, you won't follow through. You know, if a trainer uses e-collars, for example, but you know deep down you never want to push that button, that's not the match. On the flip side, if a trainer says that you should never tell your dog no or interrupt them in any way, but you know that kind of permissiveness would drive you crazy, then that's not your match either. The right trainer for you is someone whose philosophy fits with how you actually want to live with your dog. Because when you're at home, it's just you and your dog. That's when the real training happens. So if a trainer uses a method that you won't use at home, find a different trainer. And while we're talking about fit, you need to feel comfortable with your trainer. You should be able to ask questions and admit when you're confused and share what's going on at home without feeling judged. Some trainers try to intimidate clients or they talk down to them to feel more powerful. And maybe some people can tolerate that, but you don't have to. Look for someone who listens, who respects you, and who values your input just as much as they want you to value theirs. Because a good trainer doesn't just teach your dog, they teach you. And that only works when both sides feel respected. So my final thoughts avoid the gaslighters, avoid the trash talkers. Know where your line in the sand is as to what you're comfortable with asking your dog to do and subjecting them to, and find a trainer with that same line in the sand. And find someone you genuinely connect with. And when you do, the process becomes not just about fixing behavior, but about building a better relationship between you and your dog.