Recently I ran into a client. We started talking about his dog, and he couldn’t stop raving about the results he got training with me. Turns out, I was his fourth trainer! He mentioned one who claimed to be “the best in Australia.” Funny thing? I’d never heard of them.
Over the years, I’ve heard similar boasts from trainers and their loyal supporters. Some have even called me the best. My response? “How many trainers have you worked with to say that?” I’ve met many trainers—some truly talented, others not so much.
Research shows it takes 10,000 hours—roughly four years of full-time work—to become proficient. That’s just mastering the basics. When I started, I knew no single course could teach me everything. So, I sought out trainers, took a dog behaviour course, and observed. At first, their clients swore they were the best. But often, these trainers excelled in some areas while struggling with others, like aggression or high drive working dogs.
I once met a trainer who loved to throw around fancy jargon. To the untrained ear, it sounded impressive, but it was nonsense—impossible to apply. When I questioned her, she dodged and changed the subject. I didn’t go back.
It takes years of observation, study, mentorship, and hands-on experience. I’ve seen people finish a course and act like they “know it all.” 🙄 Teaching basic behaviours is one thing, but solving complex problems—like severe aggression or advanced training—is what sets the best apart. The top trainers I’ve known have vast, diverse experience. They can teach a dog almost anything, rain or shine, year after year.
For basic socialization or obedience, a trainer with a few years of experience might do. A great trainer listens, adapts, and delivers results, no matter the challenge. That’s what I strive for every day.
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