As a dog guardian, you want the very best for your furry friend. You want them to be happy, mentally and physically healthy, and a true member of the family. I get it—I’ve been there too! There’s no shortage of advice online, from social media influencers to YouTube videos, all promising quick fixes or “miracle” training hacks. But here’s the thing: every dog is unique, and a one-size-fits-all training plan from the internet will never be as effective as a personalised program tailored to your individual dog. So, why hire a professional dog trainer? The answer is simple. To give you and your Fido the best! Let me explain further.
Your Dog Deserves More Than Generic Advice
The internet is filled with dog training tips, but most of these are broad suggestions meant to cover a wide range of behaviours and dogs. The problem? No two dogs are alike. Just like humans, they have individual personalities, past experiences, and needs. What works for your border collie might not work for your neighbour’s dachshund. Following a generic training plan might leave you feeling frustrated when you don’t see results, or worse, it could create behavioural issues for Fido down the line. Don’t get me wrong. There are some fantastic online positive reinforcement trainers out there. Zak George, Victoria Stilwell, Susan Garret, Dr Tom Mitchell to name a few. In fact, many of these are my mentors. But I’m sure that each of them will tell you that generic training advice is just that – generic.
When you work with a professional dog trainer, we take the time to get to know you and your dog. We consider their breed, age, temperament, and any behavioural issues they might be facing. We look at your home environment and your capacity to engage in training, as well as any limitations you might have (like disability, mobility and time). Then, we design a custom training program specifically for both of you. It’s not just about getting Fido to sit or stay; it’s about understanding their motivations and building a lifelong bond between you based on trust.
The Downside of Influencer Advice
Let’s talk about pet influencers for a second. I love seeing adorable videos of well-trained dogs on social media as much as the next person. But it’s important to remember that these influencers are not always professional dog trainers. Many of them use outdated training methods that might look good on camera but don’t necessarily lead to long-term success. Their videos are likely highly edited to show you the “perfect” result.
Some influencers even use aversive techniques, which can harm your dog. Slip leads, prong collars, yelling, water sprays, the old stones in a can to frighten the life out of your dog. At Little Angels Dog Training, we practice force-free, positive reinforcement methods. We reinforce great skills, helping your dog learn in a fun and engaging way, without fear or punishment. We work at helping your dog to overcome their emotional response, not yank and crank to supress their emotions to gain nonconsensual compliance.
A Professional Trainer = A Lifelong Relationship
Working with a professional trainer isn’t just about fixing a specific issue. It’s about setting the foundation for a long and happy life together with your dog. From puppyhood to adolescence and beyond, a personalised training program gives you the tools to handle the different stages of your dog’s development. At Little Angels Dog Training, we tailor every session to what your dog needs right now, whether it’s socialisation, loose leash walking skills, or tackling specific behaviour problems.
And it’s not just about your dog! As your trainer, I’ll coach you too. You’ll learn how to communicate effectively with your dog, understand their body language, and feel confident handling them in different situations. You’ll learn to become your dog’s right hand person.
And, let’s be honest here. With a reputable and qualified dog trainer, you get what you pay for. We’re going to charge you a fair price for our expertise and time. We’re not going to charge you an arm and a leg to support the cost of our social media ads. Just as a side note – a consultation is approximately 6 hours of work for me. I research what your dog might benefit from. I drive to and from your house. I spend time with you and your doggo while we design your Fido’s individual training plan. I write up my consultation notes. I send you a summary email and your training plan, and then I follow up with you to see how you’re getting on with the training plan. Why do I do this? Because I want you and your dog to succeed!
Those of you whom have gone through my puppy and teenage program would have heard me say that “I’m your dog trainer for life”. I’m here to support you and your furry child. It’s why I started Little Angels Dog Training – to give fun, sensible, current and actionable advice to change you and your dog’s life for the better
Invest in Your Dog’s Future
Here’s the truth: investing in professional dog training is one of the best things you can do for your dog. It’s not just about teaching them tricks; it’s about giving them a solid foundation to be a functioning and happy member of your family. If you’re ready to take the next step, check out the services I offer at Little Angels Dog Training.
But what if you don’t live in my service area? Don’t worry! The Pet Professional Guild Australia is an excellent resource to find a force-free dog trainer near you. You can check out their directory here.
A Quick Word on Internet “Fixes”
I’ve had clients come to me after trying various “quick fixes” they found online. Unfortunately, many of these methods don’t consider your dog’s emotional well-being or long-term behaviour. Quick fixes might address the symptom but rarely tackle the root cause. The reality is that real, lasting results come from consistency, patience, and a deeper understanding of you and your dog’s needs, not from old-school dominance/aversive trainers. (Want to read more on this then check out the blog I write on Why I’d Sprint Faster Than My Pup from a Dog Whisperer).
Final Thoughts
Your dog is part of your family, and they deserve the best. When you invest in professional training, you’re not just solving behavioural issues—you’re building a stronger bond with your dog and ensuring their well-being for years to come.
Game On! Let’s Play!
Hxx
- Written with the assistance of AI
- Links have been manually checked
