Finding the Right Trainer
When it comes to training, you already have an advantage: You have a poodle. She'll probably take to training like a fish to water. Look for a positive trainer and a class whose participants are enjoying themselves. Don't accept harsh training techniques — the whole point is to have fun!
Narrowing Down the Choices
You can start your search for a trainer by observing the people and dogs around you. Watch for those who seem to have a particularly close relationship — owners who aren't yelling at their dogs and seem to have no problems with them. Ask those folks if they've been to training class and, if so, where. With any luck, you'll hear the same name over and over.
Alert!
Beware of trainers who refer to themselves as “balanced” trainers. That's a euphemism for trainers who use corrections in their training. They may use some positive reinforcement, but by using the term “balanced,” they're saying that they also believe in training with punishment.
Selecting a Trainer
Once you find a trainer or two in your local area who you think might be appropriate for you, call and ask if you can observe a class (without your dog and at no charge). If the trainer says no, cross him or her off your list.
Essential
If you see anything in the class you don't like, or if your gut tells you that this isn't the right class for you and your dog, don't enroll. Teaching your dog on your own using an excellent book is preferable to enrolling in a class that will make your dog dislike training.
When you observe a class, take a close look at the attitudes of the students — both the people and the dogs. You're looking for an upbeat, fun atmosphere. Look at the collars the dogs in the class are wearing. If it's truly a class based on positive reinforcement techniques, you won't see any choke chains or pinch collars. Rather, the dogs should be wearing flat collars, or perhaps head harnesses (similar to a horse's halter).
Close your eyes and listen to the class. Do you hear lots of sweet-talking and encouragement? Or do you hear anger and frustration and dogs being told “No!”? You definitely want to hear the former. This class should sound as fun as a children's playground.
Watch how the trainer interacts with both the humans and the dogs in class. A good teacher uses positive reinforcement on the humans as well as the dogs.
