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In this blog post, we’re sharing our insider tips for finding and choosing the right professional for your family.
To make your search easier, you’ll also find a complete glossary of reputable domestic and international certifications at the bottom of this article. Sadly, the dog training industry is unregulated in most countries, meaning literally anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviorist.
When dealing with complex family dynamics, fear, or territorial behaviors, checking a trainer's credentials ensures they have undergone rigorous testing, have field hours, and rely on modern, science-based methods.
If you have a local dog trainer you love, great! But if you don’t, or prefer remote meetings, online training is a powerful alternative. Many behavioral challenges can be successfully observed, analyzed, and managed via live video feeds and recorded clips. Some trainers work exclusively online and offer a range of training packages and programs.
In fact, there are several scenarios where online sessions are actually much more beneficial than in-person training:
✔ Easily distracted pups
SF Puppy Prep,a reputable dayschool for young puppies in San Francisco, CA, initially offered complimentary 60-minute in-home consultations. However, as much as the trainers loved meeting the puppies face-to-face, the playful, curious young pups often made it difficult for their owners to focus. Moving consultations online allowed parents to fully absorb the trainer's advice without constant, real-time distractions.
✔ Dogs with Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety training is conducted remotely because a trainer’s physical presence means the dog isn't truly alone, which alters their authentic behavior. Using live video allows the trainer to read subtle stress signals and carefully keep departures strictly below the dog’s distress threshold.
✔ Young Children and Dogs (my area of expertise)
Parents reach out when a dog shows discomfort around kids, displays stress signals, or has already snapped, growled, or bitten. In-person training with toddlers in the room is notoriously chaotic, not to mention the ever-changing nap schedule. Virtual sessions allow us to safely analyze recorded videos of real dog-child interactions to build a customized plan.
✔ Parents with Newborns (my area of expertise)
Newborns feed on demand, making virtual sessions far more forgiving. You can easily mute your mic or turn off your camera to nurse or soothe your baby. Plus, during those vulnerable early weeks when you are limiting visitors, remote coaching respects your space and avoids bringing a new stranger into the house while your dog is already adjusting to big household changes.
📌 Note: General obedience training works wonderfully in person pre-baby when the focus is solely on the dog, but even those foundational skills can be successfully mastered online.
Every family’s dynamic is unique, which is why we offer tailored virtual support no matter where you are in your parenting journey. Here is how you can work with Dominika and Dog Meets Baby Trainers directly:
Private Consultations (Online):
Book Private Consultation HERE
Video Analysis (Online):
Book Video Analysis HERE
Not sure if it's the right fit? Read what other families have said about working with me.
"Our vet clinic had an in-house trainer, and people in the waiting area would always talk about how great he was." — Dog Meets Baby Follower
📌 Insights from Dominika: From my personal experience, most parents who book private consultations with me found me online first - following Dog Meets Baby on Instagram, taking my online courses, or increasingly through Reddit. Peeking into a trainer's real life - seeing their home, their kids, and how they interact with their own dogs - can create a foundation of trust.
Different dogs and distinct behavioral issues require different training methodologies. Here are our top tips for finding the best fit for your dog:
"The trainer we found had tons of experience working with aggressive dogs. She was able to shed light on exactly why our dog reacted so quickly, and helped us build a realistic management plan to avoid future triggers." — Elizabeth, Dog Owner
"I had a great experience finding certified trainers through the SFSPCA before we moved across the country. Since then, I always audit a trainer's website looking for specific keywords to understand their core philosophy. Because we have a fearful dog, I strictly avoid anyone who mentions correction-based methods, prong collars, or choke chains. I look for 'force-free,' 'reward-based,' and 'positive reinforcement' as my non-negotiable keywords." — Casey, Dog Meets Baby Client
Behavioral Consultations: Focused on diagnosing the underlying cause of problem behaviors and designing customized behavior modification plans.
Private Training & Coaching Sessions: Best for general manners and obedience training or the execution of the behavior modification plans. The trainer works directly with you and your dog privately in your home or out in the real world where the problem behavior actually happens (dog parks, parking lots, playgrounds, etc.). Typically, an hour-long training session, single sessions, or multiple, depending on the goal and training plan.
Behavioral Consultations and Private Training & Coaching can be done in person and online.
Boarding & Training: The dog stays at the trainer's house or facility for 14-21 days (could be longer). After B&T, the dog’s new skills are transitioned into their home through hand-over sessions where the owner learns the cues and how to use them effectively.
📌Insights from Dominika: Because this industry is unregulated, thoroughly vet any Board & Train facility. Ensure they are strictly force-free, as many traditional facilities rely heavily on aversive tools (like shock or prong collars) for fast, but unsustainable results.
Day Training/In-home Private Training: The dog remains in your home while the trainer comes to train your dog. A package includes follow-up sessions with the family to ensure long-term success.
(Note from Dominika: Hearing this makes me really upset.)
If you feel judged, misunderstood, or aren’t seeing any progress despite following the plan to a T, it is completely okay to walk away.
Training takes time, especially when addressing behavioral issues.
Owner compliance and commitment are essential factors, and the lack of either is frequently why training doesn’t work.
A good trainer should help you understand what can be achieved with training and management and what might not be possible.
Finding the right trainer is not only about finding a person to help you train your dog. It’s about finding someone who understands what you are going through, someone on your side who will support you and give you the tools you need for long-term success. If your trainer is not a good match, don’t settle; there is a perfect trainer for everyone.
When evaluating a trainer's website or bio, look for these specific, accredited credentials. Most of these organizations feature a searchable professional directory on their websites.
Dominika’s credentials:
I’m a CTC. I graduated in 2008 from The Academy for Dog Trainers, often referred to as the "Harvard of dog training." I also did the Family Paws Educator Foundation Course in 2019.
If your dog's behavioral issues stem from severe physiological anxiety, fear, or aggression, you may need a medical approach combined with training.
While memberships are not the same as rigorous certifications, active participation in these organizations shows a commitment to continuing education and modern, humane methodologies:
Just like the dog training world, cat behavior consulting is unregulated. If you are looking for help with feline aggression, litterbox issues, or introducing a cat and a new baby, look for professionals certified by the organizations below.
Online resources to help your baby and dog get along—right from the start and as they grow up together.
