5 Questions to Ask an Experienced Trainer Before Getting a Dog

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, contacting a dog trainer in Portland now might seem like putting the cart before the horse. Why would it make sense to talk to a professional trainer when you don’t even have a pet yet?

Actually, that’s the point. The decision on which dog to adopt isn’t one to be taken lightly. According to the America Veterinary Medical Association, unfulfilled expectations are one of the primary reasons people give up on pets – and a professional dog trainer in Portland can help ensure that the pooch you take home is a perfect fit for your family.

Consulting with a seasoned canine expert might just be the most important step you can take before adopting a furry friend. Below, you’ll find a checklist of questions to ask when you speak with a Portland dog trainer.

No. 1: Is Now a Good Time to Add a Dog to My Family?

You and your family may be eager to adopt a dog now, but timing is a matter that merits careful thought.

Before you bring a pooch into your Portland home, ask a professional dog trainer what to expect. Knowing how much of a difference having a four-legged friend will make in your life can help you figure out if you should go ahead and get a dog now or if waiting a little while makes more sense.

No. 2: Should We Adopt a Puppy or a Full-Grown Dog?

Your first inclination might be to adopt a puppy, but getting an adolescent or adult may be worthy of consideration.

Puppies are a great fit for some families, but little tail-waggers can be unpredictable – plus, taking care of a puppy can require a great deal of time and work. An adolescent or adult dog likely won’t need as much attention or exercise, but then again, a more mature pooch might have bad habits or be too stubborn to train.

Whatever the age of the pooch you adopt, you can count on some challenges as they adjust to their new environment. An experienced Portland dog trainer can explain what to consider and help you come to a decision on whether a puppy or a full-grown dog is a better fit for your family.

No. 3: Which Dog Breeds Best Suit Our Family’s Lifestyle?

While the manner in which a pooch is raised and trained has a major impact on their temperament, genes play a large role in shaping canine personality.

Different breeds are known for different traits – a Pekingese or English Bulldog isn’t going to be the best hiking companion, for example, and a Labrador retriever or Border collie isn’t likely to be a couch potato. An accomplished professional dog trainer in Portland will have ample experience working with terriers, hounds, sporting dogs and all other types of canines, giving them the ability to point you toward breeds that fit your family’s lifestyle.

What about mixed-breed puppies and dogs? While some canine enthusiasts prefer purebreds for their predictable qualities, others believe that mixed breeds make for better pets. The debate may never end, and both sides have compelling arguments. If you’re interested in adopting a mixed breed, we suggest asking a Portland dog trainer to evaluate their temperament. But in our opinion, with a committed owner, any pooch can become a well-behaved and much-loved family companion.

No. 4: What Do We Need to Do Before Bringing a Dog Home?

You’d be wise to get everything ready before getting a dog, as you’ll want your furry friend to have what they need to get off to a great start.

Talking to a Portland dog trainer is to your advantage. A trusted local canine expert can tell you about all of the must-have supplies and provide you with suggestions on specific products to suit your needs. You won’t waste money on the wrong food or a crate that won’t work for your furry friend – you’ll have the correct gear on hand when you bring your tail-wagger home.

An experienced dog trainer can also help you make sure that your house is safe, pointing out common pet hazards that you may not have considered. And if you haven’t already selected a local veterinarian, you can ask a professional dog trainer for a recommendation.

No. 5: What Do We Need to Know About Dog Training?

Your family will no doubt be excited when you bring a dog home, but try to curb the enthusiasm and project a demeanor of calm leadership.

Dogs thrive with a consistent routine. A professional dog trainer can help you create a daily schedule that includes meals, walks, playtime, training sessions and time for rest and relaxation. Stick to the routine, and your new pooch will have an easier time making the transition into your Portland home.

Having a clear set of household rules – and making sure that everyone in the family follows them – is also important. Dogs don’t understand the concept of “sometimes,” and any inconsistencies in how the rules are enforced is sure to result in confusion. As you might imagine, that can lead to issues with dog training.

Socialization, impulse control and bite inhibition are things you’ll need to work on during the first few weeks at home with your new pooch. A professional Portland dog trainer can offer advice on how to use positive reinforcement and a reward-based dog training approach handle these crucial matters. And, if you’re having trouble getting your new furry family member to learn, you can always arrange for in-home private lessons with a professional dog trainer or enroll your pooch in a board-and-train dog boot camp program.

Talk to an Experienced Professional Dog Trainer in Portland Today

Do you live in the northwest Oregon area? Are you planning on getting a dog soon? The professional team at Blackwood Canine is here to meet the needs of Portland pet parents, and we’d love to help you find the right furry friend to add to your family.

For more information on our services, or to schedule a consultation with a friendly, knowledgeable and highly skilled Portland dog trainer, contact Blackwood Canine today.