How to choose a dog educator in Madrid (without getting it wrong)
Ten questions you should ask before hiring a dog educator in Madrid, and the red flags to avoid.
Why choosing well matters
Hiring a dog educator in Madrid is a more important decision than it seems. A bad professional can aggravate fears, reactivity or separation anxiety in a few sessions. A good professional saves you years of suffering, yours and the dog's.
Ten questions you should ask
- What methodology do you use? (If the answer includes "dominance" or "pack", be wary.)
- Do you use prong, shock or choke collars?
- What is your training background and where did you get it?
- Do you work at the client's home or only in your own facilities?
- How many sessions does a case like mine usually require?
- Can you give me references from families with similar cases?
- What do you do if my dog freezes or gets scared during a session?
- Do you work with veterinary behaviourists when needed?
- How do you measure progress?
- What happens if I don't see progress?
Red flags
- Promises of "fixing it in X sessions".
- Use of any aversive tool.
- Talking about the dog as an "alpha", a "rebel" or a "manipulator".
- Refusing to explain the methodology.
- Group sessions as the only option for a fearful or reactive dog.
Why in person and at home
In Madrid I work only in person and at the family's home. It is not a limitation: it is a choice. A reactive dog in the park is not the same dog in their living room, and most behaviour problems are born and sustained in the family context. Seeing it live changes the diagnosis.
In short
A good dog educator in Madrid listens more than they talk, promises no miracles and never puts the dog in a situation that overwhelms them. If you find someone like that, you are on the right track.