Why you shouldn’t take dog training advice from your vet

Finding an adequate source to gather dog training advice from can be complicated. You know it is important to train and work with your pet; however, you may not know where to go for the best advice.

This is especially true when dog owners face new challenges with caring for a dog. And so, not knowing where to turn, it's natural to see pet owners seek guidance from the first point of contact in their pet's healthcare journey: the veterinarian. 

While veterinarians are invaluable resources for medical care and wellness advice, relying solely on them for dog training guidance is not always the most effective approach. In this blog post, we’ll dive into why it is not recommended to ask your vet for dog training advice but to work with a trained professional. 

Why You Shouldn't Take Dog Training Advice from a Vet:

While your vet plays a crucial role in your pet's health and well-being, they may not necessarily be the best source of advice when it comes to training. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Lack of Specialization:

Vets are trained to diagnose and treat medical conditions in animals, not necessarily to address behavioural issues. While they may offer general advice, they may not have the specialized knowledge or experience required to address training challenges effectively.

2. Time Constraints:

Vets are often pressed for time during appointments, focusing primarily on medical concerns rather than behavioural issues. As a result, they may provide quick, generalized advice that may not be tailored to your specific situation or your dog's needs.

3. Limited Training Experience:

While vets undoubtedly love animals, their expertise lies in veterinary medicine rather than dog training. They may lack hands-on experience in behaviour modification techniques or understanding canine psychology, making their advice less effective in resolving training issues.

Overall, your veterinarian is there to provide sound medical advice for your dog or treat any injuries or ailments. Given that their specialty lies elsewhere, they cannot provide adequate advice to help you train your pet or work through any behavioural issues your pet may have.

Why It's Important to Work with a Trained Dog Trainer:

When addressing behavioural issues and training challenges, working with a trained dog trainer offers several advantages. 

Here's why it's recommended to seek professional assistance:

1. Specialized Knowledge:

Professional dog trainers undergo extensive training and certification to develop specialized knowledge in behaviour modification techniques, canine psychology, and training methodologies. They have the expertise to accurately assess your dog's behaviour and tailor a training plan to address specific issues effectively.

2. Individualized Attention:

Unlike vets, dog trainers focus solely on behaviour modification and training, allowing them to dedicate more time and attention to your dog's needs. They take the time to understand your dog's personality, history, and environment to create a customized training plan that meets your goals and expectations.

3. Hands-On Experience:

Professional dog trainers have hands-on experience working with dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments. They have encountered a wide range of behavioural issues and have the skills and knowledge to implement effective training techniques that yield positive results.

When working with an expert trainer, you will receive sound advice and training tips that match your dog’s behaviour issues and your particular dog, making the outcome more successful.

Working with a Trainer: The iTK9 Way

While your vet plays an essential role in your pet's overall health and well-being, seeking dog training advice from a trained dog trainer offers several advantages. By working with a professional who specializes in behaviour modification, you can address training challenges effectively and build a stronger bond with your furry companion. Remember, investing in proper training early on can lead to a lifetime of happiness and harmony with your beloved pet.

If you're struggling to work with your pet or unsure where to start, our trained professionals can help. They fully commit to working with them safely and effectively through behaviour, obedience training, and continued learning.

We do the hard work for you to attain a happy home and a healthy relationship with your pet.

Included in all of our programs are the following;

1. In-Person Learning: Midway progress training video, two go-home lessons.
2. Online Learning: Owner education course, instructional training videos, iTK9 member community, e-books & additional training resources.
3. Owner Support: Photo updates of your dog training with our team and access to our team for questions & support.

‍Contact us today for more information on our programs, including Board & Train.