Are you at the end of your rope with your dog’s behavior, but not sure if it’s time to hire a professional dog trainer, or worried about picking the wrong one?
You’re not alone. The dog training world can feel like the Wild West. With no regulations, conflicting advice, and plenty of flashy websites, it’s hard to know who’s truly qualified to help. Choosing the wrong dog trainer can waste your money, make your dog’s behavior worse, escalate dog aggression problems, and damage the trust between you and your pet.
That’s why in this episode, I’m joined by Bradley Phifer, professional dog trainer, behavior consultant, and Executive Director of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. With 17 years of experience, Bradley breaks down what really matters when hiring a dog trainer, how to know when it’s time to get help when you've run out of dog training tips of your own, and red flags that should send you running.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
- Why waiting until there’s a “big problem” is the wrong time to call a trainer
- The surprising ways a trainer can help you before you even bring a dog home
- How to tell if a trainer is actually qualified and what credentials mean (and don’t mean)
- How to choose the right trainer for your dogs needs, from basic puppy training to dealing with dog aggression
- The red flags that signal outdated or harmful dog training methods
- How to get the most out of your relationship with a dog trainer for the life of your dog
Know someone who just got a new dog or is even thinking about it? Share this episode with them so they can avoid the stress, frustration, and wasted money that comes from hiring the wrong dog trainer.
CONNECT WITH BRADLEY PHIFER: www.bradleyphifer.com
OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:
https://www.fetchtheanswer.com
Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.
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Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting pet advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.
Each week we bring you pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress-free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle challenges from puppy biting to cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their pet parents.
No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet advice and specific tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.
Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.
Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com
©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro
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