Go watch
Ask to observe a class. Look at the dogs and at the other owners. Are the dogs working willingly? Is the trainer explaining the why, or just issuing instructions? Does the environment look clean and controlled?
Ask direct questions
What happens when my dog gets it right? What happens when it gets it wrong? What tools do you use and why? What does the follow-up look like after the program ends? A trainer who cannot answer plainly is a problem.
Be careful with big claims
Fixed timelines for behavior cases, promises about outcomes, or an unwillingness to discuss what happens if a dog is not a good candidate for a specialty program are all reasons to slow down and ask more questions.
Fit matters
You will be taking direction from this person for weeks or months. Choose someone who communicates in a way that works for your household, and who will include everyone who lives with the dog.
Every dog is different. If you want a recommendation for your dog specifically, tell us what's going on and we'll point you to the right program — we're at 8618 Ridgefield Rd, Crystal Lake, IL.