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There are many options out there for continuing education when it comes to dog training or learning more about canine behavior. Look for training facilities that host classes as well as seminars or special events you can attend. Many of them have websites and if you do a simple search on "dog training facilities" and the state you are in, (example: Dog training facilities Maine) you should yield alot of results. Play around with similar words in your search engine to gather even more results.

Do some research. Check out a facilities website and call them with any questions you may have. Here in Maine I have attended some wonderful seminars at Happy Tails in the past. ( www.happytailsportland.com )I currently look forward to upcoming events at Finish Forward Dogs (www.finishforwarddogs.com ) and Wag It ( www.wagitcamp.com ) also located here in Maine. On my list of goals this year is to attend some events at All Dogs Gym in New Hampshire as well. (www.alldogsgym.com )

Check with your local shelter or veterinarian. Who do they send people to for training? Why did they choose them? What do they think of their methods? Have they seen dogs that have been trained by that person? Do they know where that trainer learned their methods? These are a just a few questions you can ask when looking for reputable and effective trainers in your area.

The good news and bad news about training as a job field is that it is unregulated, anyone can hang a shingle and say they are a dog trainer, even if they have no real experience or training of their own. Or maybe they trained their own dogs and decided they are ready to teach others. This is good news if you are trying to break into the field. Unfortunatly this is bad news if you are looking for a trainer you can trust. This means you MUST be proactive in finding out more about the person you are hiring for your dogs safety. Dog training isn't for the faint of heart nor the uneducated. Knowing as much about canine behavior as possible is an absolute requirement. Not everyone is dedicated to doing the work this entails. As an owner you have a responsiblilty to never let someone do something to your dog that you disagree with. Your dog trusts you to speak up for them when they can't.

Can't afford seminars or travel but want to learn more? Check out www.DogStarDaily for lots of great free training advice and videos. In this day of internet webcasting there is no excuse for not being able to find out more about dog behavior if you have access to the internet and look for it. There is lots of great info out there at your fingertips. The trick just may be in sorting the bad info out from the good. If you do your research you can make your own informed decision.

There are many ways to train dogs. Find out more about the methods out there and find one that suits you and your dog. There are also many options for people looking to become involved in the dog training field. You can find a reputable and qualified trainer in your area to apprentice with if possible or look for hands on dog training schools. (www.alldogsgym.com offers a trainers program here in New England) Ask local trainers how they got into the field to see if that is also an option for you as well. Some may not be helpful if they feel you are loking to take over their area however so be prepared to for some competition if you are in a trainer dense area. It may be wiser to look outside your area for help if this is the case.

Another way to find trainers is to do an online trainer search though a trainers group website like The Association of Pet Dog Trainers ( www.apdt.com ) Not only will you find trainers in your area, you can find out more about what services they offer as a trainer as well. The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (www.nadoi.org ) is another group with a trainer search on their website too.

That is just a few of the tips I have for finding behavior and training seminars for those looking for more info to help train your own dog, or to help you improve your education if you are considering making training your new job field. I hope it helps.

Tail wags, Marie K-9 Solutions Dog Training Inc.