Quick Answer
Not all credentials are equal. Here's how to sort the pros from the people who watched a few YouTube videos and bought a leash.
Why Most People Choose the Wrong Trainer
I’ve been doing this for over 10 years in Westchester and Fairfield County. In that time, I’ve heard from hundreds of families who tried two or three other trainers before finding us. Almost every one said the same thing: “I wish I’d known what to look for.” This checklist fixes that before you spend a dollar.
1. They can explain their methodology in plain English.
A real trainer doesn’t say “we use positive methods” and leave it there. They should walk you through the specific sequence — what happens in week one, how they introduce distractions, what tools they use and why. Vague answers mean vague results.
Insider detail: The methodology question is the single best filter. Trainers who can’t explain their process clearly haven’t thought it through clearly.
2. They’ve worked with your dog’s specific issue.
Basic obedience and aggression are completely different disciplines. Ask directly: “Have you worked with dogs that lunge on leash / bite / have severe separation anxiety?” and ask for specifics. A trainer who has only done puppy classes should not be taking on a dog with a bite history.
Insider detail: Most group class instructors have never handled an aggressive dog in a controlled setting. That’s not a criticism — it’s a different skill set.
3. They have verifiable credentials — not just a certificate from their own course.
Look for third-party credentials: AKC Evaluator, PetTech CPR & First Aid, IACP membership, or franchise certification through a nationally recognized brand. I’m an AKC Evaluator and Therapy Dog Evaluator — those require external testing, not just completion of a program I designed myself.
4. They offer private lessons for every person in your household.
A dog learns to work with whoever trained them. If only one person learns the techniques, the dog learns to comply with one person. We include private lessons open to anyone in your household at no extra charge — a grandmother visiting twice a year can learn the same handling techniques as the person who does daily walks.
5. There’s ongoing support after the program ends.
A 6-week class ends and you’re on your own — that’s not ongoing support. We include lifetime group classes every Tuesday and Saturday at our Valhalla facility, no expiration and no additional fees. One client has been coming for seven years.
6. They evaluate your dog before accepting them.
A trainer who signs up every dog without any screening is not giving you a professional opinion. The willingness to say “this isn’t the right fit” is a mark of professionalism. We turn down clients — and when we do, we refer them to the right specialist.
7. You can see real client results — not just posed photos.
Reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp tell you a lot. We have 178+ five-star reviews on Google with a 4.9 rating — many including specific behavioral outcomes by name. That’s what happens when clients see real change.
8. Their facility is professional and safe.
You’re handing your dog over for the day. You should be able to visit, see where your dog will be working, and feel good about it. Our 5,000 sq ft Valhalla facility has dedicated training floors, outdoor spaces, and equipment designed for everything from basic obedience to off-leash reliability work.
9. They’re transparent about what the program does NOT include.
The best trainers tell you what they don’t do. We don’t offer board-and-train. We don’t offer home visits as a standard service. I’d rather lose a client on the phone than take their money for a program that isn’t right for their dog.
10. You feel like they’re actually listening to your situation.
If a trainer is already mentally filling out a contract while you’re still describing your dog’s history, that’s a sign they’re fitting your dog into their program rather than building a program for your dog. Our consultations are 45 minutes — significantly longer than industry standard — because we actually want to understand what’s going on before we commit.
Ready to Ask These Questions in Person?
If this checklist is making you realize your last experience missed a few marks, you’re not alone. Most families who come to us have been through at least one trainer before. Book your free evaluation and we’ll give you honest answers to every one of these questions.
Book your free evaluation or call (914) 687-5532 | sitmeanssitctny.com
© 2026 Sit Means Sit® Dog Training of Westchester & Connecticut
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a dog trainer in Westchester?
Look for a trainer who can explain their methodology specifically, has worked with your dog's exact issue, offers ongoing support after the program, and includes private lessons for your whole household — not just one person.
How do I verify a dog trainer's credentials?
Look for third-party credentials: AKC Evaluator, PetTech CPR & First Aid, IACP membership, or franchise certification. Anyone can print a certificate. Not everyone can point to an independent body that validated their work.
Should a dog trainer evaluate my dog before starting?
Yes. A trainer who accepts every dog without screening is not giving you a professional opinion. You want to know the program is right for your dog — and if it isn't, that the trainer will tell you so.
How important is ongoing support after dog training?
Critical. Most behavioral regression happens 30–90 days post-training without a reinforcement structure. Ask specifically what ongoing support looks like — structured group classes with a schedule are different from an open-door policy.