Subtle Red Flags To Look Out For: Signs That it’s Time to Hire a Dog Trainer

Sometimes deciding when it is time to bite the bullet and hire a dog trainer is the hardest part of starting a training regimen.  As experts at training dogs in Portland, Oregon we’ve seen a myriad of signs that indicate it’s time to book that first lesson.  While some signs are obvious like noticing aggression or dealing with accidents in the house, today we’re sharing a few subtle signs that mean it’s time to start training!

Pacing in the House

Typically seen in higher drive dogs, it’s easy to equate your dog’s pacing to just having a little extra energy.  This behavior in reality indicates that your dog needs help channeling their extra energy into constructive avenues.  Left unchecked, this behavior can lead to destructive tendencies or manifest into frustration or stress for your dog.  When you notice your pup is having a hard time settling and instead you find them constantly pacing throughout the house it is likely time for you to reach out to a trainer.

Hiding Behind You

You may think it’s cute when your dog acts “shy” and hides behind you around new people or environments, however this is often a sign that your dog is lacking confidence and could benefit from training focused on socialization and positive interactions in new environments.  A skilled trainer can work with your dog on building up their confidence as well as socialization techniques to make sure your dog feels comfortable in a variety of situations.

Overly Excited Greetings

There’s nothing more heartwarming than your dog rushing to greet you when you return home and that feeling of them being so thrilled to see you. When they start to reach a point of over excitement thought where they are practically knocking you down upon sight then it’s time to consider working with a trainer. To combat the over excitement your trainer will often focus on better greetings and instilling calmer reactions and strategies for coping with overwhelm.  

There are many signs that can indicate it’s time for your dog to start working with a trainer.  If you start to notice behavior that you feel is troublesome or incorrect, it doesn’t hurt to reach out to a skilled dog trainer in your area for a consultation and to see if training is the right step for you.  No matter your dog’s age or life experiences, continued training is a valuable part of your dog’s well being and can benefit them for years to come. 

Ready to get started?  Reach out to one of our trainers and let’s discuss how Adaptive Canine Training can help you.