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• The red flags that signal outdated or harmful dog training methods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 

https://www.ccpdt.

Holiday guests coming who don’t love your pets? Don’t miss the December 3rd Quick Fix bonus episode. Amy shares simple ways to set expectations, create boundaries, and shut down holiday drama before it even starts. Listen in and keep everyone in your house off the naughty list. 

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Pet parenting is tough, but we give you pet advice and real pet parenting solutions for the daily issues you’re facing. Each week, we share pet cost hacks and tips for pet care on a budget, along with smart ways to save money on pet care and pet food savings that really work. If you’re stressed about vet bills, unclear pet nutrition advice, dog anxiety, or cat anxiety, you’ll get practical support right away.

You'll hear expert pet advice on dog training and managing pet behavior, cat care insights, pet care advice, pet food safety tips, and strategies to keep multi-pet homes calm. We also cover pet nutrition advice, stress-free vet visits, home cleaning with pets, and simple shifts that help you protect your wallet without sacrificing your pet’s wellbeing.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with your pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro