Choosing a dog trainer can feel confusing. Every trainer seems to describe their methods differently, and the online arguments about training styles do not make it easier. The right trainer for your family should be honest about how they work, clear about what to expect and focused on your dog, not on a sales pitch.

Here is what we think is worth looking for, and what balanced training means for us at Acadia Canine Academy.

Ask how they actually train

A good trainer can explain their methods in plain language. Ask what happens when your dog gets something right, and what happens when it gets something wrong. If the answer is vague, or if the trainer avoids the question, keep asking.

We are a balanced program, and we would rather be upfront about that. Good training draws on all four ways dogs learn: adding something good, taking away something unpleasant, adding something the dog does not want and taking away something it does want. Every program we run uses all four, even simple leash walking on a flat collar.

What balanced does not mean

Balanced does not mean harsh. In our programs, rewards, play and your relationship with your dog do most of the work. Any correction is fair, low and clearly taught first, so your dog always knows how to get it right. A dog should never be corrected for something it has not been taught.

Balanced also does not mean every tool is used on every dog. Tools like leashes, long lines, treats, toys and e-collars are just tools. What matters is how they are used and whether the dog understands what is being asked.

Look for honesty about results

Be careful with anyone who guarantees a specific outcome. Dogs are living animals, and behaviour can change with health, age and environment. A trustworthy trainer will tell you what is realistic for your dog, explain how progress will be measured and be honest when a problem needs more time or a referral to a veterinarian.

Expect to be part of the training

A trainer should be coaching you, not just your dog. Dogs stay trained when the people who live with them handle them the same way every day. Ask whether you will be at the sessions, what homework looks like and how the trainer helps you keep progress going between visits.

At ACA we train dogs and coach their families together. Each session ends with clear homework, and progress is tracked from one session to the next.

Watch how they handle your dog

Pay attention during a first session. Does the trainer read your dog's body language? Do they slow down when your dog is unsure? Do they explain what they are doing and why? A good trainer watches the dog, not just the plan.

Ask about their experience

It is fair to ask where a trainer learned and what kinds of dogs they have worked with. Our Founder and Head Trainer, Ryan R. McKenzie, has over a decade of experience, gained mostly in Ontario working with Mack Masos of Maso Mastiffs, before moving to Nova Scotia in 2025. Ryan is also the author of several practical training guides, including Old Dogs New Tricks.

Make sure the program fits your dog

A young puppy, a teenage dog that pulls and a dog that lunges at strangers all need different things. A good trainer will match the program to the dog. Our courses are built around those stages:

Questions to bring to a first meeting

  • How do you reward a dog, and how do you correct one?
  • What tools do you use, and how do you introduce them?
  • How will we measure progress?
  • What will I need to practise at home?
  • When would you refer a dog to a veterinarian?

Start with a conversation

The best way to find out whether a trainer is right for you is to meet them with your dog. Our consultations in Meteghan are $60 CAD per hour, and in-home sessions are $80 CAD per hour with travel included anywhere in Clare. You can read common questions in our FAQ, or contact us to set up a first session.