Extortionate fees being charged by some dog trainers and behaviourists?

It has been drawn to my attention by clients that have approached me for help with their dogs, that an alarming number of owners have been ripped off by some trainers and behaviourists charging extortionate fees for relatively simple fixes. Many people of these people have sadly been misled or ‘influenced’ by apparently ‘flashy’  websites, Facebook images – even being targeted by ‘paid for views and other sponsored portals’  These days I guess it’s all about cookies and algorithms… but beware!

The caveat I have for any dog owner seeking help with their companion is the old proverb ‘A fool and his money are soon parted’. So do not believe everything you see on the net. These days countless businesses use both ‘pay for views’ and more worryingly – ‘pay for reviews’ to give the impression that they’re actually bigger or better than they actually are.

From what I’ve been told, some of these trainers and behaviourists, seem to think they are some sort of celebrity (well they must be, judging by the the amounts, they’re charging unsuspecting people for help with their pets (often rescued animals). With fees exceeding the top rates being charged by top lawyers and surgeons, that highly qualified teams supporting them. Many of those charging huge sums, endeavouring to get rich quick, don’ even have premises from which they train, and just offer a mobile service out of the back of a car or van. Neither do they have dogs of their own (which they have trained) that can assist with demonstrations.

Remember that both dog trainers and behaviourists in the UK are unregulated, despite what you may believe which in itself throws doubt into conversation, when people cite that they are qualified (even from establishments that may no longer exist). Be cautious, if they say they worked for the army, police, security, prison service etc – as this doesn’t necessarily mean that they were any good, it just means they were employed. Remember, no dog handler in any of these services was ever paid anything like £300 – £450 an hour while in service.

So before parting with your hard-earned cash, when researching potential people to help you, ask two simple questions (1) what have they done with their own dogs and (2) what have they achieved? These days, far too many trainers, have done little more than attending a course or two, then set themselves up as trainers, behaviourist or both.

There are charlatans out there, who will charge you anything from £300-£450 (or more) for an hour or two’s chat – with often unfulfilled promises or support.

Typical stories told we have told include:

• ‘This trainer came round to my home and chatted for a couple of hours without any demonstration, and charged me £300 for the privilege. Saying that I could telephone for additional advice, if I needed it. However, when I called, they made excuses about being too busy to help…’

• ‘A trainer came round and charged a fortune, and said that if I needed further help, I should just call them, when I did, the trainer said I’d have to Google that, and come back to them for an additional fee. I could have saved lots by simply Googling it myself. The trainer wanted me to sign up, and spend hundreds on some online training’

• ‘A behaviourist / trainer came round to help with my reactive dog. After chatting, then seeing actually how reactive my dog was. Made an excuse, and said I’ve got to go now, as I have another appointment and charged me £300’

• ‘This behaviourist / trainer came round for some help with our dogs, he was there for one and half hours, and basically said, just let them fight it out and they’ll be fine and charged £450’

• ‘You won’t be able to afford me luv, I charge £450!’

While you need to keep some perspective, when looking for help, that both trainers and behaviourist need to make some money to prosper and survive. Remember,  they’re most certainly not brain surgeons or rocket scientists – although looking at the fees some are charging – they’re clearly from another planet!

Our fees are clearly shown on this website with no hidden costs or nasty surprises!