It’s a question I see asked all the time on forums and social media:

“Can I train my dog myself, or should I work with a trainer?”

People often ask this because they care. They want to do the right thing. They’re trying to work it out in a world full of conflicting advice.

My answer is always honest — and sometimes surprising.

Why I Don’t Recommend Training Completely on Your Own

I never recommend training entirely on your own. And that’s not because dog owners aren’t capable, committed or intelligent. It’s because we can’t see our own mistakes.

When you’re working with your dog, you’re focused on a hundred things at once. Your timing. Your cues. Your dog’s behaviour. What just happened. What might happen next.

In that moment, it’s very easy to miss the small details — and those small details are often the ones that matter most.

Even Trainers Need Trainers

Even as a qualified dog trainer, I wouldn’t dream of doing it alone.

When I was puppy training Meg and Pip, I worked with other trainers alongside me. Not because I didn’t know what I was doing, but because I knew how easy it is to miss things when you’re in the middle of it.

Your timing slips.
Your body language changes.
You accidentally reinforce something you didn’t mean to.

Your puppy responds… and suddenly you’re wondering why they’re doing what they’re doing.

Having another experienced set of eyes watching — and gently pointing out what you can’t see — is invaluable.

The Power of an Outside Perspective

A good trainer doesn’t just teach your dog. They support you.

They notice the tiny changes in posture, tone or timing.
They spot patterns before they turn into habits.
They help you understand what your dog is really responding to — not what you think is happening.

That outside perspective can make the difference between feeling stuck and suddenly having things click into place.

Working With a Trainer Isn’t Failing

Some people worry that asking for help means they’ve failed their dog.

I see it the other way around.

Choosing to work with a trainer shows commitment. It shows curiosity. It shows that you care enough to want to do things well, not just muddle through and hope for the best.

Training isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning — and learning is always easier with guidance.

Training Is a Shared Journey

Dog training isn’t a test you pass or fail. It’s a relationship you build over time.

Sometimes the most valuable thing a trainer offers isn’t a new technique, but a fresh perspective — helping you see what your dog is already telling you.

And that’s something none of us, no matter how experienced, should try to do alone 🐾