Is It a Red Flag if My Dog Trainer Has a Reactive Dog?

If you’re looking for a dog trainer and notice they have a reactive or challenging dog, you might wonder: Is this a red flag? The short answer? Not necessarily. In fact, it could be a sign that you’ve found someone truly dedicated to their craft.

Not Every Dog Is Easy, Even for Trainers

Being a dog trainer doesn’t mean you only work with easy dogs or that every dog in your care will be perfect. In reality, many trainers choose to take on difficult dogs because they believe in giving every dog a chance. Owning a reactive dog doesn’t mean a trainer lacks skill—it means they’re willing to put in the work, just like they expect from their clients.

Taking on a challenging dog is also a way to improve their skills. Yes, having a "perfect" dog creates lazy trainers who lack compassion. 

A True Trainer Works on the Problem, Not Avoids It

Why your dog trainer has a reactive dog is more important than the fact that they have one. Some trainers take in reactive dogs because they believe in helping the most challenging cases, while others choose to take on challenging dogs because it's a way to improve their skills as a trainer. Understanding the trainer's approach and dedication to improvement tells you much more about their skills and values than simply knowing they own a reactive dog.

A great trainer doesn’t give up on a dog because they’re challenging. They find ways to improve behaviour, build trust, and help the dog succeed. If a trainer has a reactive dog but is actively working with them, that shows commitment, patience, and experience. These are the very qualities you want in someone guiding you through your dog’s behaviour struggles.

The Real Red Flag? Trainers Who Give Up Too Soon

The bigger concern is a trainer who is quick to recommend euthanasia for behavioural challenges. While some extreme cases require difficult decisions, putting a dog down because they are reactive, fearful, or aggressive shouldn’t be the first solution. Every dog deserves a fair chance, especially if they have someone willing to put in the effort to help them.

Trainers Should Be Leading by Example

The average dog owner doesn’t always have the knowledge or tools to help a truly reactive dog. That’s why dog trainers should be the ones working with these dogs. Seeing a trainer handle their own challenging dog shouldn’t necessarily make you question their ability—it should make you admire their dedication. It takes courage to work on a difficult case while being under public scrutiny.

Don’t Judge—Respect the Effort

Many trainers could easily put their challenging dogs down to avoid embarrassment. But the ones who keep working with them, despite the judgment, are the ones who truly believe in what they teach. If anything, this shows that they have firsthand experience with the struggles their clients face. These trainers should have more compassion and understanding when dealing with you.

So, if you see a trainer with a reactive dog, don’t assume they aren’t good at what they do. Instead, recognise the effort, patience, and expertise it takes to work through challenges—because that’s exactly the kind of trainer you want on your side.