Woof Meow Pet Tip for April 14, 2025 at Star 977 with Don Hanson
< Updated 2025-04-14 >
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MIKE DOW: – Welcome to Woof Meow with Don Hanson here on Star 977. Don is among the most widely respected pet care professionals, and I have come to him with countless questions over the years and you will hear many of those answers here on Woof Meow.
DON HANSON: A few weeks ago, I discussed the importance of verifying a pet care professional’s ethics. Today, I want to stress the importance of selecting an ethical dog trainer or behavior consultant with a credential issued by an independent accrediting agency. Because neither of these professions is regulated, a practitioner can be ignorant about canine behavior, communications, and humane training and still take your money for these services. That’s not right. Fortunately, ethical individuals can voluntarily take examinations that assess their knowledge and skills in all these areas. If they are found competent, they can the be issued a credential. This is similar to a veterinarian getting a license after passing examinations. After the break, we’ll discuss the importance of continuing education.
MIKE DOW: – For 30 years, Don has been owner and operator of Greenacres Kennel Shop, 1653 Union Street in Bangor, offering pet supplies, boarding, grooming and training. Learn more at greenacreskennel.com and at the new website ForceFreePets.com.
DON HANSON: Most professionals, like attorneys, physicians, and veterinarians, must earn continuing education units to keep their licenses. The same is true for professional dog trainers and behavior consultants who hold a credential issued by an independent accreditation body. I have been in this profession for three decades, and what we know now versus what we thought we knew when I started has changed dramatically. If one is not keeping up with the science, one is not qualified to practice. When selecting a trainer or behavior consultant, ask to see their credentials, check out the organization that issued the credential, and then ask to see a list of the continuing education the individual has completed in the past two years. For more information check out my blog post – What To Look For In A Pet Care Professional–Part 2-credentials.
MIKE DOW: – Animal lovers listen for Woof Meow with Don Hanson each Monday at 4:20, and at various times during the week only on Star 977.
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