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Valley dog trainer warns of scams in industry

Posted at 10:10 PM, Jan 06, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-07 11:27:56-05

People can find just about any service online, but when it comes to dog training, pet owners have to be extra careful about which company they choose.

A Valley dog trainer has some simple tips to make sure you choose a legitimate business.  

Valley law enforcement officials say anyone in Arizona can say they are a dog trainer without a certification, license or insurance. They say it’s buyer beware.

Owner of Arizona Dog Training, Dylan Blau, has been training dogs for eight years. He’s constantly posting ads on Craiglist, but says he sees a lot of companies that are not legitimate.

“It's pretty scary that you don't know who's out there and how legit they are,” said Blau. “This is their children, I have a lot of people who call them their children, their babies."

Blau specializes in doggy boot camps, working with behavioral and aggression issues, and fostering rescue dogs. As he does, it's common to board and live with the dog for over a month.

He's heard horror stories, including dogs coming home with wounds, sketchy company owners threatening clients for payment, even other companies posting fake reviews about his business.

“In Arizona, anyone can have a dog training company, and it really raises a lot of red flags for the industry,” Blau said.

When checking out a company, don't grab the first one you see on Craigslist.  Make sure they're listed by the Better Business Bureau, have a website, a Facebook page, and reviews and see if they're sponsored by any Valley organizations.

“Most importantly, how they make you feel," said Blau. “You should go meet them, the trainers and see their facility and their home.”

Because one bad experience can change a four legged friend forever.