1. Look for trainers who use positive reinforcement for good behavior, rather than punishment for unacceptable behavior.  Check to be sure they don't have preconceived notions about your dog just because it's big.

2. Observe obedience class without your Bouvier. Are the animals and people having a good time? Talk with some participants after the class. If someone won't let you sit in on a class, don't enroll.

3. Look for classes of reasonable size...8 to 10 dogs is plenty for an instructor to keep track of.

4. Don't be afraid to tell a trainer to stop if she or he is doing something to your dog you don't feel comfortable with.

5. If a trainer tells you to do something that you don't feel good about, don't do it! Don't be intimidated, bullied, or shamed into doing something that you believe is not in your dog's best interest.

6. Avoid a trainer who yells at you or your dog.  Dog training should be fun for both of you.  Who wants to spend this time under more stress than is already inherent in a learning situation?

7. Avoid trainers who object to using food as a training reward. Food is an acceptable positive reinforcement-training tool.

8. Avoid trainers who won't let you use any training collar other than a choke chain. Martingale collars and Head collars are humane alternatives to choke chains.

9. If you plan to compete with your Bouvier, ask your trainer what titles they've put on their own dogs.  A trainer can't teach what he doesn't know.

10. Remember that although your Bouvier may look big at 6 month or even 24 months, he's not mentally a mature dog until about 3 years.