The difference between a behaviourist and trainer
When it comes to choosing a dog trainer or dog behaviourist, there’s a lot of confusion. I get it. A while back, I was pretty clueless, too. But there are distinct differences between the two that you should be aware of.
While you should ultimately try to pick the right person first time round for the welfare of you and your dog, don’t panic too much – it’s easy to mistake a behavioural issue for a training one and vice-versa. Luckily, any decent trainer or behaviourist will refer you to the other if necessary. And just to make things even more confusing, some people like me are qualified to do both!
Read on for the main differences between a dog trainer and dog behaviourist.
A dog trainer teaches basic life skills and awesome tricks
Think of them as masters of the “how”. They can help dogs of all ages learn how to sit and settle, walk nicely on the lead and come back to you when called. And they can also teach you and your dog how to do fun stuff, like agility and scentwork. Plus, well-organised dog training classes can be ideal for puppy socialisation and encouraging your dog to remain engaged with you around distractions.
A dog behaviourist digs deeper into the cause of unwanted behaviour
Some dog behaviour issues can’t be resolved with training because dogs need to learn to feel differently about a particular thing or situation, rather than just learn to “sit” when that thing comes around. And that’s where a dog behaviourist comes in. They focus on the “why”, examining your dog’s entire life to determine why they’re behaving in a certain way and how you can change that. Emotional and psychological issues like separation anxiety, aggression and compulsive behaviour would all be dealt with by a canine behaviourist.
Instead of a simple class or one-to-one appointment, they will have a lengthy consultation with you to find out more about your dog’s history, lifestyle and the behaviour in question. They will use this information to diagnose the behaviour, its motivation and reinforcement. Then, they will write up a report explaining the reasons behind your dog’s behaviour and give you a plan for how to help your dog cope with and overcome the issue. Sometimes, an element of one-to-one dog training will be involved. But before you get to that point, they may advise changing parts of your dog’s home environment and lifestyle in order to help you manage the behaviour and keep everyone as safe and stress-free as possible.
Dog trainers and behaviourists tend to have different levels of knowledge
While anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist (more on that later), behaviourists will usually have obtained a degree-level qualification or be on their way to obtaining one. This is to show that they have gained adequate knowledge in the likes of psychology, neuroscience and canine ethology to take on behaviour cases.
They will also usually have spent time gaining practical experience, whether by shadowing other behaviourists, volunteering at a rescue centre, or taking on their own cases under the supervision of an experienced mentor. Throughout their career, they will continue to study, perhaps taking courses in a specialism such as aggression or separation anxiety or attending animal behaviour conferences.
Lots of trainers will have qualifications, too, though these may not be at a degree level. But training qualifications don’t tend to go as in-depth as trainers simply don’t require that level of knowledge. Unfortunately, not having a deep understanding of canine behaviour can result in dog behaviour problems worsening, which is why any dog professional should only take on cases they are qualified in and feel confident with.
Dog behaviourists work with your vet
More and more behaviourists are now only taking on cases with veterinary referral. That means your vet will need to sign a referral form and usually disclose your dog’s medical history. Why? Because there are plenty of medical reasons for “unwanted” behaviour and behaviourists need to ensure that potential health issues have been ruled out before they step in.
They will remain in contact with your vet while they work with you and your dog and may refer you back to your vet if they feel further testing or discussions about medication are worthwhile. However, they are not in a position to advise on or prescribe any form of medication – this is entirely the responsibility of a vet.
In a nutshell
If you’re looking for help with the following, see a trainer:
* Loose lead walking
* Recall
* Jumping up
* House training
* Basic skills, like sitting, staying and settling
And if you think your dog might have anything like the following, head straight to a dog behaviourist:
* Fear or anxiety, including separation anxiety
* Aggression or “reactivity”
* Guarding
* Obsessive-compulsive behaviour, like spinning or shadow chasing
Some dog behaviour issues, like excessive barking, can fall under both categories, depending on the cause. So if you’re not sure who can help with your dog’s behaviour, a trainer or behaviourist will be able to advise. And sometimes, after examining and investigating the problem, they may realise that they’re not the best person to help and direct you elsewhere.
While the industry currently has no regulation, things may soon be changing. But in the meantime, there are a number of reputable organisations that trainers and behaviourists can join to show their commitment to upholding certain standards. The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) acts like a regulator for the entire industry. Its member organisations include:
* Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)
* Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
* Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC)
* International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC)
* Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT)
* The Canine Behaviour & Training Society (TCBTS)
So it’s a good idea to look for someone who’s a member of one of the above. Similarly, the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN) has a directory of reputable force-free behaviourists.
As for me? I have a degree-level qualification in canine behaviour and am a provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist member of the APBC. Provisional members have demonstrated that they have the appropriate level of knowledge and understanding for the professional role of Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB). They are now gaining the practical experience necessary to be assessed as a CAB and therefore become a full member of the APBC. The APBC supports its provisional members undertaking behaviour consultations.
I also spent years gaining a variety of practical experience before working on my own. I shadowed (and still do shadow) experienced behaviourists and volunteer for rescue organisations, helping both dogs in kennels and their new families.
I’m excited to continue learning throughout my life and other professionals should be, too. So no matter who you choose, do your research on their qualifications, background and methods and opt for a trainer or behaviourist who you feel comfortable with.
