What is the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviorist?

Dog trainers use a variety of methods to teach a dog and its owner a consistent set of signals that produce specific predictable outcomes in the dog. For example, after a dog trainer teaches the signal “Sit”, the dog and owner will both understand that it means one thing only … put your rump on the ground!

Dog trainers can teach simple behaviors or complicated behaviors, and good trainers can even teach your dog behavior chains. Remember the TV commercial in which a dog goes to the refrigerator, opens it, removes a can of beer and brings it back to his couch-potato owner? That dog was taught a behavior chain … a series of behaviors that must be completed in a specific order.

Good dog trainers are generally affiliated with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) or the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI).

Some trainers know enough about basic learning theory to be able to help modify simple problem behaviors such as digging and chewing.

One difficulty is that what often seems like a simple behavior problem is actually the symptom of a larger and much more complicated underlying problem. A dog trainer may be able to “put a Band-Aid” on the symptoms (i.e. barking or jumping up), but without having the knowledge, background or experience to identify and treat the underlying reason for the dog’s poor behavior, things can get worse for you and your dog in the long run.

As a dog owner, it is sometimes difficult to determine whether you have a simple problem that can be solved by a trainer, or have a more complex situation that requires an Animal Behavior Therapist (Behaviorist). If there is any doubt, it is best to at least have a phone conversation with a qualified behavior therapist so that they can help you determine whether your best avenue is to consult a dog trainer or a behaviorist.

Animal Behavior Therapists use techniques based on fundamental scientific principles to modify an animal’s behavior for the benefit of both the animal and the owner. They are specially trained and skilled in recognizing problems and their precursors such as aggression, separation anxiety, status-related conflicts with people or other dogs, and many other behavioral issues.

The Behaviorist will begin your consultation by asking a lot of questions that help them piece together your dog’s complete history and determine the cause of your dog’s problem. A good behaviorist will ask you to visit your veterinarian prior to an appointment so that medical conditions can be ruled out, since medical conditions are sometimes the cause of aggressive or erratic behavior in dogs.

Most behaviorists have been (or are currently) dog trainers and have often worked extensively in animal shelters where they gain a large amount of knowledge and experience working with abnormal and aggressive dogs (and, of course, there are many wonderful dogs in animal shelters and rescues that deserve loving homes!)

There is no standard credential or certificate to say that someone is a qualified behavior therapist, so many trainers have unfortunately taken on the role without sufficient experience or training.

It’s a good idea to ask about educational experience, specifically in the field of applied animal behavior with dogs, cats, horses or whatever species you need help with. It is also a good idea to find out who a behaviorist’s mentor is. They should be able to provide you with a reference of at least one other practicing behaviorist.

Behaviorists are almost always members of one or more of the following organizations … the IADBC (International Association of Dog Behavior Counselors), the ABMA (Animal Behavior Management Alliance), the ABS (Animal Behavior Society) or the ACABC (Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors). All of these organizations have entrance requirements and screening procedures for members, unlike other organizations that merely require that a person pay dues to belong.

Some of the educational programs that specifically train individuals to work with problem companion animals as behaviorists are: