Do I Need A Dog Trainer or Behaviourist?

Whether you adopted a rescue dog or got your adorable puppy from a breeder, your new fluffy family member will need training – either by a professional or from yourself. There’s a lot of buzz words going around in the marketing world of dog training so it’s important to understand what it all means and how to navigate a non-regulated industry.

To put it simply, you’ll 98% of the time will need a dog trainer. A dog behaviourist (or behaviorist if you’re American) is someone with a PHD, so likely a vet that also specializes in dog behaviour. When trainers without a PHD call themselves behaviourists, they’re using a trendy word so it’s important to ask specifically what they do and their education background when you’re in the interviewing process.

At Born 2B Wild Pet Services, we are dog trainers and ferrel rehabilitationist. Which is also confusing because we get mixed up with experts in dog physio therapy. Make it make sense! For us, we take ferrel dogs from all over the world and rehabilitate them to domesticated life, ready for adoption. We work with the adoption agencies and families to make sure the pairing works and we give these beautiful animals a second chance. So that’s the basic explanation, let’s get into the nitty gritty, shall we?

The Role of a Dog Trainer:

A dog trainer is more than just an obedience instructor; they are behaviour specialists (there’s that buzz word, thanks SEO!) who work with dogs and their owners to address various issues and enhance the overall well-being of the canine companion. Their main responsibilities include:

1. Obedience Training: Teaching basic commands such as sit, stay, and come  – all the basics as well as more advanced commands tailored to the individual needs of the dog and owner.
2. Behavior Modification: Addressing and correcting undesirable behaviors such as aggression, excessive barking, chewing, and leash pulling through positive reinforcement techniques. These techniques include, clicker training, service dog training, behaviour modification, *big breath* search and rescue, trick training, protection training.. you get it.
3. Socialization: Introducing dogs to various environments, people, and other animals to ensure they become well-adjusted, confident, and friendly. We work in person with our clients and go to troubled areas such as dog parks and work alongside the owner and their dog.
4. Assistance with Specific Issues: Providing guidance for specific issues like separation anxiety, fear, or phobias through personalized training plans.

Qualifications of a Dog Trainer:

When seeking a dog trainer, it’s essential to look for certain qualifications to ensure that you and your canine companion receive the best care. With that being said, also take into account that dog training is not a regulated industry. Below are some things to look for and take a quick look at our own trainers.

1. Certification: A reputable dog trainer should be certified by a recognized organization such as the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Certification indicates that the trainer has undergone a rigorous evaluation of their skills and knowledge. Another thing to keep in mind, these certifications are done online and there aren’t in person tests to take WITH a dog (at least where we are in Toronto, Canada).
2. Experience: Look for a trainer with a proven track record of successfully working with various breeds and behaviour issues. Experience often translates into a deeper understanding of canine behavior and effective training methods. Read their reviews when you google them and word of mouth is the best way to get someone you can trust. We love our clients and they’re our best forms of advertisement!
3. Positive Reinforcement Techniques: A skilled dog trainer should emphasize positive reinforcement methods, using rewards and praise to encourage desired behaviors. Avoid trainers who rely heavily on punishment-based methods, as these can be detrimental to your dog’s well-being. Aggressive training can cause aggressive behaviour.
4. Continuing Education: The field of dog training is continually evolving, with new research and techniques emerging. A good trainer should be committed to staying updated on the latest developments through workshops, seminars, and ongoing education.

Interviewing a Dog Trainer:

Before entrusting your beloved pet to a trainer, it’s crucial to ask the right questions during the interview process. Here are some key inquiries:

1. What Training Methods Do You Use? Ensure the trainer utilizes positive reinforcement techniques and avoids harsh punishments that can harm the bond between you and your dog.
2. Can You Provide References or Success Stories? Ask for testimonials or success stories from previous clients to gauge the trainer’s effectiveness and reliability.
3. How Do You Tailor Training to Individual Dogs? Each dog is unique, and a good trainer should customize their approach based on the individual needs, temperament, and learning style of your dog. Be careful when a trainer tells you they can 100% get rid of a bad behaviour. It’s an ongoing process between you and your dog and it is only gone 100% of the time based on the practice of the owner, not a quick session with a trainer.
4. What Certifications and Education Do You Have? Verify the trainer’s qualifications, certifications, and ongoing education to ensure they are well-equipped to handle various training scenarios.

Choosing the right dog trainer is a crucial step in ensuring a harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend. By understanding the responsibilities of a dog trainer, knowing the essential qualifications to look for, and asking the right questions during the interview process, you can embark on a positive training journey that enhances the well-being and happiness of both you and your canine companion. Now…

What Is A Dog Behaviourist?

A dog behaviorist is a professional who specializes in analyzing and addressing complex behavioral issues in dogs. Unlike trainers who primarily focus on obedience and tricks, behaviourists work to uncover the root causes of behavioural problems and develop tailored solutions. Their responsibilities include:

1. Behavioral Assessment: Conducting in-depth assessments to identify the underlying factors contributing to a dog’s behavioral issues, such as aggression, anxiety, or fear. A lot of the time it’s due to a medical condition and that’s when you want the expertise of a behaviourist.
2. Creating Behavior Modification Plans: Developing personalized behaviour modification plans that address the specific needs of the dog, taking into account their temperament, history, and environment. Many of them are vets and may prescribe medication if it’s needed.
3. Consulting with Owners: Working closely with dog owners to understand their concerns, provide education on canine behavior, and teach effective management strategies.
4. Implementing Positive Reinforcement Techniques: Utilizing positive reinforcement methods to encourage desired behaviors and reshape negative ones, fostering a healthier and more positive relationship between the dog and their owner.

When seeking the services of a dog behaviorist, it’s crucial to ensure they possess the right qualifications to address the complexity of behavioral issues. Key qualifications include:

1. Advanced Education: Look for behaviorists with advanced degrees in animal behavior, psychology, or a related field, someone who has a PHD or even masters. A solid educational background ensures a deep understanding of canine behaviour and the ability to apply scientific principles in behaviour modification.
2. Collaboration with Veterinarians: If they aren’t already a vet, they would have a strong collaboration with veterinarians. It indicates a holistic approach to addressing behavioural issues and can work closely to see if there are medical issues causing certain behaviours.

So Yeah, You’ll Probably Just Need A Dog Trainer

We hope this cleared things up and didn’t leave you more confused than when you started. To get around the trendy words, there are 100% dog trainers that SPECIALIZE in dog behaviour and that’s totally acceptable. We are in that group as well. Find someone who listens, understands your needs and can communicate how to bring calm to your home.