Behaviorist vs Trainer
Behaviorist vs Trainer (What is the difference)
Lets look at both of these titles......is there a difference in them - yes there is!
To understand the right option for you it is important to know the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviourist.
A dog trainer is a skilled expert that can help you to teach your dog a wide range of tasks and cues whereas a dog behaviourist is an expert in behavioural issues that run far deeper than the relatively simple inability to stop barking, keep still or walk on a loose lead etc
Dog trainers often work with the guardians more than the dogs, they teach the guardians how to get their dog to respond to and achieve cues as well as to perform certain actions that don't come naturally to a dog.
Most training is done by teaching classes as well as private sessions for the guardians with their dog and the success of a dog trainer's program depends on the human's compliance with that program. Very often training classes are full of owners and dogs that struggle to cope in this type of environment so the trainer will look to do 121 sessions with them instead which is often much more successful for all involved.
Some dog trainers can provide more advanced dog training, they often undergo full training courses designed for specific types of training or may only have generalised training.
A dog trainer can help you to train your dog to be the perfect companion in things such as
*loose leash walking
*jumping up
sit/down/stay/leave etc
A dog trainer can provide basic obedience training with the owner or provide training for activities such as
*agility
*search and rescue
*working with livestock
*protection services
*therapy
*law enforcement
*gundog trials
A dog behaviourist works with the guardian to help manage and prevent certain behaviour problems. They are trained in the field of canine behaviour and learning using up to date scientific knowledge. Again they may have qualifications and/or training in specific behaviour areas such as
*Aggression
*Resource guarding
*Rescue work
*Zoopharmacognosy
*Body language
*T-Touch
*Separation anxiety
A dog behaviourist will work to understand why the dog is behaving in a specific way, why they are thinking a specific way. They will do a full evaluation with you and your dog to find reasons for the behaviours by examining things such as environment, diet, energy, medical to form an overall picture of the situation and work with the owner and dog to ultimately change the dog's thought process to ultimately help the dog to be more relaxed and happy in it's surroundings.
A dog behaviourist isn't interested in general training, they are only interested in finding the root cause of the behaviour and finding a solution to help that dog live a happier life.
A dog behaviourist will also often work closely with your vet should there be a medical component to the behaviour issue.
When you need a dog behaviourist not a trainer
There can be many reasons for a dog to display certain behaviours.
There could be another dog or other type of pet in the home making them feel uncomfortable. If you have adopted a dog that has lived in another home, it may have developed problems before coming to you, of course, the behaviour may have been made worse if they have been kennelled whilst at a rescue centre. The dog may have come in from another country where they have never been inside a home or had very little human contact. You may have taken on a dog that isn't the right 'fit' for you as a family or home environment due to size, breed or energy levels.
There are also situations where a behaviourist can work alongside a trainer ie if a dog has issues with hyperactivity or no impulse control when out on a walk, this is where the behaviourist will do the evaluation/assessment and then refer back to the trainer with the findings and what they feel the dog needs by way of further training.
When looking for either of the above you should always do your research. Make sure that they are
*completely force and fear free in their methods,
*that they are qualified to a level high enough to deal with your requirements,
*that they can back up any qualifications they state they have with evidence
*that you check their reviews on social media
check that these reviews are left by actual clients not friends of the person you are researching
*where possible they are affiliated to the right bodies/organisations
If your gut instinct is telling you from witnessing a session with them that something isn't right then call it a day and seek advice from someone else!
It is really important to understand that dogs with emotional problems behave in many ways that we see as bad behaviour. There is no good or bad behaviour in a dog's world - only behaviour!
