Do I Need a Trainer, a Behaviorist, or a Veterinary Behaviorist?

Behavior reflect’s an individual’s genetics, early environment, life experiences, current and past health and nutrition, and training history. Behavior professionals support healthy relationships between people and pets. Each category of professional brings different skills to the table.

When choosing a professional to add to your dog’s healthcare team, it is helpful to understand the roles of different professionals, how they are (or are not) certified, whether they must maintain up-to-date continuing education, and whether they adhere to a designated professional code of ethics.

What is a dog trainer?

Dog trainers have varying levels of knowledge and experience and most work directly with families to help create a good pet-person relationship. Many trainers work with multiple species — not just with dogs. Training is not legally regulated; there are no licenses or certifications required for an individual to be called an animal trainer. Formal education is available but not required for dog trainers. Some trainers may be entirely self-taught, while others are formally educated. Trainers can vary from experts who are incredibly skilled to beginners just starting their careers.

Several professional schools award certificates to their students upon graduation. Other organizations offer voluntary examinations or memberships. These certifications or memberships may be listed as letters after the trainer’s name or listed on their website or resume. The table later in this handout shows some of the most common certificates and designations for trainers.

Trainers offer a wide range of services, including group classes, individual lessons or coaching, house calls, and virtual coaching. Some trainers specialize in specific areas such as general manners and pet skills, family interactions, dog-dog interactions, sports like obedience or agility, service dog training, and veterinary care and grooming.

What is a behavior consultant?

The term “behavior consultant” is somewhat general, as it can be used by anyone regardless of their own training, education, or background. Similarly, the term “behaviorist” does not indicate any specific qualification or level of education unless it is preceded by a qualifier such as the ones described in the sections below (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist; Veterinary Behaviorist). Behavior consultants, like trainers, may be self-taught or may have attended classes or earned certification titles through one of many, typically self-governed. organizations.

Behavior consultants generally focus on modifying behaviors, including behaviors with an emotional component, rather than teaching specific skills. Concerns addressed by behavior consultants might include therapy plans for mild fears or context-specific, low-level aggressive behaviors (e.g., hiding, lunging, barking, or biting).

Note: Certification requirements for trainers and behavior consultants are not standardized, so it is important to carefully research the individual’s educational background and learn the specific types of interventions they will apply to be sure their approach is both humane and science-based. Ask your veterinarian for a personalized reference.

What are applied animal behaviorists?

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAAB) and Associate Applied Animal Behaviorists (ACAAB) are certified through the Animal Behavior Society. Individuals must hold an advanced degree (PhD, DVM, MS) in a biological or behavioral science with an emphasis on animal behavior, and have five years of professional experience in applied animal behavior or a veterinary degree with two years of a residency and three years of experience in applied animal behavior.

The certification process is rigorous and requires expertise in animal behavior, training, and behavior modification. Applied animal behaviorists are qualified to evaluate simple and complex behavioral concerns and are also skilled at designing behavior modification protocols to address these concerns.

Unless they are veterinarians, CAABs are not qualified to identify or treat physical problems. Since physical and behavioral illnesses are often linked, it is important that you, your CAAB, and your veterinary team all communicate.

What is a veterinary behaviorist (DACVB)?

The term “veterinary behaviorist” is specific to veterinarians with advanced training in behavior. Their training program includes:

1. Doctoral degree in veterinary medicine
2. Internship in clinical practice
3. 3–5-year residency training program
4. Passing a comprehensive board examination
5. Applying and qualifying for certification by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

When all these requirements have been met, the board-certified veterinarian is referred to as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB).

Veterinarians who are board certified in animal behavior have expert understanding of both the physical and emotional factors that contribute to an animal’s behavior. If a pet’s sudden change in behavior is related to an organic illness, such as house soiling secondary to a bladder infection, a DACVB can address these issues on both fronts. The DACVB can prescribe therapy for a physical diagnosis (e.g., antibiotic, pain medication), and/or a behavioral diagnosis (e.g., anti-anxiety medication), and can also prescribe environmental and behavior modifications needed for a positive outcome.

DACVBs work together with you, your pet, and your primary care veterinary team. For some situations, a trainer or behavior consultant may be added to the team for additional, hands-on support.

What is a veterinary technician specialist in behavior (VTS Behavior)?

Veterinary technicians, after earning their technician license or certificate, may choose to pursue advanced training in a specialty field. A VTS Behavior technician (veterinary technician specialist in behavior) has been certified by the Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians.

To earn the VTS Behavior, the technician must complete at least 4,000 hours of professional behavior and training experience and must then pass a comprehensive board examination.

VTS behavior technicians understand the science behind behavior and are skilled at applying humane techniques for the prevention and treatment of behavioral concerns in pets. A VTS Behavior can be a valuable part of the overall training and behavioral treatment team.

How do I choose the right behavior professional?

Many qualified people are waiting to help you and your dog, so take time to choose the person who best suits your needs. Many dogs have a team of helpers: a trainer, a consultant, and a CAAB/DACVB/VTS Behavior.

• If your dog has no concerning behaviors and needs basic training (e.g., life skills, leash walking, house training, manners, obedience, or agility), start with a trainer.
• If your dog or cat has mild, concerning behaviors (e.g., mild fears, low-level destructive behavior, difficulty being home alone, excessive barking), consider a behavior consultant.
• If the intensity of your pet’s behavior concerns you; if there is any concern for the safety of you, your pet, or other people or animals; if your pet shows signs of physical discomfort or illness; or if there is a sudden change in behavior, it is best to start with a DACVB or CAAB. CAABs need to work closely with your other veterinarians, as physical health can affect the expression of many behaviors.

You may need to travel or work virtually for a while to find the right help. Remember that your veterinarian is there to provide advice and can refer you to another professional as needed.

Before hiring a trainer or consultant, look at their resume and testimonials. Read about their ethics and methods. Find someone who focuses on positive training methods and does not attempt to confront or intimidate your pet. Avoid trainers who suggest you need to induce pain or use force (prong or shock collars). Similarly, avoid trainers who suggest there is a need “dominate” your dog or make him “submit,” as this is outdated information. Trainers and consultants should have an open-door policy and allow you to visit or observe a class or session before you decide to hire them.

Is a group class or private consultation better for my dog?

A group class is an excellent place to begin if your family is interested in manners, house training, leash walking, and teaching your dog to follow basic cues such as sit, wait, and come. Group classes provide instructions and some direct coaching. These classes also give you the opportunity to practice handling your dog in an environment where distractions can be safely managed before you ask them to follow instructions in the “real world.”

To benefit from a group class, dogs should be comfortable around strangers and other dogs, should not be inclined to lunge at other people or dogs, and should be able to settle reasonably well in new environments. Dogs that are easily frightened or overly excited might do better in a private training setting to get them started.

One-on-one consultation and coaching is a good choice if your dog barks at or lunges at other dogs or people, is uncomfortable leaving home, or has specific, low-level fears. Some dogs start with private consultations and then change to group lessons or classes, while other dogs only need private consultations and will never attend group classes.

You and your dog may benefit from a blended team, in which you may attend puppy socialization class for manners and have a home coach for house training and staying home alone. You may add a DACVB if your puppy is very afraid of thunder or is not succeeding as expected in training class. A team approach is often best.

What should I expect from a trainer or behavior professional?

Pet families should expect to receive good information and coaching from any professional they include in their care team. No amount of training or behavior modification will make a dog into “not a dog.” A certain amount of digging, chewing, and barking are normal! Skilled professionals can help clients differentiate between normal and abnormal behaviors, and guide families through the process of training and behavior modification to achieve good results.

Results depend on the client having the right knowledge and dedicating their time, patience, and persistence to helping the dog succeed. The more dedicated you are to the process, the more likely you are to reach a positive outcome.