Dog behaviourist

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A dog behaviourist is a person who works in modifying or changing behavior in dogs. They can be experienced dog handlers, who have developed their experience over many years of hands-on experience, or have formal training up to degree level. Some have backgrounds in veterinary science, animal science, zoology, sociology, biology, or animal behavior, and have applied their experience and knowledge to the interaction between humans and dogs. Professional certification may be offered through either industry associations or local educational institutions. There is however no compulsion for behaviorists to be a member of a professional body nor to take formal training.


While any person who works to modify a dog's behaviour might be considered a dog behaviourist in the broadest sense of the term, an animal behaviourist, is a title given only to individuals who have obtained graduate degrees in a related field and obtained post-graduate certification.[1] The professional fields and course of study for dog behaviorists include, but are not limited to animal science, zoology, sociology, biology, psychology, ethology, and veterinary science. People with these credentials usually refer to themselves as Applied Animal Behaviourists (PhD) or Veterinary Behaviorists (veterinary degree). If they limit their practice to a particular species, they might refer to themselves as a dog/cat/bird behaviorist.[citation needed]

While there are many dog trainers who work with behavioral issues, there are relatively few actual dog behaviorists. For the majority of the general public, the cost of the services of a dog behaviorist usually reflects both the supply/demand inequity, as well as the level of training they have obtained, generally making their fees cost-prohibitive. Professional behaviorists can be identified by the post-nominals "CAAB", indicating that they are Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists, or "AVSAB Certified", which represents the term, American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour Certified.[citation needed]


Behaviourism is the theory or doctrine that human or animal psychology can be accurately studied only through the examination and analysis of objectively observable and quantifiable behavioural events, in contrast with subjective mental states.[citation needed] A dog practitioner using a behavioural approach, regardless of title, typically works one-on-one with a dog and its owner. This may be carried out in the dog's home, the practitioner's office or the place where the dog is showing behavioural problems or a variety of these locations for different sessions during the treatment time. By observing the dog in his/her environment and skillfully interviewing the owner, the behaviourist creates a working hypothesis on what is motivating, and thus sustaining, the behaviour. Office bound behaviourists may be disadvantaged when it comes to assessing behavioural modification, as the dog may act very differently in different locations and interviewing owners, no matter how thorough, may not provide enough details. After establishing a motivating cause, the practitioner will develop a step-wise, goal-based plan to alter the behaviour in stages, continue their work with the pet owner to guide and make changes in the plan as the goals are met (or not) and conclude with a final write up of the case and its outcome.[citation needed]

The methods and tools of the behaviourist will depend on several factors including the dog's temperament, the behaviourist's personal philosophy on training, the behaviourist's experience, and the behavioural problems being addressed. At one end of the spectrum, some behaviourists attempt to train dogs, refraining from the use of aversive or coercive methods (and the tools associated with them, such as choke, prong/pinch or electric shock collars, kicking, hitting, poking, staring, shaking, or rolling), choosing instead to rely on reward-based methods. Dog behaviourists and dog trainers with a knowledge of how to approach training in a behavioural way usually do not offer guaranteed results.[citation needed]

Other behaviourists believe that the use of verbal corrections, head collars, correction collars, or electric collars are necessary or useful when treating particular dogs or particular behavioural problems. The general philosophy in use is to avoid methods that could cause confusion, fear, pain and anything other than mild stressors.[citation needed] Dog trainers who use these techniques may or may not be utilising a behavioural approach and may or may not have an understanding of the science behind behaviour modification. Dog behaviourists who lack professional credentials are generally dog trainers who have developed their expertise for working with problem dogs over many years of hands-on experience. They may or may not have studied behaviour formally in college or any dog training school.[citation needed]

The differences between a dog behavioural problem and a dog training problem may be difficult for some dog owners to understand, due to the lack of a formal definition. At the same time, the dog training techniques utilised by dog trainers and behaviourists may often compete when considering which practitioner is better qualified to meet the dog's or owner's needs. The disciplines of dog trainers who follow a behavioural approach, informed by the study of the science of behaviour modification, is often juxtaposed against dog trainers who present themselves as experts at solving behavioural problems. The discussion and assessment, for some, may be more about appropriate methods and tools, rather than use of the term behaviourist. It is thought that dog trainers who study behaviour, tend to refrain from referring to themselves as behaviourists, because they are aware that the title would be inappropriate.[citation needed]

Professional associations[edit]

In order to assist dog owners and trainers understand and utilise this behavioural training or become certified in the practice, professional associations dedicated to the development of behavioural dog training offer tools to further their development. Different associations have different standards, goals, and requirements for membership. Board-certified veterinary behaviourists are required to pass a credentialing application and exam to be recognised as board-certified in the view of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Behaviourists may work and study towards formal accreditation with one of the many colleges providing training. Some associations might require accreditation to join, while others may require a declaration of intent for continuing personal development. Accreditation, may also be offered through local colleges and educational institutions.[citation needed]

See also[edit]


  1. ^ "Behaviorism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)". Retrieved 2013-06-18. 

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