The three main categories of Dog Behavior Professionals:
Dog training in the United States is completely unregulated; there are no educational or ethical legal requirements for working dog trainers. While there are organizations who maintain certain educational and legal requirements for certified dog trainers, definitions of “ethical” and “educational” vary widely across groups.
Dog Trainers
Dog trainers teach you how to teach your dog. They teach a variety of things like tricks, life skills and sports.
Behavior Consultants
Behavior consultants teach you how to understand your dog’s behavior. They typically work with you to address undesirable dog behaviors, like reactivity or resource guarding. (Some trainers call themselves behavior consultants.)
- Selecting a Behavior Consultant American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
Veterinary Behaviorists
Veterinary Behaviorists are veterinarians with advanced training in understanding the connection between animal behavior and health. They work with you to investigate unusual dog behaviors, especially those with a suspected medical cause (like severe separation anxiety or aggression). Vet Behaviorists are regulated by veterinary licensing boards.
- What is a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist? American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Directories
Dog Trainers
Behavior Consultants
Behavior Consultants with a MS/PHD/Vet Degree
Veterinary Behaviorists
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