Basically …
Trainers teach you and your dog how TO DO something.
Behaviourists support you and your dog to NOT do something.
There can be different ‘titles’ for a behaviourist:
Some may use consultant or advisor – which generally means they have had many years of experience and qualifications within the field of dog behaviour and management.
There are also ‘Certified’ behaviourists – which generally means an organisation has assessed their practical experience and knowledge.
These organisations will have their own agendas of what standards, experience, skills and methods are acceptable. There are separate or affiliated organisations for trainers too.
The dog training and/or behaviour industry is unregulated, and there are some organisations that are linked to companies selling courses and will certify anyone who has completed one of these courses or paid to be a member of the organisation.
Anyone you choose to work with you and your dog will likely need careful consideration and any professionals should be happy to answer any questions surrounding their experience, qualifications and methods.
Experience, qualifications and methods.
Experience can vary greatly between professionals, but most work with dogs of all ages and breeds. Some people have greater expertise with certain breeds or groups, such as working dogs, terriers, sight hounds e.g.
Trainers.
Have qualifications surrounding how dogs learn, how to improve general obedience or address manners and they use a variety of methods.
There are also more specialist trainers for activities such as agility, scent work or gundog training.
A dog trainer may also have an understanding of, or work with dogs who have behavioural issues, but their focus is often on teaching new behaviours rather than addressing underlying behavioural concerns.
Behaviourists.
Have qualifications relating to all areas surrounding canine behaviour and management - brain & cognition function, genetics, biochemistry and environmental factors.
They will use a variety of methods such as counter conditioning, desensitisation, positive reinforcement and lifestyle/environmental considerations.
Some may have more specialist skills from education and experience within the fields of separation anxiety, resource guarding or reactivity/aggression concerns.
A behaviourist can often also advise on training issues and will focus on factors that may have an impact on behaviour, such as:
Medical – underlying conditions or medications; Emotional state- if fear, anxiety, frustration, or excitement play a role; Environment - the where, when, who; Reinforcement – positive or negative influences.
There can be a cross over, trainers can help with puppy problems and behaviourists can help with loose lead walking, for example, it depends on the reason behind the dog’s behaviour.
Both professionals play a crucial role in helping dogs become well-behaved and well-adjusted members of society. When choosing a professional, it’s important to look for someone who uses positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement is a method where a dog is rewarded with something they enjoy, immediately after performing a desired behavior and punishment is avoided. This method is promoted and supported by all welfare charities and British Veterinary association:
‘science tells us that reward-based training is the best way for dogs to learn
training with rewards is fun, and helps build a positive bond between dog and owner
owners that train using rewards report fewer behaviour problems in their dogs
reward-based training can help build confidence and encourage dogs to think for themselves.’
‘BVA and BSAVA support and recommend positive training methods as the most effective training intervention for companion animals in terms of health, welfare and behavioural outcomes.’
When it comes to the use of punishment or corrections to alter behaviour, all up to date scientific research concludes that punishment-led approaches can often intensify or create other behaviour problems in the long term.
Dogs’ behaviour is mainly influenced by their survival instincts – to eat, be safe and be social and cooperative to facilitate this; environment and emotions also play a part.
Using these factors to reinforce wanted behaviour or actions will lead a dog to repeat wanted behaviour. Hence why treats, praise and play works, alongside a safe and stable environment.
No dog is ‘bad’ or ‘naughty’ they just may not have had the right support and guidance.
Learning ability and past experiences may restrict a dog’s ability to cope with adapting to new or different behaviour.
Things to avoid.
Anyone who offers quick fixes or has videos demonstrating this.
Careful editing can make these results look impressive, but in the real world, positive change requires patience, understanding, and a good relationship between the dog and its guardian.
Anyone who uses harsh or aversive methods or equipment, such as punishment, shock or corrections; ‘tools’ including prong collar, grot collar, electric collar, check/choke chain, slip leads and certain head collars.
All of these cause discomfort, or are used to punish a dog, and although they may allow the handler to physically control a dog, it will not teach the dog the wanted behaviour.
All of this information may lead you to ask…
Why are you not certified?
Most accreditation bodies are self-appointed, they are not governed by any legislation or explicitly recognised by the British Veterinary Association. This does not give me much confidence in who I should choose to be affiliated with.
But you are a member of some professional bodies?
I have chosen organisations that fit my ethos – understanding the whole dog and support of scientific backed positive, force free methodology.
How would an owner know if your qualifications or experience are suitable?
My qualifications were provided by respected educational providers, specialising in dog behaviour and management. Many are linked to OFQUAL - a government body that
regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England to be of a high quality.
My professional experience spans approximately 20 years in different environments and scenarios, which has encompassed dogs of different breeds, backgrounds and ages, which has enabled me to gather practical knowledge.
What methods do you use?
Positive and force free – https://www.politepoochesessex.co.uk/post/why-i-use-certain-training-and-support-methods
If you want any advice about any behaviour concerns you have with your dog, or which professional would suit you and your dog best, please get in contact for a no obligation chat.
07979 44 88 49
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