WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PET TRAINER
AND AN ANIMAL BEHAVIOARIST?

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Many people are confused over the difference between an animal behavior consultant and an animal trainer. What is the difference and does it matter? Yes, it does matter but the gap has been closing. Many animal behavior consultants are also trainers, but not all; most trainers are not animal behavior consultants.

Animal behavior has only been a recognized profession for only about ten to fifteen years. For those of us involved in the business longer than that (over 30 years for me), it has been a frustrating path to get understanding as to what it is that we do!

Animal behavior deals with behavior, causes, and contributing factors that influence it. Behavior consultants look at environment, socialization, breeding, diet, health or medical background, previous training (or lack of) and other dynamics in the home. With this information they will customize a program to stop, prevent, or change certain behaviors of pets.

Owner's are trained to use behavior modification techniques too, in most programs. As with animal trainers, there are no universally recognized organizations that license or certify behaviorists, (fairly new exceptions are the board certification in the veterinary field and degrees in the field of animal behavior consultants along with a couple of animal behavior organizations who will offer certification for a fee and a test). Most behavior problems such as chewing, digging, barking, separation anxiety, aggression, and house training need a behavior consultant not a trainer.

Consultants help the animal to learn, not to just respond, and they recondition or retrain appropriate behavior. Sometimes there will be alternative therapy or psychopharmacology prescribed with the assistance of your veterinarian. They get to the root of the problem instead of addressing a symptom. Each animal and program is designed for the specific animal and situation surrounding the behavioral challenge. Things are starting to change as most behaviorists now have formal education in what they do.

Pet trainers usually apprentice and learn from another trainer with hands-on experience and coaching. Recently some training groups began to offer specialty classes that focus on specific types of training. Many private organizations and facilities recently began holding formal training programs that include some behavior oriented training.

Search for someone who has both practical and theoretical knowledge so you and your pet will have the best of both worlds. Be sure to find someone who you and your pet are comfortable with. Each person and animal will have different needs so spend some quality time looking. Select someone who you feel is professional and personable. This relationship is an important one.

Please understand that some trainers will have basic knowledge of behavior and some behaviorists will have a basic knowledge of animal training. When you are working with a trainer, look for help from someone who does not use force techniques, pain, or archaic tools such as prong/pinch collars, chokes, etc. Animals do not learn well if they are fearful or if the methods are harsh. Also, don't pick someone who treats animals all the same--they aren't!

As a final note, remember to use care and caution if you are looking for help with aggression. In aggression cases you should never use aggressive, or harsh techniques, since it will only make matters worse. Ask questions on the background and methods of training when searching for anyone to help you. And don't forget that the earlier you start dealing with problem behaviors, the easier they are to get rid of!

If you are experiencing a pet behavior problem help is just a phone call away! Click here to book your phone appointment with an animal behaviorist now.