Guidelines for Choosing a Trainer or Behavior Consultant It would be rare to have an animal its entire lifetime without experiencing some type of behavior problem or training situation that might be helpful in managing your pet. Also, behavior problems are often complex and may require a more skilled professional with knowledge in animal behavior. So how do you know who to call? What’s the difference between the two? How can you assess their skills, training and education? The professional trainer Training professionals generally teach dogs skills such as sit, down, stay, recalls, and walking on lead. They may also help with other basic training issues. Some trainers are also educated in solving behavior problems. However, behavior problems can be complex, not all animal trainers are sufficiently educated in ethology, conducting behavior assessments, and learning theory, these types of situations should be referred to individuals that are more skilled so the animal’s welfare will be protected. You can expect to pay a fee for their instruction and prices may vary depending on your region and trainer’s expertise. The professional behavior consultant The behavior consultant assists in managing, resolving and educating pet owners how to prevent behavior problems. These specific problems may include aggression, fears and phobias, separation anxiety and housetraining. These types of problems are not going to be resolved through training classes or obedience instruction. The behavior consultant identifies the problem or conflict formulating a behavior modification plan that you implement to change any undesirable behavior. They not only provide the behavior modification plan, but also demonstrate how to implement any training recommendations or exercises necessary. Behavior consultants do not do the work for you, but rather work with you providing guidance that helps you achieve your goals.

Behavior consultants are often qualified to work with multiple species and some are qualified animal trainers. Behavior consultants should have a sufficient education in behavior and ethology, and specifically for any species, they may work with.

Behavior consultants also charge a fee for their services. Because behavior problems are complex, don’t expect free advice, tips or solutions over the phone or email in “25 words or less.”

Beware of “certification” credentials

Many organizations provide certification, often to individuals who are graduates from specific programs. In many cases, these certifications are not valid or credible and do not represent true professional certification.

You should look for independent certification programs without affiliation with any specific training program or school. Beware even within the independent testing organizations; the specific testing is often subjective as to its proof of proficiency. In addition, you should look for education in their field, experience, ethical criteria, letters of recommendation, testing or professional review of the individuals work.

You may also want to know whether the certifying body requires any academic or college education for certification. In the case of behavior consultants, these individuals have usually studied animal behavior at college or graduate levels making them more knowledgeable.

About using titles

Behavior consultants use a variety of professional titles. Two organizations allow behavior consultants the use of specific titles such as applied animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist. These organizations are the Animal Behavior Society and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Anyone can use other titles regardless of their expertise or education.

How to evaluate a trainer or behavior consultant

Ask trainers where and what kind of training they have received, how long they have been training, and type of experience they have. Ideally, you should want trainers who use pet friendly training methods and only suggest punishment as a last resort.

Ask behavior consultants where they received their education in behavior and where they learned to become a behavior consultant. You should consider whether they have received any academic training in animal learning and ethology and if they have received any supervised practical experience that might include working with a veterinarian specializing in animal behavior.

Insist on using trainers or behavior consultants who are members of professional organizations and continue pursuing education in their specific fields. This is a good indication they are interested in keeping current with any scientific advances in their field.

Other pertinent skills

You should also evaluate other skills that will be important to your success when selecting a trainer and/or behavior consultant. The following is a brief list.

• It’s important they have good communication and social skills and that you feel comfortable talking with.
• They should treat humans and animals with respect and empathy.
• They should belong to organizations that have ethical statements and training guidelines, ask what organizations general guidelines they follow. The Delta Society provides Professional Standards for Dog Trainers as an example.
• The trainer and behavior consultant should emphasize the importance of focusing and encouraging the right behavior, and rewarding with positive reinforcement using dog friendly training methods.
• Trainers and behavior consultants should emphasize the importance of you working with your dog, with their guidance, rather than offering to train the dog for you.
• Avoid trainers or behavior consultants offering guarantees. Unless your pet lives in a vacuum, no one can guarantee behavior or training outcomes. Offering guarantees of satisfaction with professional services is a completely different requirement.
• Ask if you can observe a training class or private session. Look for whether or not the dogs seem to be enjoying themselves. Make sure you are comfortable with any suggested training methods. It’s not likely you can observe a behavior consult, but you can ask for references i.e. veterinarians, other clients, shelters or rescue organizations.
• Avoid classes or trainers who promote choke collars, these tools are outdated and simply not necessary. There are other options available i.e. head collars or harnesses that are helpful when correctly behavior problems.
• If a trainer or behavior consultant asks you to do something uncomfortable to your pet, don’t be intimidated by them by giving in, rather tell them how you feel. Don’t allow them to do anything to your pet unless they tell you first what they are going to do and you agree.
• Make sure when you consult with a behavior consultant they encourage you to check with their veterinarian first. Often behavior problems are medical related and resolved with treatment.
• Most trainers and behavior consultants are not licensed nutritionists, use caution with anyone who suggests dietary or nutritional changes without the advice of your veterinarian or qualified pet nutritionist. Only veterinarians can prescribe pharmaceuticals for your pet.
• It won’t matter how good the trainer or behavior consultant is if you are not willing to follow through with training or behavior plans offered. Without training practice introduced into your everyday interaction with your pet, you will be unable to achieve any real results.

References

Hetts, Suzanne & Estep, Daniel. Raising a Behaviorally Healthy Puppy – A Pet Parenting Guide.

CO: Island Dog Press. 2005.

Responsible Dog & Cat
Training and Behavior Solutions
Joyce D. Kesling
P.O. Box 15992
Sarasota, Florida 34277
941-921-6624 ~ 941-587-2049

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Mahatma Gandhi 1869 – 1948
© Responsible Dog & Cat 2005

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