Did you know that the field of dog training and behavior consulting is entirely unregulated? This means that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behavior consultant without needing any formal education, certification, or experience. While some professionals have invested years in studying animal behavior and earning credentials, others may lack the knowledge and skills required to train effectively and humanely. This lack of regulation puts the responsibility on dog owners to carefully research and vet potential trainers to ensure they are qualified, use science-based methods, and prioritize the well-being of dogs.
Finding the right professional to help with your dog’s training or behavioral needs is an important decision. With so much information available online, it can feel overwhelming to wade through countless opinions, methods, and recommendations to figure out what is right for you and your dog. It’s natural to feel unsure about where to start or how to identify trustworthy resources. This guide aims to provide clarity, help you navigate your options, and empower you to make informed decisions that align with your values and your dog’s well-being.
What’s the Difference Between a Dog Trainer and a Behavior Consultant?
Dog Trainer: A dog trainer focuses on teaching general obedience and skills such as sit, stay, and recall. They help with manners like leash walking or polite greetings and often work with dogs of all ages. Trainers also work with nuisance behaviors like jumping, counter surfing and leash pulling. Training is typically geared toward building a foundation of good behavior through practice and repetition. A credential that follows a reputable training program is highly recommended. These include the CTC from the Academy for Dog Trainers and KPA-CTP by Karen Pryor Academy.
Behavior Consultant: A behavior consultant addresses more complex issues like fear, aggression, separation anxiety, reactivity or resource guarding. They focus on identifying the root causes of problem behaviors and developing tailored behavior modification plans. Their work is often more specialized and may involve collaboration with veterinarians or other professionals if medical factors are contributing to the behavior. One of the most respected behavior credentials is CDBC from IAABC followed closely by CBCC-KA from CCPDT.
Specialty Certifications: A trainer or a behavior consultant may have one or more specialty certifications. If you have an infant or toddler, we recommend trainers who have earned the Family Paws Parent Educator certification. If you have a dog with separation anxiety, Malena DiMartini’s CSATs or Julia Naismith’s SAPROs are excellent choices.
Start with Education and Experience
Step 1 is to understand your trainer or behavior consultant's qualifications.
Certifying & Credentialing Bodies to Know
There are many certifying and credentialing organizations. Below are a few of the most respected in the positive reinforcement area.
Website | Organization Name | Specialty | Credentials | Find a Professional | Ethics Statement Link |
Academy for Dog Trainers | Training, Behavior | CTC | |||
Animal Behavior College | Dog Training | ABCDT | |||
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) | Training, Behavior | CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA | |||
Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers (CSAT) | Separation Anxiety | CSAT | |||
Family Paws Parent Educators | Families with Kids and Dogs | FPPE | |||
Fear Free® Pets | Training | Fear Free Certified Professional | |||
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) | Training, Behavior | CDBC, ADT | |||
Julia Naismith SAPro | Separation Anxiety | SAPRO | |||
Karen Pryor Academy | Training, Behavior | KPA-CTP | |||
Pet Professional Guild | Training, Behavior | PPG Member, PPAB Credentialing |
After education and experience, the next question to ask is ethics.
Ethics in Dog Training
When choosing a dog trainer or behavior consultant, understanding their ethical stance is crucial. Ethical training prioritizes the well-being and safety of both dogs and their handlers. There is no regulation of ethical standards in the dog training field, so even if a certification seems like a good match, ask the trainer about their personal stance.
What is LIMA?
LIMA stands for "Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive." It is an ethical framework used by many dog training and behavior organizations. The LIMA approach requires professionals to:
Use the least intrusive and most humane methods to achieve behavior change.
Explore positive reinforcement and other force-free techniques before considering any aversive methods.
Prioritize the emotional and physical well-being of the dog.
While LIMA allows for the potential use of aversives as a last resort, it mandates that they only be employed when all other options have been thoroughly explored and deemed ineffective. IAABC and CCPDT rely on the LIMA framework.
Ethics of Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
The Pet Professional Guild takes a firmer stance on ethics, explicitly forbidding the use of aversive tools or methods, such as:
Shock collars
Prong collars
Choke chains
PPG’s philosophy is built on force-free, positive reinforcement-based training. They emphasize trust and a strong human-animal bond, rejecting any methods that cause fear, pain, or distress.
Ethics of Fear Free®
The Fear Free® program focuses on minimizing fear, anxiety, and stress in animals. Their ethics align closely with the PPG but place additional emphasis on:
Stress-free environments for both training and veterinary care.
Recognizing subtle signs of fear and anxiety in dogs.
Using enrichment and gentle handling techniques to create positive experiences.
Fear Free’s certification ensures that professionals are trained to avoid not only physical aversives but also psychological stressors.
Key Differences
LIMA: Allows limited, conditional use of aversives as a last resort.
PPG: Prohibits all aversive methods and tools, advocating exclusively force-free training.
Fear Free®: Combines force-free training with stress-reduction strategies for a holistic approach to animal care.
Understanding these ethical frameworks can help you make an informed decision when choosing a professional. Ask potential trainers about their ethical stance to ensure their methods align with your values.
Understanding these ethical frameworks can help you make an informed decision when choosing a professional. Ask potential trainers about their ethical stance to ensure their methods align with your values.
Questions to Ask a Potential Dog Trainer or Behavior Consultant
Asking the right questions can help you determine whether a professional’s approach aligns with your goals and values. Here are some to consider:
What training methods do you use, and why?
Red Flag Answers: “I use whatever works, including prong collars, shock collars, or other aversive tools.”
Positive Response: “I use positive reinforcement methods because they are humane and backed by science. My goal is to build trust and teach dogs in a way that’s enjoyable and stress-free for both dogs and their people.”
What do you use to motivate a dog?
Red Flag Answers: “They should be motivated to do what I say no matter what.”
Positive Response: “I use positive reinforcement like treats, play and attention to reinforce the behaviors we’d like to see more frequently.”
What do you do if a dog does something bad?
Red Flag Answers: “I give a leash correction or a shock from the collar.”
Positive Response: “I teach a different, more acceptable behavior and positively reinforce that.”
How do you handle challenging behaviors like barking, jumping, or pulling on the leash?
Red Flag Answers: “I use corrections to stop bad behavior immediately.”
Positive Response: “I look at why the behavior is happening and work to address the cause. For example, jumping often happens because dogs are excited to greet someone, so I’d teach them an alternative behavior like sitting.”
Do you have experience working with dogs like mine?
Red Flag Answers: “All dogs are the same; I use the same methods for every dog.”
Positive Response: “Yes, I’ve worked with many [specific breed, age, or behavior type] dogs. I tailor my approach to suit each dog’s unique needs.”
What happens if my dog doesn’t respond to the training plan?
Red Flag Answers: “It’s probably the dog’s fault for being stubborn.”
Positive Response: “If a plan isn’t working, I’ll adjust it based on your dog’s feedback. Every dog learns differently, and I’m committed to finding what works best for yours.”
Do you hold any certifications or professional memberships?
Red Flag Answers: “No, but I’ve been training dogs for years, so I don’t need one.”
Positive Response: “Yes, I am certified through the CCPDT and a member of the IAABC. I also regularly attend continuing education to stay updated on the latest research.”
What is your ethical stance on dog training?
Red Flag Answers: “What do you mean?”
Positive Response: “I do not use fear, force or pain or the tools that cause them to train dogs.”
Hope this helps you find the perfect professional for you!
XOXO,
Chief Wiggle Bottom
