Dog behaviorist

A dog behaviourist is a person who works in modifying or changing behavior in dogs. They can be experienced dog handlers, who have developed their experience over many years of hands-on experience, or have formal training up to degree level. Some have backgrounds in veterinary science, animal science, zoology, sociology, biology, or animal behavior, and have applied their experience and knowledge to the interaction between humans and dogs. Professional certification may be offered through either industry associations or local educational institutions. There is however no compulsion for behaviorists to be a member of a professional body nor to take formal training.

While any person who works to modify a dog's behaviour might be considered a dog behaviourist in the broadest sense of the term, an animal behaviourist, is a title given only to individuals who have obtained graduate degrees in a related field and obtained post-graduate certification. The professional fields and course of study for dog behaviorists include, but are not limited to animal science, zoology, sociology, biology, psychology, ethology, and veterinary science. People with these credentials usually refer to themselves as Applied Animal Behaviourists (PhD) or Veterinary Behaviorists (veterinary degree). If they limit their practice to a particular species, they might refer to themselves as a dog/cat/bird behaviorist.

While there are many dog trainers who work with behavioral issues, there are relatively few actual dog behaviorists. For the majority of the general public, the cost of the services of a dog behaviorist usually reflects both the supply/demand inequity, as well as the level of training they have obtained, generally making their fees cost-prohibitive. Professional behaviorists can be identified by the post-nominals "CAAB", indicating that they are a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (which requires a Ph.D. or veterinary degree), or, in the U.S., "DACVB", indicating that they are a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior (which requires a veterinary degree).

Behaviourism is the theory or doctrine that human or animal psychology can be accurately studied only through the examination and analysis of objectively observable and quantifiable behavioural events, in contrast with subjective mental states. A dog practitioner using a behavioural approach, regardless of title, typically works one-on-one with a dog and its owner. This may be carried out in the dog's home, the practitioner's office or the place where the dog is showing behavioural problems or a variety of these locations for different sessions during the treatment time. By observing the dog in his/her environment and skillfully interviewing the owner, the behaviourist creates a working hypothesis on what is motivating, and thus sustaining, the behaviour. Office bound behaviourists may be disadvantaged when it comes to assessing behavioural modification, as the dog may act very differently in different locations and interviewing owners, no matter how thorough, may not provide enough details. After establishing a motivating cause, the practitioner will develop a step-wise, goal-based plan to alter the behaviour in stages, continue their work with the pet owner to guide and make changes in the plan as the goals are met (or not) and conclude with a final write up of the case and its outcome.

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