There are a variety of pet training and counseling service providers available at several levels.  Trainers and other professionals have different interests, functions, and specialties.  The following are the generally available trainers, counsellors, and certified professionals, and their areas of work and expertise.[i]

General Trainers
Who They Are

Generally, pet and animal trainers tend to gain knowledge of pet and animal behavior by attending a variety classes or workshops, working and learning along aside other trainers and professionals, self-study, and by working with their own pets and animals.  The level of education, training, and experience differ for those who hold themselves out solely as a pet or animal trainer.

What They Do

Trainers generally focus on working with pet owners and their animal to provide basic obedience instruction.  Trainers may help with particular training needs, including help with disobedience, aggression, barking, biting, jumping, separation anxiety, chewing, and a number of other common behavior problems.  Trainers may also provide a specialized training or area specific training for purposes such as hunting, law enforcement, search and rescue, protection, sports and entertainment, therapy, and many others.  Trainers may work with owners and handlers and their animals in a group setting or through individualized private lessons.

There are a variety of animal training methods taught and used.  It is important to ask about and learn what method is used by the trainer you select and whether it is an appropriate method for your pet.

Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Who They Are

A Certified Professional Dog Trainer has completed a set number of working hours, secured letters of reference and recommendation, and passed a standardized test.  A Certified Professional Dog Trainer must complete annual continuing educational hours and always abide by a code of ethics.

The designation of Certified Professional Dog Trainer is granted by The Association of Professional Dog Trainers once a person has met that Associations’ requirements.

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers is a great resource for people interested in becoming a Certified Professional Dog Trainer or for finding a certified trainer in your local area.

What They Do

The Certified Professional Dog Trainer handles the same tasks as a general trainer, but applies greater knowledge and more advanced techniques that were acquired through the certification process.

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Who They Are

The Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist designation by the Animal Behavior Society has earned a doctoral degree (PhD) from an accredited university in biology or in an animal behavioral science, or a doctorate in veterinary medicine.  The Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist also has a minimum two years experience in a college or university animal behavior residency program and at least three years if professional experience.

The designation of Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist comes from the Animal Behavior Society once the person has met all the Society’s requirements.[ii]

An Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist has completed a variety of educational requirements including having a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology or in an animal behavioral science.  Additionally, an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist has completed a minimum two years experience in their field.

The designation of Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist comes from the Animal Behavior Society once the person has met all the Society’s requirements.[iii]

Certified and Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
What They Do

The Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and the Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist seek to develop animal behavior theories gained through observations and experiments done in scientific and academic settings, and then go on to test and apply those theories to real animal and pet situations.  Their goal is to apply scientific theories and observation to solve real world pet and animal behavior issues.[iv] Because of their advanced training and expertise, animal behaviorists often address the more significant issues and problems presented by the pet or animal.

Veterinary Behaviorist
Who They Are

A veterinary behaviorist is required to complete all the requirements to earn the doctor of veterinary medicine degree from an accredited college or university.  After completing the initial veterinary medical doctoral degree requirements, the veterinary behaviorist has also completed generally an additional 3 years of training, published a research project, written case reports and passed an extensive examination.  Veterinary Behaviorists are board certified in the specialty of Veterinary Behavior.[v]

What They Do

A veterinary behaviorist holds a medical degree in veterinary medicine and is board certified in animal behavior.  With that advanced degree and board certification, veterinary behaviorists work with the pet owner and other professionals to both manage animal behavior issues and maintain the pet’s health.  The veterinary behaviorist is uniquely qualified to diagnose and address a pet’s or animal’s behavior and physical health concerns.[vi]

There are a variety of animal trainers and professionals available to help with your pet behavior issues.  Each trainer and professional use different training methods and focus on different behavior concerns.  You may need to talk with different professionals to see which best fit your and your pet’s needs.  A good place to start is always with your pet’s veterinarian.  They can help you select the proper training professional for your pet.

Here are some general things to have available before looking to hire a pet training professional:

• A copy of your pet’s up to date vaccination records;
• Veterinary medical records, especially if the pet has physical or medical limitations;
• A detailed description of the problem or problems your pet is exhibiting;
• Any court ordered training or Animal Control Department recommended training requirements;
• The times and days you will usually have available to work with the trainer,
• Finally, your budget target for training services.

Once you have the above information gathered, here are some questions to get you started talking to trainers:[vii]

• What training method do you use?
• What is your educational background?
• What are your credentials and do you have any certifications?
• Do you attend continuing education seminar or have regular recertification tests?
• Do you belong to any professional associations, and if so, which ones?
• What sort of services do you provide for pet owners?
• Do you provide specialized services?
• Have you worked with pets or animals with a similar problem as mine?
• What equipment do you use?
• Do I have to purchase any equipment?
• Do you provide training services at your location or do you come to me?
• What are your hours and are evening or weekend times available?
• Once the training sessions are accomplished, what kind of follow-up do you provide?
• Can you provide a list of clients we can contact for references?
• What is the cost for evaluations and costs for training?

Being prepared with information before starting your search and asking the above questions will help you select the training professional that is right for you and your pet.  Always keep in mind that a pet owner’s consistent involvement is critical to any successful pet or animal training outcomes.

[i] http//www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues; https://www.avma.org; https://apdt.com
[ii] http://www.animalbehaviorsociety.org/web/applied-behavior-caab-application.php
[iii] http://www.animalbehaviorsociety.org/web/applied-behavior-caab-application.php
[iv] http://www.animalbehaviorsociety.org/web/applied-behavior-definition.php
[v] http://www.dacvb.org
[vi] http://www.dacvb.org
[vii] http//www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues; https://www.avma.org; https://apdt.com