Dog Behaviorist or Fraud?

A Pet Peeve

As a dog trainer, it's already frustrating that the training industry is unregulated.  Absolutely anyone can call themselves a trainer.  No testing is required.  No education is required.  No skills, experience, or knowledge are required.  It can be very problematic because people with great marketing and poor training skills can charge a lot of money to unsuspecting consumers.

What's even worse though, is when trainers pretend they're behaviorists.  This is because being a behaviorist DOES require credentials - BIG ones. And there is nothing wrong with being a trainer - that’s what I am. In general, I think a lot of trainers are far better at actually working with dogs - they tend to have far more hands-on experience. But if you’re looking for a behaviorist and paying higher prices, you should get an actual behaviorist.  

Behaviorist Credentials

An animal behaviorist has a master's or doctoral degree with a focus on animal behavior.  They have years of graduate school, dissertations, and more.  Click here to see the lengthy list of requirements to become an actual behaviorist.   It is not the trainer down the street who watches Cesar Millan and thinks he's an expert now.  There may not be anything wrong with that trainer, but calling oneself something they are not is not ethical. Think of a behaviorist like the psychologist of the animal world - you must have LEGIT credentials and YEARS of study to obtain the credentials and title.  You don't call yourself a psychologist because you watch Dr. Phil and give advice to your friends.  That would be ridiculous and unethical.  

Another category of behaviorist is the veterinary behaviorist.  These are actual veterinarians who are board certified in animal behavior, which is an extensive and lengthy process.  Think of them like psychiatrists of the animal world. Because they’re doctors, they’re able to prescribe any medications your dog may need for behavior. I’m seeing a trend of vets presenting themselves to the public as veterinary behaviorists, when they are not, in fact, board certified in behavior. Often they just have an interest in behavior, and that’s fine to not want to become board certified, but care should be taken to not mislead owners into thinking they’re dealing with a board certified veterinary behaviorist.

Find a Real One

Beware of imposters. 

If you're looking for a real, legitimate, credentialed behaviorist, you'll probably have to travel a bit.  There are 2 in Washington State - one in the Tacoma area and one in Vancouver.  Click here to see the directory. The closest veterinary behaviorists to Spokane are in Portland, Oregon. Click here to find a veterinary behaviorist near you.  

Due Diligence

So if someone is marketing themselves as a behaviorist, ask about their credentials.  Legit behaviorist credentials in the United States are ACAAB or CAAB.  If those letters aren't after their name, they're probably not behaviorists.  Ask where they went to graduate school.  Be an informed consumer.