Dog Behaviorist or Fraud?
A HUGE PET PEEVE
As a legitimately credentialed dog trainer, it's already frustrating that the training industry is unregulated. Absolutely anyone can slap a shock collar on a dog, label themselves a trainer, and start charging big bucks to "train" people's dogs. No testing is required. No education is required. No skills, experience, or knowledge are required. It's gross, deceptive, and very problematic.
What's even worse though, is when these so-called trainers then turn around and pretend they're now behaviorists. This is because being a behaviorist DOES require credentials - BIG ones.
BEHAVIORIST CREDENTIALS
An animal behaviorist has a master's or doctoral degree with a focus on animal behavior. They have years of graduate school, hands on training, 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, owns a shock collar, and thinks he's an expert now. 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.
Find a Real One
Beware of imposters, of fake trainers and fake behaviorists. It's worth noting, that generally those people falsely portraying themselves as behaviorists are actually punishment-based trainers and that real behaviorists are staunchly against punishment. It's almost as if these fake trainers/behaviorists don't even understand what a behaviorist is. A real behaviorist would never use a shock collar, choke chain, or prong collar. Lying about credentials is a huge red flag in any industry, but especially so when the wellbeing of an animal or person is at stake.
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 - your dog depends on it.