What Does a Canine Behaviorist Do?

A canine behaviorist is a professional who works to modify or change the behavior of dogs. They can be experienced dog trainers, who have developed their expertise over many years of practical experience, or have formal training up to grade level. Dog trainers, also known as behavioral counselors or pet therapists, have different levels of knowledge and experience.Your training may include formal and informal education. Many

dog trainers

are self-taught through reading, while others attend professional classes.

Others learn as apprentices with experienced trainers. Some trainers don't have professional certification, but they can still train dogs effectively.They teach specific skill sets, such as obedience, agility, tracking, and search and rescue. They can work with individual dogs or in group classes. Dog trainers and behaviorists have varying degrees of knowledge and experience, which may include formal and informal training.Because each canine behaviorist's experience and teaching style vary so much, it's important to find someone who gets along well with you and your dog.

A canine behavior specialist will work with you to help you control and prevent dog behavior problems. A canine behaviorist is a trained expert in the field of animal behavior and animal learning with a large number of scientific tools, such as behavior modification.Your dog's destructive behavior can be due to many causes, and a canine behavior specialist can help you identify the problem so you can address it head-on. To better understand the right option for you and your dog, it's important to know the difference between a

dog trainer

and a specialist in canine behavior.If you have adopted a dog that has lived in another home, it may have become aware of its problems before coming to you. However, if your dog's behavioral problems are due to a medical condition, only a licensed veterinarian can diagnose and prescribe medications.Private sessions can be particularly useful if you want to address a specific behavioral problem with your dog.

Puppies that aren't properly socialized with human interaction at an early age tend to become unstable dogs.The CPDT-KSA indicates that a dog trainer has passed a comprehensive exam and an objective skill-based evaluation, along with at least 300 hours

of dog training

experience. When considering what type of training is best for your dog, it's important to find the right one.If an underlying medical condition is causing unwanted pet behavior, animal behavioral specialists can help identify the underlying problem. Most dogs become destructive when they're bored, but some dogs become destructive because they suffer from separation anxiety. That's why it's so important to look for a canine behavior specialist with the right education and experience.As part of the certification process, certified professional dog trainers must complete a certain number of hours in

dog training

and must provide professional reference letters.

If you have any specific concerns about your dog's behavior, try looking for a canine behavior specialist who specializes in that area.