Trainers and Behaviourists

They are different

This is a subject I have touched upon on a number of occasions. However, I think it worth mentioning again.

A couple of days back I met an owner with her dog, who was on the opposite side of the road at that time. Because I was going in the same direction. I crossed with my dog, Clint; keeping a good distance from the other dog and her owner.

The other dog began lunging, growling and barking. I increased my distance and the other dog relaxed, while keeping a close eye my dog, who was very relaxed. The other owner and I had a quick chat.

The other dog had been rescued and used for breeding. This dog had not been socialised, at all. This would point to the reasons for the aggressive response to other dogs.

Apparently, this dog had made great progress since the owner had re-homed her. Indeed, this owner (me having told her what I did) told me they were a trainer. This was the reason this dog had been allowed to be re-homed by this person. It was coming to a knowledgeable person who could help it, hopefully, to live a full and happy life. So far, so good.

However, it became apparent that this dog had been with this owner for two years. In two years this trainer had not been able to help this dog learn to get along with other dogs. In fact, this dog was not allowed near other dogs - period. This is not an unusual tale, unfortunately.

Clearly, for me, this dog had, some obvious, behavioural issues that needed addressing. It would appear that this trainer did not have the knowledge needed to affect this dogs’ behaviour. What was needed here was an evaluation by a canine behaviourist, who would then formulate a behavioural plan to help this dog. I got the impression that the owner, because they thought they knew best, would not be open to behavioural suggestions.

For me, this illustrates the, fundamental difference between a trainer and a behaviourist. A trainer should be considered if basic training is required. If a dog has behavioural issues, this is the domain of the behaviourist. Of course, there are some trainers who are, indeed, qualified behaviourists - a good combination of knowledge and skills. Unfortunately, many trainers do not possess behavioural qualifications.

So, buyer beware. Check who you are entrusting with the task of helping your dog.