When To Choose A Trainer And When To Choose An Animal Behaviourist

Many people are confused by the difference between an Animal Behaviourist and a Trainer and struggle to understand who they should contact to help them. This short article will help you decide.

While there are many crossovers (most Behaviourists also offer training services, and many Trainers also offer some simple behavioural modification advice), broadly speaking a Trainer typically helps you to teach your animal TO DO something, for example teaching a dog to sit, loose lead walk and stay; or a horse to trot, canter and gallop on request. An Animal Behaviourist typically concentrates on the assessment and modification / management of serious behavioural issues or ones that negatively impact your dog’s welfare such as reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety, noise phobias, cognitive decline etc.

Additionally, while reputable Dog Trainers will typically hold relevant nationally recognised qualifications in dog training (such as the Certificate III in Canine Training & Behaviour through the National Dog Trainers Federation (NDTF), or the Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services) which include some knowledge of canine behavioural theory to support effective training, Animal Behaviourists are professional scientists and will generally hold postgraduate qualifications in animal science or related disciplines. They will also typically specialise in more than one species - for example, Padfoot specialises in both dogs and horses.

Animal Behaviourists differ from Veterinary Behaviourists only in that the latter (as qualified veterinarians with a professional interest in behaviour) are able to prescribe psychopharmaceuticals to support behaviour modification. Most non-veterinarian animal behaviourists will work closely with your own vet however, if this support is needed.

In summary, if your challenge relates to your animal’s inability to DO something (such as walk on a loose lead, come when you call, or perform a flying change) a Trainer can help you. MAKE SURE HOWEVER YOU CHECK TRAINER’S QUALIFICATIONS BEFORE ENGAGING THEM - NOT ALL TRAINERS ARE MADE EQUAL. If your challenge relates to a serious behavioural issue that is dangerous or compromises your dog’s welfare, make sure you engage a tertiary qualified animal behaviourist to get the right advice and support for you and your animal.

You can book a canine behaviour assessment with Padfoot here, or an equine behaviour assessment (for issues such as anxiety, aggression, maladaptive behaviours or stereotypies) here.