How to find the right behaviourist and trainer for you and your dog.
With a growing animal industry, it is sadly unregulated. Huge problems lie in that anyone can call themselves either a dog behaviourist or dog trainer, with owners spending good money for sometimes very bad advice. More worrying is that owners often have no idea of who to contact and employ to help them with their dog’s behaviour and training.
A little bit of background history now on how this is trying to be resolved. The government originally set up a study group called the Companion Animal Welfare Council to research and make recommendations. “In 2011 the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (also known as ABTC) was established and agreed standards for the knowledge and skills required for animal trainers and animal behaviour therapists”. On top of this ABTC do not accept individual applications, but individuals have to be part of an organisation that is a practitioner organisation of the ABTC.
These practitioner organisations will have monitored and assessed their capabilities and knowledge regarding training and/or behaviour, therefore these individuals are regulated. Look for the maroon ABTC sign in websites that includes the wording “ABTC Registered …..” This will tell you that this individual has undertaken the right level of academic qualification and has been assessed for their training/behaviour knowledge and practical skills. When you contact the behaviourist/trainer ask them questions remember that you are employing them to help you and your dog. You are going to be working with someone who needs to understand and help you. The relationship you have with your behaviourist/trainer is an important part of the work you put as when the behaviourist/trainer leaves you need to have a good understanding of what is required to continue your work with your dog.
Another aspect to think about is a report that should be supplied to you from the behaviourist/trainer as it forms the basis and foundation of your work with your dog. It will also help you with on-going training or behaviour work.
Remember: Research, Talk and Think before you employ.