Choosing a Dog Professional
Alarmingly, the dog training and behavior industry is completely unregulated. It can feel like The Wild, Wild West out there since any average Joe or Social Media personality can claim to be a dog professional without any qualifications, education, or experience whatsoever. On top of that, considering all the tricky terminology and different certifications (or lack thereof), it can be overwhelming and confusing for dog guardians to choose the right person to work with their pet.
Do Your Research
In an industry with no rules, where anyone can say anything, attempting to distinguish between training philosophies and certifications is no small feat. Too many dog parents get frustrated and make hasty (and expensive) decisions looking for a quick fix. Unfortunately, stories about dogs being hurt, lost, or even killed while in the care of a so-called professional, are all too common.
Thankfully, there are legitimate certifications to help differentiate between dog professionals – And while the language used to describe the difference between training philosophies can be tricky, it basically boils down to whether or not punishment methods are necessary to train a dog. Hiring a qualified dog professional who uses ethical methods that you agree with, requires just as much time and consideration as hiring a teacher.
None of us would allow our child to be taught by an uncertified, punishing teacher.
Certifications
Consider hiring professionals who are certified by a respected organization, such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). These organizations certify trainers and behavior consultants who specialize in dogs. Certifications help ensure that the person you’re hiring has key skills and knowledge. Additionally, both the CCPDT and the IAABC require their trainers and behavior consultants to recertify every three years to ensure they’re up-to-date on the latest research and methods.
The IAABC and CCPDT certify Behavior Consultants, which is not the same thing as a Behaviorist. A quick search for dog trainers in Houston, will bring up many listings claiming to be “dog behaviorists”, “dog experts”, or “Master Dog Trainers”. First, there is no certification or degree that grants the title, “Master Dog Trainer”. Second, it is generally agreed that a minimum of 10 years’ experience is required to become an expert at anything. Finally, legitimate behaviorists must be certified by the Animal Behavior Society (ABS), which requires a Masters or Doctorate in Behavioral Science. Veterinarians can also specialize in behavior and are certified Veterinary Behaviorists.
Alas, no certification, title, or years of experience holds any guarantee. It is still of the utmost importance for dog parents to do their due diligence. At the very least, if a dog professional is certified through the CCPDT or IAABC, it is presumed they will not use harsh punishment techniques. No matter what, no dog guardian should ever let anyone convince them to use any tool or technique with their precious pet that makes them feel uncomfortable. It is completely unnecessary and there are too many choices to settle for techniques that utilize intimidation, pain, or fear.
Beware of Red Flags
🚩Claims to be certified, but don’t clarify which certification.
🚩Quick fixes and guarantees.
🚩Board and Train programs for behavior issues.
🚩Board and Train programs with little owner involvement.
🚩Uses methods that cause pain, intimidation, and fear.
🚩Spends a lot of time talking bad about other dog professionals
🚩Uses the words “alpha” and “dominance”.
🚩Expired Certifications