Dog Trainer or Behaviorist: Which Do You Need?
Choose a dog trainer for basic skills and manners: house training, leash walking, sit, stay and come. For mild fears or low-level problems, a behavior consultant can help. For aggression, severe anxiety, phobias or sudden behavior changes, VCA Animal Hospitals advises starting with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) or a certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB), working with your veterinarian.
"Behaviorist" is used loosely, and dog training is not legally regulated, so the titles can be confusing. Here's what each professional does, based on guidance from VCA Animal Hospitals written with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
Trainer vs. behavior consultant vs. behaviorist
| Dog trainer | Behavior consultant | Certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB) | Veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | Varies widely; voluntary certifications | Varies; credentials from self-governed organizations | Advanced degree plus 5 years' experience, or a veterinary degree with residency and 3 years' experience; certified by the Animal Behavior Society | Veterinarian with internship, 3–5 year residency and board exam; certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists |
| Typical problems | Manners, leash walking, house training, obedience, sports | Mild fears, low-level aggression, trouble being alone, excessive barking | Simple and complex behavior problems; behavior modification plans | All behavior problems, including aggression and anxiety, plus medical causes |
| Prescribes medication? | No | No | No (unless also a veterinarian) | Yes |
| Regulated? | No | No standard certification | Rigorous certification | Board certification |
Which one do you need?
- No worrying behaviors, just training goals: start with a trainer.
- Mild concerns: a qualified behavior consultant.
- Serious concerns (intense or dangerous behavior, signs of illness or pain, sudden behavior changes): start with a DACVB or CAAB and involve your veterinarian.
Why the vet comes first for behavior changes
Pain, thyroid disease, neurological problems and cognitive decline can all change behavior. The SF SPCA advises seeing your vet first to rule out medical causes such as arthritis or cognitive dysfunction when a dog shows aggression.
Cost
Trainers typically charge $60 to $150 per private session (K9 of Mine). Certified behaviorists cost more, and veterinary behaviorists are often more expensive still, but they can address medical causes and prescribe medication.
How to vet any professional
- Check credentials, reviews and the methods they use.
- Avoid anyone recommending prong or shock collars, or talking about "dominating" your dog.
- Ask to observe a class or session first.
- Ask your veterinarian for a referral.
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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.