how do i become a dog behaviorist?

Question

I am interested in becoming a dog behaviorist, but all my experience has been through home study and experience with my own dogs. any suggestions?

Answer 1

You can actually go to college and get a degree in Applied Animal Science, or some have Applied Animal Behavior. If you want to be a professional dog behavior expert (solving serious behavior problems, not just obedience training, etc.) you should do it. It's at least a four-year degree, though you could go on to Master's and Doctorate if you wanted.
When looking at schools, keep in mind the major may be listed in the school of Agriculture, not the school of Veterinary Medicine. For an example major and curriculum, see the link below, from one of the top Vet and Ag schools in the nation.

Answer 2

There are training schools for dog trainers/behaviorists, but they can be expensive--if it is a residential program, where you go and live and learn to train animals onsite, it can cost you $10,000 or more. There is also an organization called Animal Behavior College that has locations all over the country, but I don't know anything about them--do a web search. You can also just find someone who is a trainer and ask if they will let you train under them--but this won't get you certified, and most people these day who are going to spend the money, want some kind of credentials.

Answer 3

One thought is try to learn how to train canines. There are several books that can teach you how to train a dog. By reading some of these books you can also learn about some of their behavior.

Answer 4

prepare with an approved coach. The Humane Society of united states of america of america has an on line college via which you will take countless canine appropriate classes (inclusive of assessment and behaviour training); they are able to additionally refer you to running shoes who stay on the factor of you. We additionally propose which you're taking a doggie first help/CPR direction, and volunteer at your community pound/safeguard. They continuously prefer help assessing the canine.