Dog Behaviorist.?

Question

Can anyone tell me what a dog behaviorist is, other then a really good dog trainer who is able to "read" a dog and does anyone know of a State or National, accredited, recognized University that also offers degrees in medicine or law that also offers an MS or PhD in dog behaviorism?

Answer 1

There are two correct answers, Greekman.

On this side of the big pond, 'Behaviourist' is in fact a bonafide specialty of veterinary science. Anyone advertising as such, without a proper degree (I believe they must have achieved their DVM to qualify) should be turned into your state's bureau of consumer affairs - just like you would any other quack.

On the other side of the big pond, however, I am told that the terms trainer and behaviourist are used commonly - as you have qualified above.

NOTE: Unlike what you describe, many bonafide behaviourists are NOT trainers, and have no real skills at training. When presented with a dog-training issue, they usually refer out.

Example: Dodman to Killcommons, or Tortora to Dobbs, or Wilkes.

Answer 2

I actually want to see anyone with university and experience. If no tuition then tons of expertise. I went to petco and they tried speakme me doing there pup classes. I requested the girl what experience she had and she or he answered "i've been doing it for a at the same time". Good i've been training my puppies for "a whilst" to so why would I pay for anybody to train my dogs matters i will be able to already coach them? I wouldn't. And of they declare they are a behaviorist they better have some university because that is not handiest coaching a canine its learning there habits. EDIT: the only purpose I say tuition or plenty of experience is seeing that i've experience training my own dogs. If I wanted help i might must find a trainer that may higher at training than I. Some trainers with out a tuition or now not as a lot expericene might be good for some persons that don't know the right way to educate, but i'd be looking for some thing extra in a coach for me. I feel the purpose why they do not agree is in view that each coach has there possess ways and different views. It does look a bit bizarre though, they will have to all be coaching the same way.

Answer 3

The Animal Behavior Society (ABS) certifies Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAABs). Certified behaviorists have meet all the academic, experiential, and ethical requirements set forth by the Society, including completing a master’s degree or Ph.D. degree in a behavioral science with specific courses in animal learning, ethology and behavior. A DVM and advanced training in animal behavior can also meet the criteria for certification by the ABS. Visit the Animal Behavior Society's website to read more about the ABS certification program. Visit CertifiedAnimalBehaviorist.com to see how CAABS help pets and people and work with veterinarians, and what steps to take if you are interested in becoming a behaviorist.


The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) certifies veterinary behaviorists through its College of Veterinary Behavior. Certification requirements include but are not limited to a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an accredited college of veterinary medicine and completion of an approved residency. (top)

Answer 4

I believe that a "behaviorist" is a veterinarian who has additional training in behavior and has been certified through a special board. Most people who are called behaviorists are actually behavior counselors. I am not aware of any current MS or PhD program for behavior at any of the major vet schools.

Answer 5

http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/index.asp?
here is a school i thought about going to....well it coming to me as it a home school online program. but they have u work in shelters and one of the trainers that already pasted thier tests. but i guess it for trainers....

and as far as a big school that has other majors. none that i have found.

I think to be a behaviorist is to understand why a dog does something, to read a dog as u said.
a good trainer is both. as a good behaviorist.
i'm not sure how a dog can be trained with out understanding the behavior.

Answer 6

Check this site out, it might shed more light on the subject for you:

http://www.life.uiuc.edu/programs/BMP/Applied%20Animal%20Behavior.htm

I believe many colleges that offer classes that would be a start towards a degree in Veterinary medicine would offer studies in animal behavior, socialology, etc. A lot is going to come just from living but some people are much more in tune to animals than others.

Look at the better known animal trainers, zoologists, and others that just get our attention due to the seemingly ease with which they work with animals and have animals doing their bidding.

Answer 7

I don't think there are any certifications, accredidations or anything for a dog behaviorist. I think anyone can call themselves a behaviorist if they want to.
That is why I steer clear of behaviorists and just look for a good reputable trainer when I need help with my dogs.

Answer 8

I would consider it to be someone well experienced with dog training and as you say, able to read a dog properly. I think that understanding dog behavior is important in the training process. If you understand why a dog did something, rather than assume it was blatant disobedience, it is much easier to evaluate and correct the issue.

I was at an obedience match where a woman was doing a heeling pattern in Novice. Her body movements caused her to nearly step on her dogs toes, which inadvertently caused the dog to distance herself from the proper heeling position, to avoid getting stepped on. The owner blamed the dog, when in reality, she needed to work on her own handling/heeling skills first.

Answer 9

I never met one. Most I've seen are self proclaimed. They might get a certificate when they finish a course of some sort. Hey, I am a dog behaviorist. After all its me that has to make sure my dogs behave isn't it? Gee now I feel important.

Answer 10

An actual veterinary behaviorist is accredited by the ACVB, heres a link for you. davcb.org
Cornell, Perdue, UC Davis are a few that offer it.