Dog Behaviorists?

Question

Someone suggested that instead of taking another training class (my dog has basically "failed puppy and beginner training through petsmart) that i take him to a behaviorist. What does a behaviorist do that is different from a trainer? How much does a typcial behaviorist cost and how long do they work with the dog?

Has anyone used a behaviorist with their dog?

He is a miniature schnauzer. Very loving but he does some things that are troubling (destructive behavior, not comfortable around kids (has NEVER bitten), he is almost a year and a half and has been in our home almost the entire time.

He does spend a lot of time alone during the day, but we do take him to doggy day care at least twice a month for additional socialization.

He does really well at the dog park (won't come when called) but gets nervous when he is on the leash and another dog approaches.

he often sits directly on my foot and backs directly up against me with his butt constantly.

Answer 1

There's not very many dogs who need a behaviourist. Those that do are dogs with very serious problems - they may be fear biters, which are the most dangerous dogs there are, they may be aggressive for other reasons.

You don't say what breed your dog is or how old, or why he failed, but I'm thinking very likely you have a breed that may be stubborn, or perhaps a breed that needs some creativity in training because it's not one of the very easily trainable breeds. The trainers at Petsmart are not qualified to handle much of anything out of the ordinary.

You might do yourself and your dog a real favour just by finding obedience classes taught by a qualified instructor. If you live somewhere with an all-breed club, call them. They'll have classes with a more qualified instructor, or at the least, will be able to put you in touch with someone who can help your dog.

I have a friend who, despite advice, took her boxer puppy to Petsmart classes. The trainer had her in tears every week because he was telling her what a really bad and aggressive dog she had (5 month old puppy!!). She went to a qualified trainer and this dog is now excelling in agility as well as obedience.

Answer 2

Ooooohhhhh just right question! I think that training and expertise would be what would qualify any one as either a behaviorist or coach. Nevertheless, I believe the experience could be the most important side. I don't ought to appear for a behaviorist or trainer, I just make calls to Greekman to discover what I must do with any obstacle that arises with an animal that I have no idea the way to handle. However, i am very fortunate to have worked with several rescues and members which have taught me rather a lot. I will regularly assess where specified behaviors are coming from and if a dog is only a waste of a fur coat. (i've come throughout a number of through rescue.) i'm also grateful for those men and women who get repeated mobilephone calls from me on issues and stupidity!

Answer 3

Sometimes dogs are born with or acquire severe behavior problems, and dealing with them are outside the scope of most obedience trainers. There are many people who claim to be "behaviorists" but few are qualified to diagnose and prescribe therapy for the pet. As of 2005 there were only 13 board certified veterinary behaviorists in the United States--not an easily achieved postion. Many will charge $250.00 for 2 hours consultation in the home, but will follow through with you. A behaviorist has the knowledge to assess the problem the dog is having and come up with a unique plan of therapy for that animal, plus can change the plan if that particular therapy is not working.

Answer 4

1. PetSmart is NOT a great place to train a dog... they work best only with the middle of the road dog.. 2/3 of all dogs are NOT middle of the road dogs... so do not despair!

2. PetSmart trainers are about the bottom of the rung and often are clerks who went through PetSmart doggie boot camp for 2 weeks.

3. Depending on the issues, you may find a more reputable training facility to work better for both you and your dog.

4. Behavioral training consultants are expensive ... BUT.. let me put it to you this way... you spent $100 plus on training that failed.. you probably had 10 minutes of class time directly talking WITH the instructor and had 6 weeks of class... so 60 minutes for $100. Most consultants run about $75 an hour and have been working for years ...AND have multiple solutions to most problems.

Answer 5

I had a dog that flunked obedience school too. He had been abused when I adopted him and he just needed more time. You might repeat the class or take him to a different one. You can also do private training with a regular dog trainer if the issue is basic obedience.

Unless you are dealing with a serious problem like aggression and the main thing you are working on is basic obedience, I'd just repeat the class or do some private sessions with a trainer rather than seek out a more expensive and hard to find behaviorist.

Answer 6

They're wonderful - I had 2 fighting females, leading to expensive vet visits. After just 90 minutes they were like night and day.
You have to be careful, get references or you'll wind up with someone who watches the dog whisperer and thinks they know what to tell you. BTW - cesar milan is a CROCK and has been denounced by the ASPCA and all the other dog related organizations because he teaches aggression and fear.
I paid $70 an hour for mine, and it was the best money I've ever spent.

Answer 7

We used one for 2 of our goldens when they were puppies. We tried the classes and it wasn't working. So we had this guy come to our house, and basincally he was training US. He taught us the what, when, where, and whys of the dogs behavior and how to correct it. It was EXTREMELY beneficial and cost about $250 for five individual sessions.

Answer 8

In layman's terms. Imagine running expensive software on a computer with defective hardware. It will never work properly.
And I have never used a behaviorist.