When speaking about dog training, there’s a wide range of credentials, philosophies, and techniques. It’s often difficult for owners to determine which credentials they should rely on and what do those credentials even mean. Below, we’ve listed some dog training credentials and what is right for you.
Behaviorists and Behavior Consultants
People who call themselves behaviorists focus on the function of behavior and examine how certain methods affect that behavior. Famous animal behaviorists include B.F. Skinner and Ivan Pavlov. They were the great founders of operant and classical conditioning and the learning theory of animal behavior. What behaviorists have in common is that they are data-driven scientist interested in measurable behavior and actions.
Although many people in the dog training world can call themselves behaviorists, only a few organizations formally accredit them. We’ve listed these credentials below.
- Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAAB) – A CAAB must hold a doctorate in a science-related field, have a minimum of 30 credits in animal learning and behavior science. They must have a minimum five years of experience, and be a contributor to the Animal Behavior Society presentations.
- Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (ACAAB) – An ACAAB must hold a master’s degree in a relevant field with 30 credit hours in related coursework. They must have at least two years of work experience, and be a contributor to the Animal Behavior Society.
- International Association of Behavior Consultants (IAABC) – Credentialed members of the IAABC must have a minimum of four years and 500 hours of experience in animal behavior consulting. They must also have 400 hours minimum of coursework, seminars, mentorships and other additional education in the IAABC Core Competencies
The CAAB certification requires the highest level of schooling and experience in the related field. They are your best option when finding a dog trainer in your area. The owner of Beyond the Dog Training, Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage, holds this accreditation. However, if there is not one in your area, consider a trainer with one of the below qualifications.
- Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) – A CBCC-KA is certified through the Council for Professional Dog Trainers. This credential requires 300 hours of experience working specifically on behavior problems, have references, and the candidate must pass an examination.
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) – Trainers with this accreditation must complete 300 hours of hands-on experience with dogs and have that verified by another CPDT. They are also required to pass an examination prior to certification. This is the most common certification among dog trainers.
When looking at dog training credentials and what is right for you, there are a number of other credentials a trainer may have, but they are often first-party certified. This means that it is a certification the trainer receives after completing the company or school’s own specific schooling program. A good example of this is Animal Behavior College Dog Training (ABCDT). Programs like this are not inherently bad. It just means you should learn more about their specific training methods and philosophies, as there will be not be a standard with this accreditation.
Do I Need a Dog Behaviorist or a Dog Trainer?
Both are great options, and it will depend on the areas of training you’d like to focus and the availability of accredited trainers in your area. A dog trainer will focus on obedience or more specialized training like dog sports (agility, dock diving, rally, etc.). A behavior consultant will often be skilled at obedience training, but they additionally focus on behavioral concerns. These include reactivity and aggression, separation anxiety, resource guarding, and compulsive behavior, among others. A behavior consultant should recognize potential behaivioral problems. For example, they can train your puppy but also see the red flags when there are early signs or reactivity or resource guarding. A competent dog trainer should also be able to recognize this but should then refer you to a specialist to address the problem.
We’re here to help
Beyond the Dog offers training programs for obedience, manners, and behavioral challenges. We provide free consultations with our pet behavior team. Our training sessions are conducted privately, one-on-one, at your home and in your local neighborhood. Would you prefer to connect virtually or live outside our service area? Our co-founder and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, offers virtual training programs. In these programs, she will discuss your training needs, develop an individualized training program, and provide support and guidance.
