Ways to Get Help

Get educated by professionals in the field that have credentials and experience in the world of dog training and behavior. Also, research to find credible books and articles.   All information on this website has original sources cited for site visitors to go learn more.

Guidance from the American Kennel Club on how to find professional help:

“Similar to professional dog training, the field of animal behavior is unregulated, and, unfortunately, anyone can call themself a behaviorist, regardless of training, ability, or background. It’s important to look for professionals with the proper education and experience. Consider people who are certified by a respected organization. In addition, there are levels of expertise in the field, from trainers who work with dogs with behavior issues, to behavior consultants, to certified applied animal behaviorists and board-certified veterinary behaviorists.”

“The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) are two professional organizations that certify behavioral consultants who specialize in dogs. Certification helps ensure that the person you’re hiring has the key skills and knowledge, and both the CCPDT and the IAABC require their behavior consultants to recertify every three years so that they’re up-to-date on the latest research and methods.”

“The only people officially titled “animal behaviorists” are those certified by the Animal Behavior Society (ABS). The ABS offers two levels of certification. Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists have a Master’s Degree in a biological or behavioral science and at least two years of professional experience in the field. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists have a doctorate in biological or behavioral science with five years of professional experience in the field.”

Source: 

Gibeault, Stephanie. “Who You Gonna Call? What to Know About Hiring an Animal Behaviorist.” American Kennel Club, 04 Apr, 2018. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/what-is-an-animal-behaviorist/