What they mean and why they matter
Dog trainers and behaviourists can come with a very wide range of experience and qualifications. How do you know what to look for?
A formal qualification doesn’t replace the need for good quality experience but I’d always check for a recognised qualification at the right level as well as a regulating professional body who requires insurance and ongoing professional training. Looking for an OFQUAL regulated qualification gives you comfort that the qualification has been reviewed and assessed by a regulating body. The levels I’ve referred to below are OFQUAL levels.
Training Guidelines
Dog training technicians work directly with dogs and are often qualified to level 3. They may take your dog for training walks or offer to have them to stay for a training holiday.
Dog trainers work with the dog’s guardian or handler teaching them how to train their dogs. They are often qualified to level 4. There are several professional bodies which self regulate their members such as the APDT, look for this logo to ensure that the professional body you have chosen is part of the coalition of organisations driving towards proper regulation in the field. There are also specialist trainers in areas such as agility which won’t require formal qualifications, just know what it is you are looking for.
“The Charter aims to make a clear statement regarding the future direction of the dog behaviour and training industry in relation to professional standards, tools and methodologies. The welfare of the dogs lies at the heart of its mandate, making clear representation as to what is, and isn’t, acceptable in a modern, progressive profession.
It also seeks to provide assurance to the public, other professional bodies, and Government Agencies that signatory organisations are committed to open, transparent and robust complaints and grievances procedures that can be supported by independent arbitration if needed.
It is hoped that the Charter will give assurance and accountability to the public and other relevant bodies. Displaying the Charter symbol will show that the dog professional is a member of a Charter organisation, and has aligned themselves to the ethical and welfare and conduct obligations that are at the heart of the Charter.”
There are still training bodies who are using techniques that are not supported by science such as dominance theory so do your homework.
Dog Behaviourists
There are Certified Dog Behaviourists with a level 5 qualification who may be a member of one of these charter professional bodies. I’m currently a member of INTODogs (a founding member of the charter) and the International Companion Animal Network. Behaviourists work with troubled animals e.g. reactive dogs, to help them to feel differently rather than training them to deliver a new behaviour. They use behaviour modification plans to help you and your dog achieve lasting change. It is important to work with the right professional if your pet is already in an anxious, distressed or reactive state. If you have pet insurance, some providers may provide cover for dog behaviourists at this level but do check with your provider.
There are, in addition Clinical Animal Behaviourists and Veterinary Behaviourists who only work on veterinary referral. If you have pet insurance you may well be able to get cover for these fees as part of your insurance but do check with your provider as some policies may be very slimline and not provide for behavioural conditions. Clinical Animal Behaviourists are not only level 6 qualified but have also had their practical experience assessed. They are members of professional bodies such as FABClinicians or the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors who actively support high levels of ongoing training. Veterinary behaviourists are qualified as both vet and behaviourist and are ideal if your dog has complex behavioural issues or if your dog has a combination of physical and behavioural issues. I have referred some of my more complex cases to a veterinary behaviourist because of the complexity of the issues.
