DOG INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS
What are certifications for anyway?
There is a lot of misinformation in the dog industry...
It can be challenging to know where to look for accurate and up-to-date information. That is why we find it essential to be certified with an accredited organization such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
What kind of certification should you look for?
CCPDT, CBCC
https://www.ccpdt.org/
IAABC, ABC
iaabc.org/
Veterinary Behavior Consultant, Dog Behavior Consultant
avsab.org/behavior-consultant/
The following information is taken from the AKC
Does your dog drive you crazy with problem behavior? Perhaps they’re jumping on your guests or begging at the table — issues you can tackle with a skilled trainer. But maybe things are more serious, and you’re unsure where to turn. It might be time to hire a behavior consultant or animal behaviorist.
These professionals work with clients to help manage, modify, and prevent problem behavior in pets. They’re specially trained experts in animal behavior and learning principles with science-backed tools, such as behavior modification. They will help identify the cause of your dog’s problem behavior, create a customized treatment plan, teach you how to carry it out successfully and follow up with you to help with any headaches you may be experiencing.
Like professional dog training, animal behavior is unregulated, and, unfortunately, anyone can call themselves a behaviorist, regardless of training, ability, or background. It’s essential 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, 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 essential skills and knowledge, and both the CCPDT and the IAABC require their behavior consultants to recertify every three years to be 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 in biological or behavioral science and at least two years of professional experience. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists have a biological or behavioral science doctorate and five years of professional experience.
Who You Gonna Call? What to Know About Hiring an Animal Behaviorist