Canine Behaviorists Near Me

When hiring a certified canine behaviorist for sessions with your dog, consider these three important questions:

What are your qualifications and experience with canine behavior?

Why This Matters: The behaviorist’s qualifications and experience will directly impact their ability to address your dog's specific issues effectively. Certified behaviorists typically have extensive training and practical experience.

What to Ask: Request information about their certification (e.g., International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), Animal Behavior Society (ABS)), years of experience, and their background working with dogs similar to yours. For instance, experience with certain breeds or behavioral issues like aggression or anxiety can be important.

What techniques and methods do you use for behavior modification?

Why This Matters: The methods used can greatly affect the success of behavior modification and your dog’s well-being. It's crucial to ensure that the techniques align with your values and are appropriate for your dog’s temperament.

What to Ask: Ask whether they use positive reinforcement, clicker training, desensitization, counter-conditioning, or other methods. A reputable behaviorist should use humane, evidence-based approaches and avoid aversive or punitive techniques.

What should I expect in terms of progress, timeline, and follow-up?

Why This Matters: Understanding the expected timeline and progress helps manage expectations and ensures that you’re prepared for the commitment involved. It’s also important to know how follow-up and support will be handled.

What to Ask: Inquire about the typical duration of treatment for issues similar to your dog's, the milestones you should expect, and how progress will be assessed. Additionally, ask about follow-up sessions and ongoing support to track progress and make necessary adjustments to the plan.

Becoming a certified canine behaviorist involves extensive education and training. Aspiring behaviorists typically earn a degree in animal behavior, psychology, or a related field. They gain practical experience through internships or working with experienced professionals. Certification often requires completing a specific number of hours in behavior consulting and passing an examination from a recognized organization, such as the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) or the Animal Behavior Society (ABS).