Canine behaviorists work with dogs and their owners to correct undesirable behaviors. Consumers should verify credentials before hiring one. They can work in various settings, but it’s best to observe the dog in its own home. A behaviorist must have counseling and education skills to work with human owners.
A canine behaviorist is someone who has a strong understanding of canine behaviors and who is able to work with dogs and their owners to correct undesirable behaviors, such as difficulty house-training or barking at strangers. The title of “canine behaviorist” is not restricted or protected in all jurisdictions; therefore, it is important for consumers to find out the credentials of any canine behaviorist they are considering hiring to work with their dog. In the United States, some certifying bodies for animal behaviorists require members to have a graduate degree in zoology or another relevant discipline and complete additional training before they can receive their credentials.
Many dog owners find that their dogs regularly exhibit behaviors that are disruptive, unpleasant, or in some cases even dangerous to other pets and family members. Local ordinances can also hold dog owners accountable for their pet’s behavior, making it even more crucial that negative behaviors are identified and addressed immediately. While it’s a good idea for pet owners to raise concerns about their pet’s behavior with their veterinarian, as some behaviors can be caused by medical issues, not all veterinarians have the training or knowledge to help manage and change a pet’s behaviors. A canine behaviorist can work with the pet owner and help them understand why the pet is misbehaving and what the owner can do to fix the problem.
Canine behaviorists can work in a variety of settings, although some experts believe that it is best for a canine behaviorist to work with dogs in their own homes so that the behaviorist can observe the context in which the dog lives and identify any problems that may arise. be triggering negative behaviors. The dog may also feel more comfortable in its own home, making it easier to distinguish between ongoing behavioral problems and normal discomfort with being in a new environment. After spending time with the dog and the dog’s owner, the dog behaviorist can develop an action plan that will help the pet’s owner live in harmony with the dog. In addition to expertise in dog behavior and training, a dog behavior specialist generally must have strong counseling and education skills to work with human owners. In some cases, a dog owner may be contributing to their dog’s behavior problems, and a good behaviorist will need to tactfully address these behaviors, supporting the owner with necessary changes.
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