Wait.. isn't that what I am? A Behaviourist? Actually no, I'm not =)

Dog training is an unregulated industry.

What this means is that anyone can call themselves a Dog Trainer, a Behaviour Consultant, or a Behaviourist, or any other term they want to use. You know how you'd be in a lot of trouble if you called yourself a Doctor, a Dentist, a Psychologist, or even a Dental Hygienist? Not the case for dog training and that is the difference between regulated or unregulated industries.

Typically, anyone who uses the term "Behaviourist" doesn't have nay certifications at all and wants to sound as though they do.

I'm a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant and a Professional Canine Behaviour Consultant - Accredited. These are titles I earned by going through a rigorous evaluation process by third party, independent organizations (IAABC and PPG). To maintain these certifications, I also need to complete a certain number of continuing education units.

Certification isn't everything.

There ARE many skilled dog trainers out there who don't hold any independent certifications. Yes.. absolutely. BUT.. and this one is important. Sometimes we become stagnant. Even the best of us, with the best intentions can fall into a trap of just doing what we have always done.

Anyone who is charging money for dog training owes it to their students to ensure they are kept in check. Maintaining independent certifications is a great way to do this. It's also a great way to meet new people and to keep up to date on what's going on in the world of dog training.

So what motivated this post?

I try hard not to speak poorly of other dog trainers. Most people are doing the best they can and have the dog's best interests at heart. But, we have a local (in my opinion) quack. He is writing a book. He has a YouTube channel. He (in my opinion) abuses dogs and wraps it up in a warm blanket of talk about how he is the dog's Mother, and promotes himself as a Dog Behaviourist and Dog Psychologist. These titles mean nothing .. he just decided to apply them to himself.

Severe punishment and flooding can suppress most reactions in the moment.. but that does the opposite of fixing behaviour problems long term.

It makes me incredibly sad to see him promoting his methods and to see people who are at the end of their ropes recommending him or sending their dogs to him.

Please choose trainers who are certified by independent organizations. Please chose trainers who treat both you and your dog kindly.

The Next Leash Reactivity Deep Dive Begins Jan 2025

Check out the LEASH REACTIVITY DEEP-DIVE, my group mentorship program in which I spend 8 weeks with a small group of people struggling with leash reactivity. Submit videos, ask questions, and meet awesome people and dogs.

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