Who’s Who in the world of animal behaviour

There are many different professionals who work in the world of animal behaviour. Each professional has unique skills and expertise, from dog trainers to Veterinary Behaviour Specialists. Let’s explore the world of animal behaviour and learn who is who in this field so you can find the best care for your pet!

Qualified Dog Trainer

Qualified Dog Trainers have undertaken hands-on training with a Registered Training Organisation here in Australia, such as Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training or Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training. 

Those who have finished an undergraduate degree in Animal Behaviour with hands-on animal training, like the Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) from the University of Adelaide and The Academy by Deloitte, are also included. 

We recommend that you look for a trainer with at least a Certificate IV level qualification or a Certificate III qualification supported by evidence of quality ongoing education in positive reinforcement training. These courses or certifications involve months or years of in-depth education and practical mentoring through well-respected international organisations, like

• Karen Pryor Academy

• Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers

• International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants
   

Read PetRescue's list of recommended force-free qualifications here.

Tip: Trainers who have both a qualification and embrace continuing education are usually more knowledgeable and skilled than trainers with just the basic qualification. It’s essential to choose carefully if you need help with more than building life skills in your canine family member, such as behaviour modification for fearful or aggressive behaviour. 

Animal Behaviourists

The label ‘behaviourist’ is not defined and protected in Australia outside of the veterinary profession, so anyone who works with and trains dogs can call themselves a behaviourist.

In Academia, and some countries like the USA and UK, the term ‘Behaviourist’ refers to a person who specialises in the study of behaviour at the postgraduate level. This means that they hold a Master's or PhD in the study of animal behaviour. 

Often, behaviourists who have moved into working with dogs professionally will have working relationships with Behaviour Veterinarians and Veterinary Behaviourists and sometimes work by referral on more complex cases involving aggression, anxiety, or other behavioural pathologies. Just like everyone else, they benefit from ongoing education and practical training, so take the same approach to find out more about them as you would for a trainer - what type of ongoing education and practical experience do they have, and does this align with how you want to live with your beloved pet?

Behaviour Veterinarian 

Behaviour Veterinarians have passed their Membership examinations for the Behaviour Chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS). Put simply, this means that they have done extra study in behaviour and passed a strict exam to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills required to treat behavioural problems medically. 

For pets struggling with their cognitive and emotional health or displaying chronically anxious or fearful behaviour, seeking the help of a Behaviour Veterinarian is often the ‘missing piece’ of the puzzle for owners who have unsuccessfully tried training and practical behaviour modification. Behaviour Vets will work with your general practitioner Vet and your trainer or behaviourist to fully understand your pet's problems and then develop a treatment plan. 

Like comprehensive health plans for people, behavioural health plans often require multiple professionals to help you treat your pet's physical, cognitive and emotional health. You might have a trainer to help you with your pet's day-to-day management and training, a Vet to assess and treat your pet’s physical health, a Behaviour Vet to treat your pet’s behavioural health, and a Physiotherapist or other allied health professional to provide physical rehabilitation.  

Veterinary Behaviour Specialist (or Veterinary Behaviourist) 

As the name suggests, Veterinary Behavior Specialists hold both a veterinary qualification and a postgraduate qualification in animal behaviour, and they hold Specialist Registration within Australia through the ANZCVS. 

‘VBs,’ as people in the field often call them, are the equivalent of human psychiatrists and are uniquely qualified to treat pets who are experiencing complex medical, cognitive and emotional challenges. 

Like Behaviour Vets, Veterinary Behaviour Specialists work with a team of professionals to treat your pets holistically through a comprehensive treatment plan. When your Vet and Behaviour professional are unable to provide answers, they can often help. These answers usually include pain or other internal health problems, which require thorough examination and ongoing assessment to diagnose.

Unqualified dog trainer

This is by far the largest and most diverse group of people who fall under the ‘behaviour professionals umbrella’. Unqualified trainers might have some form of education in animal training that they list on their websites and tell pet guardians about. However, their qualification is not recognised as part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), a national system that regulates higher education qualifications in Australia.

Courses, certificates and other education opportunities for pet animal trainers that fall outside of the AQF vary widely in quality. Some are a half-day or weekend course run by an unqualified person who has been in the business for long enough that they can sell their experience as an education for others.

It’s important that you understand what education and training any trainer you hire has undertaken and are happy with the approach they will take when helping you with your pet’s behaviour. 

Tip: Don’t be fooled by a long list of conferences, workshops, and courses listed on a trainer’s website. A long list does not equal a quality education, and recognition is often given for simply attending a conference or seminar. 

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