Dog behaviorists are dog lovers who have turned their love for dogs into a career.
They work with the dog's owner to fix any behavioral issues that may be present, and also work with dog obedience trainers.
While there isn't a set salary for dog behaviorists (it varies by region), but there is usually room for growth in this field.
If you're looking to become a dog behaviorist or want more information on what they do, keep reading.
What do dog behaviorists do
There are a few different things that dog behaviorists can do, but the main goal is to help fix any behavioral issues that the dog may have.
This includes everything from house training puppies to helping dogs who may be aggressive or fearful.
Dog behaviorists also work with dog obedience trainers to help create a successful training plan for the dog and their owner.
They typically meet with the dog's owner once a week or every other week, and sometimes they will even visit the home of the dog.
Why are dog behaviorists important?
Dog behaviorists are important because they can help fix any behavioral problems that the dog may have.
For example, they're more likely to be able to help pinpoint the reason for a dog's separation anxiety, than versus a dog trainer.
This is especially helpful for puppies who may not know how to behave properly in a home setting,
how dog behaviorists help you and your pet
Dog behaviorists are important because they help you better understand your dog.
They can help you identify any potential behavioral problems and work with you to create a training plan that will help fix these issues.
This is beneficial for both the dog and the owner, as it can help keep the dog out of shelters and improve their quality of life.
If you're looking for a career change or just want to learn more about dogs, then dog behaviorists are definitely worth checking out!
Difference between dog trainer and behaviorist
While dog trainers and dog behaviorists both work with dogs, there is a big difference between the two.
Dog trainers typically focus on teaching dog owners how to train their dog themselves (or trains the dog on behalf of the owners), while dog behaviorists work with the dog itself to fix any behavioral issues.
This means that dog trainers are typically cheaper than dog behaviorists, but they may not be able to help fix as many behavioral problems.
If you're not sure if you need a trainer or a behaviorist, then talking to your local dog behaviorist is always a good idea!
How to determine if your dog needs a behaviorist
There are a few different ways to determine if your dog needs the help of a professional dog behaviorist.
One way is to take them to obedience school, as most good schools will have a behaviorist on staff.
If you're not happy with the results that you're getting from obedience school or your dog is exhibiting more serious behavioral problems, then it's time to seek out the help of a qualified dog behaviorist.
Your veterinarian may also be able to refer you to a local dog behaviorist who can help assess and treat your dog's behavioral issues.
Benefits of working with a professional dog behaviorist
There are many benefits of working with a professional dog behaviorist.
Some of these benefits include:
- improved communication between dog and owner
- better understanding of dog body language and why dogs do the things they do
- help fixing any behavioral issues that may be present in the dog
- reduced stress for both dog and owner
- can improve the overall relationship between dog and owner
If you're considering working with a dog behaviorist, then be sure to do your research first to find one who is qualified and experienced.
The benefits of working with a professional dog behaviorist are undeniable, so it's definitely worth considering if your pup is exhibiting any problematic behaviors.
What to expect from a dog behaviorist session
When you first meet with a dog behaviorist, they will likely ask you about the history of your dog and what types of problems you are experiencing.
They will also want to take a look at the dog's environment and observe how the dog behaves in different situations.
After gathering this information, the dog behaviorist will create a plan tailored specifically for your dog that should help fix any behavioral issues.
The goal is not only to help the dog, but also to educate the owner on how they can continue working with their pup even after leaving professional care.
Can a dog behaviorist train a dog in one session?
While dog behaviorists can help train dogs in one session, it is not always possible.
Most dog behaviorists will require a minimum of six sessions to see any real results.
However, this varies depending on the severity of the dog's behavioral issues and how well the owner is able to follow through with the training plan.
It's important to keep in mind that dog behaviorists are not miracle workers and fixing serious behavioral problems takes time and patience!
How long will it take for my dog to improve with a behaviorist's help
The dog behaviorist should provide you with a specific timeline of how long it will take your dog to improve.
After working together for several weeks or months, they can help you begin training the dog on your own so that they don't have to keep visiting every week.
As always, never use treats as an incentive during training sessions - instead treat and reward good behaviors only!
Can I continue working with the behaviorist after my initial consultation or session
A dog behaviorist can help you assess your dog's behavioral issues and come up with a customized plan to fix them.
They should also educate the dog owner on how they can continue working with their pup even after leaving professional care, which is why it makes sense for owners to work with dog behaviorists in the long run.
As always, never use treats as an incentive during training sessions - instead treat and reward good behaviors only!
Conclusion
If you're not sure who to call when your dog is having problems, or just want a fresh perspective on their behavior and habits, consider hiring an animal behaviorist.
This professional will be able to provide you with personalized advice for how best to handle the situation at hand as well as give suggestions about what training techniques might work best.
Animal behaviorists can also help identify any underlying causes of behavioral issues that may have been missed by previous trainers;
This could save both time and money in the long-run.