Dog Trainer vs Behaviorist: Who to Call for Aggression or Fear

For aggression, fear or anxiety in a dog, start with your veterinarian to rule out pain or illness. Mild problems can then go to a certified behavior consultant. For serious aggression, ask for a board certified veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) or a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB). Only the DACVB can prescribe medication. A dog trainer is the right first call for leash skills and house training.

The four kinds of help, in plain terms

Pet owners often use "trainer" and "behaviorist" as if they mean the same thing. They don't. VCA Animal Hospitals, in an article written with a board certified veterinary behaviorist, separates them by training and by the problems each one handles.

Dog trainer

Trainers teach skills and manners. VCA says dogs that need basic training, such as leash walking or house training, should start with a trainer. The American Kennel Club says trainers "typically focus on teaching skills and modifying everyday behaviors," like jumping or begging.

Training is not regulated. VCA says "there are no licenses or certifications required." Some trainers hold certifications such as the CPDT-KA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The AKC notes that certification isn't mandatory.

Behavior consultant

Behavior consultants work on changing problem behavior, including behavior driven by fear or stress. VCA lists the kinds of cases they take, such as mild fears and trouble being home alone. It also lists low level aggression, like lunging or biting.

The title on its own means little. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) says "behavior consultant" is not a protected term, so "the title can be used by anyone." Look for a behavior credential you can check. Two you can look up are CCPDT's CBCC-KA, which requires 300 hours of behavior consulting, and the Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB)

A CAAB is certified by the Animal Behavior Society. The usual path is a doctorate in a biological or behavioral science with an emphasis on animal behavior, plus five years of professional experience. VCA says CAABs "are qualified to evaluate simple and complex behavioral concerns."

A CAAB who isn't also a veterinarian can't treat medical problems. VCA says they "are not qualified to identify or treat physical problems," so the CAAB and your veterinary team should stay in touch.

Veterinary behaviorist (DACVB)

A DACVB is a veterinarian who is board certified in behavior by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB). To earn it, a veterinarian completes a behavior residency and passes a two day exam. ACVB also requires a published research paper. ACVB says its diplomates are "trained to assess the relationship between a patient's health and behavior."

Because they're veterinarians, DACVBs can prescribe medication. ACVB says they "are licensed to prescribe" psychotropic medications when they're needed. AVSAB adds that veterinarians are the only behavior professionals "legally eligible to diagnose behavior problems."

Why your veterinarian comes first

Behavior problems can have medical causes. The AKC names pain and arthritis among the health problems that can change behavior. It says sudden changes, such as growling when touched, can be a sign of a health problem. Its advice is to "schedule a veterinary evaluation to rule out any health concerns" before starting behavior treatment.

The professional groups say the same thing. AVSAB's position statement on humane dog training says dogs with serious behavior problems "should always be evaluated by a veterinarian" so that medical conditions can be ruled out. AVSAB's guide to selecting a behavior consultant calls a physical exam with your veterinarian "the first step."

Good trainers follow this too. CCPDT's LIMA policy lists health first among its steps for changing behavior and says health concerns must be "addressed by a licensed veterinarian." The Pet Professional Guild says a trainer facing growling or snapping may recommend a veterinary check.

The Merck Veterinary Manual says your veterinarian will take a behavioral history before making any diagnosis. Video of the behavior can help, so record it if you can do so safely. The AKC says your vet may then recommend a qualified behaviorist or behavior consultant.

Who to call for aggression

Aggression covers a wide range, so the right professional depends on how serious it is. VCA lists low level aggression, like hiding or lunging, among the cases a behavior consultant can take. A guide from Humane World for Animals notes that some trainers don't take aggression cases at all, and that good trainers "know what they can and can't handle."

For serious aggression, aim higher. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) says that for problems such as biting, you will want a referral to a board certified veterinary behaviorist. VCA also says to start with a DACVB or CAAB when there's a safety concern or the behavior is intense.

Ask any professional how they handle aggression before you book. The Pet Professional Guild says a skilled trainer will first figure out whether the dog is overexcited or has a genuine fear or aggression issue. AAHA warns against aversive techniques such as shock or prong collars, and AVSAB recommends only reward based methods for all dog training, including behavior problems.

Who to call for fear and anxiety

Mild fear can often go to a credentialed behavior consultant. VCA puts mild fears and trouble being home alone in that group. The AKC says issues involving fear and anxiety "often require specialized expertise," so a basic manners trainer may not be the right fit.

Some anxious dogs need medication along with a behavior plan. Only a veterinarian can prescribe it. The Toronto Humane Society says a trainer who isn't a veterinarian "does not have the medical background to recommend specific medications." If your dog's fear is severe, or your vet thinks medication may help, a DACVB is the specialist for that.

AVSAB's guide for pet owners covers these problems together. When a dog shows fear or aggression, it says to contact a DACVB or a credentialed behavior consultant. A veterinarian with advanced behavior knowledge is the other option it lists.

How these professionals work together

You don't always have to pick just one. VCA says that because "physical and behavioral illnesses are often linked," the owner, the behaviorist and the veterinary team should talk to each other. Its example is house soiling caused by a bladder infection. A DACVB can treat the infection and the behavior at the same time.

Trainers fit into this team too. The Toronto Humane Society says to look for a trainer who will "feel comfortable collaborating with your veterinarian," especially for problem behaviors. VCA also describes veterinary technicians with a VTS (Behavior) credential, who have at least 4,000 hours of experience and have passed a board exam. They help with prevention and treatment as part of the care team.

In practice, your vet rules out medical causes first and may refer you to a behavior professional. If a trainer is part of the plan, they should keep your vet in the loop.

Quick guide: who to call first

| Situation | Who to contact first |
|:-|:-|
| Puppy manners, leash pulling, house training | A dog trainer |
| Sudden change in behavior, or signs of pain or illness | Your veterinarian, then a DACVB or CAAB if needed |
| Mild fear, trouble being home alone, excessive barking | Your vet for a checkup, then a certified behavior consultant |
| Low level aggression such as lunging | Your vet, then a certified behavior consultant |
| Biting or aggression with a safety risk | Your vet and a referral to a DACVB |
| Problems your vet thinks may need medication | A DACVB or your own veterinarian |

What a behavior appointment looks like

A visit with a veterinary behavior service takes time. The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine says its behavior consultations "may last 1 to 3 hours." You fill out a detailed history form ahead of time. If your dog hasn't had a physical exam for the problem in the last three months, the school asks you to book one with your regular vet. Lab work is required before any medication is prescribed.

The University of Tennessee says its treatment plans always include reward based behavior modification. They may also include changes at home, and medication in some cases. Follow up visits are strongly encouraged, because the school treats behavior problems as long term conditions.

Warning signs in any behavior professional

AVSAB's guide to selecting a behavior consultant lists several stop signs. Watch for these whoever you hire:

• They can't explain their techniques, or they say "whatever works for your pet."
• They use shock, choke or prong collars.
• They talk about you being the "pack leader."
• They guarantee a specific outcome. AVSAB says professionals "can guarantee their service but should not guarantee a specific outcome."
• They can't name who they refer cases to when a case is beyond them.

How to find each one

Dog trainers and behavior consultants. Our dog trainer listings cover the US and Canada, and every listing shows where it came from. Look for behavior credentials such as CBCC-KA or CDBC in a listing, then confirm them on the CCPDT or IAABC directory. You can also browse by state, for example dog trainers in Florida.

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists. The Animal Behavior Society keeps a CAAB directory, and it's one of the sources for our listings. Its directory page notes that some behaviorists offer phone consultations if none are nearby. Our resources page links to it.

Veterinary behaviorists. Ask your veterinarian for a referral, or use ACVB's Find a Diplomate search. ACVB notes that many diplomates "will consult over the phone with your local veterinarian," which helps if none practice near you. Our resources page links to ACVB.

Featured listings in our directory are always labeled as paid placement. Our page on how results are sorted explains the order.

If you're a trainer or behavior consultant and see your own listing, you can claim your profile for free.