Are All Dog Trainers Created Equal?
With my move to South Dakota, I had to find a host of new providers for a variety of services. I had to choose a new veterinary clinic, get my eye glass prescription updated, arrange for new doctors, and find a hair stylist just to name a few. I researched my options carefully so I could make the best choices for me and my animals.
I started my search on the web. I asked friends and neighbors for referrals, and checked social media for posts that resonated with me. The choices were many, but since all were licensed in the State of South Dakota, I felt certain that all could be trusted. It also was reassuring that I had recourse should I have any “bad” experiences with my choices.
Fortunately, I love every provider I chose. But did you know there is a big difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist? There’s also a difference in health care providers, with Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNP) and Physician’s Assistants (PA) now able to see patients for some medical exams rather than doctors. The common thread with all of these is that they are licensed by the State, have formal training, and are required to have continuing education to keep their license current.
What does this have to do with dog trainers? Plenty! In my area I see trainers advertising themselves as “AKC Certified", as an “Animal Behaviorist”, “Dog Psychologist”, or “Certified Trainer” without disclosing any details to the public. The cold, hard truth is that dog training is unregulated and trainers are not licensed. Dog trainers are not required to have insurance or have any formal knowledge of animal behavior. Scary, right? There are “schools” for dog trainers, some reputable and others, well…not so much. How do you know who to trust for your dog’s training? Here are some facts to help you ask the right questions.
Alphabet Soup
Dog trainers with letters after their name have generally completed some formal training program. With these certifications may come the need to have continuing education credits, abide by a code of ethics, and have liability insurance. Here are some of the letters you need to know:
CPDT-KA - Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed
CPDT-KSA - Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge and Skills Assessed
CBCC-KA - Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed
All of the above are credentialed professionals certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. To earn these designations, individuals must have more than 300 hours of training experience, successfully complete an examination, abide by a code of ethics, and maintain 36 hours of continuing education credits every three years. CPDT-KSA AND CBCC-KA individuals must also submit videos for review, successfully demonstrating knowledge of animal behavior, including fears/phobias, compulsion behavior, and aggression.
IAABC-ADT - Accredited Dog Trainer
CDBC - Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Individuals with the CDBC designation are certified by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. To earn this designation, individuals must have a minimum of 4 years or 500 hours of animal behavior consulting experience, 400 hours of coursework in IAABC Core Competencies, submit cases studies for review, and complete an examination. Accredited dog trainers must have a minimum of two years dog training experience, complete a minimum of 100 hours of coursework in IAABC Core Competencies, and successfully complete an examination. Both ADT and CDBC professionals must abide by a code of ethics and complete 36 hours of continuing education credits every 3 years.
CAAB - Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Individuals with an advanced degree in animal behavior from an accredited college and a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in their field . Many are members of the Animal Behavior Society.
DACVB - Diplomate of Animal College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Veterinarians who complete a residency in animal behavioral health can earn the above designation. Veterinary behaviorists are involved in research, science-based behavior education, and the practice of clinical behavioral medicine, including behavioral pharmacology.
ABCDT - Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer
Individuals who complete a 10 part curriculum, including working with a mentor trainer, followed by successful completion of a final exam, earn the ABCDT title.
KPA CPT - Karen Pryor Academy Certified Professional Trainer
Individuals who successfully complete both the home study and 8 day in person workshop sessions earn the title of KPA CPT.
CTC - Certificate in Training and Consulting
The Jean Donaldson Academy for Dog Trainers offers a four level program, which includes self study, coaching by the Academy staff, and exams. After completion of all four levels, individuals who successfully complete a final exam earn the degree of CTC.
PMCT-1 - Pat Miller Certified Trainer
The Peaceable Paws Canine Behavior and Training Academy offers many levels of certification in both training and behavior modification. Students earning the PMCT designation have completed three intense, six day in-person learning academies.
VSA-CDT - Victoria Stilwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer
The Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior offers on line learning, paired with a faculty mentor.
IACP CDT - International Association of Canine Professionals
The International Association of Canine Professionals also offers a certification program to individuals with at least 3 years of dog training experience. Applicants must pass an exam and present letters of reference, a training plan, and have positive client feedback.
CSAT- Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer
Malena DeMartini, a leading expert in the treatment of separation anxiety, now mentors other trainers who have an interest in working with separation anxiety cases. Her Separation Anxiety Certification Program is offered twice each year.
Fear Free Certified Animal Trainer
Dr. Marty Becker started the Fear Free movement for veterinary clinics and other animal professionals. His on line course for dog trainers is designed to help dog trainers learn the latest techniques for reducing fear in both the veterinary setting and home.
No Credentials?
If the trainer you are considering has no credentials, or no “certification”, it is important to ask them why? With so many opportunities for learning it is sad that individuals are able to train dogs without any formal knowledge or training. Ask the trainer what experience they have, what continuing education they have attended recently. Experience with dogs can vary and may not be enough to understand all of the components of modern dog training, including learning theory, animal husbandry, ethology, humane application of training tools, and applied animal behavior.
Dog Trainer Red Flags
Choosing a dog trainer is as important as choosing a doctor. Here are some red flags that should send you looking for someone else:
Boot Camp/Board and Train
Boot Camp is a term commonly used to “sell” dropping off a dog with the trainer for a period of time, with the promise of better behavior. Most trainers offering board and train use aversive tools and techniques to achieve the desired results. Dogs are often only trained for a short period of time each day, spending the remaining time in kennels or crates. While having someone else do the hard work might sound appealing, dogs that attend board and train often have negative behavior changes after returning home, and the behaviors learned still need to be reinforced at home.
Here are two articles that are important to read before you consider this option:
Pack Theory is Practiced
Pack theory was a popular way to refer to dogs and dog training in the 1970’s and 1980’s. This belief compared the behavior of dogs to wolves, a now “debunked” theory. Dogs are social animals, just like humans; they are not “pack” animals. Training dogs based on wolf behavior is like suggesting humans should behave like chimpanzees!
Dominance is a Key Word in Advertising
Dominance theory gained popularity in the 1970’s and 1980’s as well. It is often linked to pack theory. Everything from pulling on leash to door dashing was due to the dog trying to be dominant. Dominance is NOT a PERSONALITY TRAIT! Dogs are not trying to rule our human world, they are simply trying to co-exist with us as dogs, not humans.
Promises “Quick Results”
Behavior changes take time! Learning new skills takes time. Those skills must then be practiced in a variety of settings and situations in order to become solid. Trainers who advertise that they can achieve results in only one or two lessons are most likely using aversive tools and techniques to suppress unwanted behavior.
Guarantees
Behavior is fluid, meaning it changes due to environment and other factors. There are no guarantees that a dog will remain “obedient,” that a behavior problem is “fixed,” or that an aggressive dog is “rehabilitated.” Most, if not all, training organizations prohibit the use of guarantees.
Avoids Using Food Rewards
Reinforcement drives behavior. Food rewards are just one of the many rewards that can be used to reinforce desired behavior.
Why Trainers Use Food When Training
Uses Food Rewards & Punishment Tools
With the push for modern, humane training methods, trainers who previously only used punishment are now using food during training sessions. These trainers are referred to as “balanced” trainers, but studies have shown that the application of aversive tools and techniques, combined with food rewards for good behavior, can result in a confused learner.
In Dog Training, Balance is OFF
Uses Punishment Tools on Puppies
There is absolutely NO excuse for using harsh techniques or tools that inflict pain on puppies under 4 months of age. I would argue that these tools aren’t necessary for ANY dog, but the psychological damage that can result from their use on puppies is not worth it.
Advertises “Training Tool/Collar Included”
If a trainer advertises that they provide a collar or other tool for “training” at home, you can be sure behavior suppression is part of the training. A solid, trust based relationship does not require specific tools. Most often you are buying something that will apply shock or pain.
Shock, prong, and choke collars all work through the application of something unpleasant, such as pain.
The Take Away Message
Dog trainers are unregulated and unlicensed. Your “Uncle Harry” may give you dog training advice but that does not make him a dog trainer.
It is up to you to do your homework when researching who to work with. Certifications are not a guarantee of humane training or knowledge, but they can give you some assurance that there has been practical application and learning. You can research trainers through the different organizations to verify that they have completed the training and are certified. as they claim.
No, not all dog trainers are created equal. Not all dog training advice is humane or backed by modern science.
You must be your dog’s advocate. If this blog isn’t enough to make you think, perhaps this article will help you choose correctly.
