Hi all, does anyone have any advice on qualifications to look for when researching a good behaviourist and/or trainer in the UK? I’ve been having a Google and it’s like alphabet soup out there! I’m aware of the IMDT and possibly APDT as the better ones to go with but are there any others I’m missing or ones to avoid? Thanks.
Behaviourists/trainers
- Thread starter Parodius
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- Andorra and Spain
I don't think you can really go wrong with either of those organisations. They're the most common. I did my qualifications with the ISCP, but both the ones you mentioned I would consider to be more thorough. As with anything, though, it's more to do with experience than the qualification. Someone who has just passed their qualification will likely have nowhere near the practical application as someone who has been actively practicing for years. So I'd stick with one of those two but look for someone who's been in the game a while to get the best bang for your buck.
Thanks
Beanwood
Administrator
Agree with @snowbunny. An IMDT/APDT trainer with some time under their belt. Some of the more academic qualifications might be a little lacking in capability.. that takes practice!
I know some pretty amazing trainers who are IMDT/APDT, and what sets them apart is their experience and ability to work with people, not just their dogs. A good trainer is also a good human coach with the ability to ask the right questions and be able to observe and support the dog owners with the right tools to move forward without judgement.
I know some pretty amazing trainers who are IMDT/APDT, and what sets them apart is their experience and ability to work with people, not just their dogs. A good trainer is also a good human coach with the ability to ask the right questions and be able to observe and support the dog owners with the right tools to move forward without judgement.
Following on from the above, just wanted to ask if anyone has any experience with getting a referral for a behaviourist from their vet?
I found and contacted an APDT/ABTC trainer for help with Neo’s nervous stick eating, alert barking and struggling to settle. She asked me to send over a couple of videos first of his behaviour when he spends time alone and after reviewing them she believes he has separation anxiety and this is likely affecting his behaviour in general. She doesn’t specialise in SA and recommended I get a vet referral for a behaviourist but warned they have quite a long waiting list. Was just wondering if anyone else has used a vet referral and what the experience was like. Thanks.
I found and contacted an APDT/ABTC trainer for help with Neo’s nervous stick eating, alert barking and struggling to settle. She asked me to send over a couple of videos first of his behaviour when he spends time alone and after reviewing them she believes he has separation anxiety and this is likely affecting his behaviour in general. She doesn’t specialise in SA and recommended I get a vet referral for a behaviourist but warned they have quite a long waiting list. Was just wondering if anyone else has used a vet referral and what the experience was like. Thanks.
Beanwood
Administrator
@Parodius it is very sensible of your trainer to refer you to a canine behaviourist, however you don't need a vet referral.
In essence a trainer "trains" the handler, giving guidance on skills such as recall, relaxed lead walking etc..
A behaviourist works with the handler on issues where the dog's emotional state is leading to some issues.
Saying that there are some amazing trainers who have a very good handle on the behaviour side of things, and behaviourist who struggle with the "training" side of things. Most are happy to chat on the phone, so you can get a "feel" for who would suit you and your dog.
Vets are important, as a high percentage of behaviour cases have some underlying discomfort or pain.
I work with the clients vet right at the outset, letting them know that one of their patients is a client of mine. I share the initial detailed questionnaire and work with them to rule out any medical reasons for the behaviour the dog is presenting with. Sometimes medication is required, and although a behaviourist role is not to advise on medication, they do need to have a good working knowledge of what is available to help support clients, through monitoring progress etc..
So that is the difference between a trainer and behaviourist.
It does get a bit complicated.
You have different tiers of qualifications. Generally speaking you need to see evidence of additional academic accreditations along with some experience to qualify as a behaviourist.
So look for:
IMDTB
CCAB
ABTC
There are probably a couple more associations, but those are the ones of the top of my head.
Also make sure they are keeping up with CPD - "continuing professional development"
Hope that helps!
In essence a trainer "trains" the handler, giving guidance on skills such as recall, relaxed lead walking etc..
A behaviourist works with the handler on issues where the dog's emotional state is leading to some issues.
Saying that there are some amazing trainers who have a very good handle on the behaviour side of things, and behaviourist who struggle with the "training" side of things. Most are happy to chat on the phone, so you can get a "feel" for who would suit you and your dog.
Vets are important, as a high percentage of behaviour cases have some underlying discomfort or pain.
I work with the clients vet right at the outset, letting them know that one of their patients is a client of mine. I share the initial detailed questionnaire and work with them to rule out any medical reasons for the behaviour the dog is presenting with. Sometimes medication is required, and although a behaviourist role is not to advise on medication, they do need to have a good working knowledge of what is available to help support clients, through monitoring progress etc..
So that is the difference between a trainer and behaviourist.
It does get a bit complicated.
You have different tiers of qualifications. Generally speaking you need to see evidence of additional academic accreditations along with some experience to qualify as a behaviourist.
So look for:
IMDTB
CCAB
ABTC
There are probably a couple more associations, but those are the ones of the top of my head.
Also make sure they are keeping up with CPD - "continuing professional development"
Hope that helps!
Thanks so much for taking the time to explain this, much appreciated. I’m absolutely gutted that he is struggling and want to make sure to get the right plan in place for him asap.
I’m in Somerset, Bath/Bristol area.
Beanwood
Administrator
I didn't realise you were in my neck of the woods!
I am based between Bath and Bristol...