What’s The Difference Between A Dog Trainer And An Animal Behaviourist?

What’s The Difference Between A Dog Trainer And An Animal Behaviourist?

Today’s dog owners are often faced with a wide range of choices when it comes to the care, feeding, and training of their pets. And, typically, those choices are based on personal preference which makes it that much easier to be a responsible dog owner. There are some choices, however, that aren’t based on preference as much as they are based on fact. Such as which dog trainer to choose. Obviously, you want the best, so you look for the best dog trainer Manchester has to offer.

While that might seem easy enough, there is another factor in today’s dog training world that dog owners need to consider. Besides choosing the right dog trainer, you might also need to choose a good dog behaviourist one day. How do you know which one you need? After all, a dog trainer and a dog behaviourist are two very distinct professions.

What’s In A Name?

There are some differences when it comes to dog trainers and dog behaviourists and it’s these differences that will help you decide which one you need for your dog. Let’s take a look at both:

Dog Trainers

Dog trainers train dogs to perform specific tasks or actions. They also teach dogs not to do certain things. Some trainers will work with problem behaviours, even delving into the behaviourist side of things. However, a good trainer knows his or her own limits and, if necessary, will refer you to someone better equipped to deal with the issue. When choosing a dog trainer, be sure to research his or her certifications, education, and experience, and ask for references as well.

Animal Behaviourists

Technically speaking, a professional dog behaviourist is called an Applied Animal Behaviourist. It is reasonable to think of an applied animal behaviourist as a kind of dog psychologist because they focus on shaping behaviours in dogs and often work with dogs that display behaviour problems. They can recognise how and why your pet’s behaviour is abnormal and can effectively teach you how to understand and work with your pet.

Contact Dog Harmony

To learn more things to do to keep your dog active and healthy during lockdown, contact Dog Harmony today and speak to an expert dog trainer Manchester who can help train your dog to be easier to manage and a lot more fun.

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