What is a dog behaviourist?

 

A dog behaviourist studies dog behaviour, and works towards modifying and managing the behaviour of particular dogs, with emphasis on problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, fears, timidity, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive dog behaviours.

 

Most dog behaviourists are experienced dog trainers who have developed their skills over many years and studied dog behaviour either formally or through personal research. Dog behaviourists apply their experience and knowledge to the interaction between humans and dogs.

Typically dog behaviourists work one-on-one with the dog and its owner. This is often carried out in the home or the area where the dog is showing behaviour problems. Many dogs are cautious or nervous in neutral territory making it difficult to establish the root cause of some common dog behaviour problems. The dog may act very differently when in strange territory.

The methods and tools of the dog behaviourist will depend on several factors including the dog’s temperament, the dog behaviourists personal philosophy on dog training, the dog behaviourist experience, and the dog behaviour problems being addressed.