Do I need a dog trainer or a dog behaviourist?

Owners requiring assistance with their canine companions are often unsure if they need a dog trainer or a dog behaviourist to solve a problem. Here, we explore situations where each service is the best fit.

When should you select a dog trainer?

Training is designed to positively impact the behaviour of dogs. A professional trainer can help dogs acquire basic skills, so they follow their owners wishes by learning useful commands. These include Sit, Stay, Come (also known as recall), Down, Heel, Drop or Leave It, promoting the safety of the dog and those around them.

Young dogs commonly need help with their manners, and training can help fix issues like jumping up and biting, and encourage more polite lead walking. Younger dogs also need to learn how to act around other pets and people they encounter. As such, an important part of training involves teaching socialisation skills.

When do you need a dog behaviourist?

While a dog trainer can help with simpler obedience issues, an experienced dog behaviourist is required when a dog shows signs of serious psychological or emotional problems. Examples include aggression, deep fear, severe separation anxiety or compulsive habits.

Aggressive behaviour includes lunging, snapping, growling and biting other dogs or people, while examples of fear include extreme panic when specific objects or strangers are present or loud noises occur.

Dogs experiencing separation anxiety may howl, panic or cause destruction when left alone. Dogs with emotional or psychological issues may compulsively chase their tail, bite at shadows or lick their skin until it is raw.

Dog behaviourists can help change a dog’s state of mind and address underlying emotions rather than simply teaching basic obedience. As specialists, they can assess the root causes behind deep emotional issues like aggression, severe anxiety and fear.

An expert dog trainer and qualified dog aggression behaviourist in the Cotswolds and other local areas, Azz Rainey provides tailored advice and support that solves a full spectrum of behavioural issues. Reach out to him today for assistance.