Field Guide · Glossary
Behavior consultant
Methods and protocolsA professional who assesses and treats problem behavior in pets, such as fear, anxiety and aggression, by building a behavior change plan with the owner.
How it works
In the United States the title is unregulated, so anyone may use it, and credentials come from private organizations that set their own standards. Two widely recognized ones are the CBCC-KA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which requires documented hours of behavior consulting work and a knowledge exam, and the CDBC from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, which requires consulting experience, coursework, written case studies and an exam. Both require continuing education to keep the credential. A consultant's work centers on why a behavior happens and on the household around it. A consultant is not a veterinarian, so they cannot diagnose a medical condition or prescribe medication. A veterinary behaviorist is a veterinarian who has completed a residency in behavior and passed a board exam, and can do both.
What it looks like
A dog who has started growling at visitors is first checked by their veterinarian, who finds no pain or illness. The family then works with a behavior consultant, who visits the home, watches a visitor arrive, and writes a plan covering where the dog waits when the doorbell rings, how visitors behave, and a gradual exercise to change how the dog feels about guests.
Commonly confused with
- Certified dog trainer
- A certified dog trainer holds a credential in teaching skills such as loose-leash walking, recall and manners. A behavior consultant's credential covers assessing and treating fear, anxiety and aggression. Both titles are unregulated, and one person often holds both.
Related terms
Sources