Trainer or animal behaviorist?
When you decide to address your dog’s problems, you can choose an animal behaviorist or a trainer who specializes in behavior consultations.
The former might be better for more complex, severe problems associated with former abuse or neglect, or aggression, but the latter can help with such problems as barking, resource guarding and separation anxiety. Trainers who have studied behaviorist techniques might have experience with tough cases of aggression, as well.
Many behaviorists and trainers have backgrounds in human as well as animal psychology. To become a certified applied animal behaviorist, a master’s or Ph.D in behavioral science or a veterinary degree with a behavioral residency is a requirement. They are also required to publish in professional journals and pass qualifying exams.
A certified professional dog trainer (either knowledge assessed, or knowledge and skills assessed) has at least a high school diploma, has passed exams and has professional experience.