Do I need to see a behaviourist or a trainer: what’s the difference?

Despite the fact that they seem to do comparable tasks, behaviourists and trainers have distinct areas of expertise. Dog trainers specialise in teaching you how to train your dog what you want them to do by using rewards that they like. This could involve teaching your dog to sit quietly when you need them to, to avoid jumping on people, to walk politely on a lead, or to stop begging for food.

Dog behaviourists specialise in problems that are much more emotional for dogs, for example when they become anxious, frightened, or frustrated.

Dogs that feel this way may act in ways that endanger both themselves and other people, like chasing cars, being frightened when left alone, worrying about noises and damaging the house, or acting aggressively towards people or other animals.
We are members of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) and keep up-to-date with all the latest science and research in dog behaviour.

These kinds of habits cannot be fixed by training alone since the dog must learn to feel differently about things in addition to learning to behave differently. By first determining and eliminating the underlying emotional distress causing the issue, behaviourists will teach you how to help your dog feel better and find a solution. We will then create a customised plan for you to follow that teaches your dog a more positive, alternative behaviour.

To ensure we offer the most suitable option for your dog we offer an initial FREE 10 minute phone. Please note no behavioural advice is given at this point.

If you decide to go ahead the next stage will be for a vet referral form to be completed which allows us to liaise with your vet in case, there are medical reasons for your dogs behaviour.

Following this an initial consultation will be carried out which typically lasts approximately 2 hours, a behaviour modification plan will sent to you after the appointment.

If you would like to book the telephone appointment to discuss things further please do let us know.

Canine Training Yorkshire